ISWI Chapter 81-90 (Patreon)

Chapter 81: The Senior Sister's Schemes Are Deeper Than Expected!

Ye Chen paid no mind to the peculiar glances cast his way. The title of "simp" was certainly negative, but to him, it served as the perfect disguise.

In the cultivation world, power spoke louder than anything. One day, when he ascended to the rank of Immortal Emperor, who would dare bring up such trivialities as his being a simp?

With a smile on his face, Ye Chen walked through the crowd and made his way to Senior Sister Yao Xi's side. At that moment, Yao Xi was kneeling, her eyes closed in meditation. The rounded curves of her figure, squeezed by the weight of her posture, spilled out to either side, presenting a mesmerizing sight. One could only imagine the waves that would ripple if touched.

Ye Chen admired the view quietly, taking his time. When Yao Xi, sensing a gaze upon her, opened her eyes, she immediately caught the burning intensity in Ye Chen's stare. Yet, instead of showing displeasure, she secretly felt pleased.

Feigning ignorance, she smiled lightly and said, "Junior Brother Ye, you've come to listen to the lecture too? I was so absorbed in the teachings of the Elder that I didn't notice you earlier. My apologies."

Hearing this, Ye Chen shook his head with a smile. "Senior Sister is too kind."

Yao Xi slowly stood up, her graceful form returning to its original shape, demonstrating a surprising resilience.

"Does Junior Brother have any questions? If so, I can offer my assistance in clearing your doubts."

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.

Was this Senior Sister too approachable? Her attitude toward him was far warmer than he had expected. Could it be because of his direct disciple status?

However, Ye Chen didn't dwell on it, as it worked perfectly in his favor. He seized the opportunity with ease.

"There are some things I'm unsure of, and I'm still unfamiliar with the sect. If Senior Sister has the time, would you be willing to show me around and help me get acquainted with the sect?"

Cultivators were, for the most part, incredibly busy. Disciples of the Green Cloud Sect were even busier than the wandering cultivators from the outside world. They had to cultivate, study, practice spells, and complete sect tasks. Time was precious, and rarely was it ever wasted. This was especially true for someone like Yao Xi, a leader among the disciples.

Yet, to everyone's surprise, Yao Xi agreed without hesitation. Together, the two of them walked towards the outer grounds. As they walked, Yao Xi introduced the various aspects of the sect. Whenever Ye Chen asked questions, she explained alchemy techniques with clarity, breaking them down in a way that was both accessible and deep.

Ye Chen occasionally offered words of praise. The two of them were thoroughly engaged in pleasant conversation. This scene did not go unnoticed by the other disciples. Jealousy and bitterness brewed in their hearts.

Yao Xi, the outer sect's eldest senior sister, was known for her unmatched beauty and figure. She had countless admirers, many of whom dared not pursue her. Yet, here was Ye Chen, a direct disciple who had only gained his position through connections, chatting so happily with the senior sister. This naturally sparked resentment among many of the male disciples.

What a simp! He didn't even focus on cultivation and only thought about fawning over female cultivators. And for him, a mere "connection-based" direct disciple, to be so close to the eldest senior sister….

Just wait until he loses his direct disciple status. Let's see how arrogant he'll be then. Let's see if the senior sister will still spare him a glance!

"This is the Green Cloud Market within our sect," Yao Xi said with a smile as she stood before the market. "If you need to purchase various spirit herbs, magic tools, talismans, or anything else, you can find it here. Essentially, everything a disciple could need can be found in this market."

Ye Chen nodded thoughtfully, contemplating whether he should take the opportunity to browse through the market. Perhaps he could find something that suited him… so that he could give it to Yao Xi.

At that moment, a female attendant emerged from the Green Cloud Market, and upon spotting Yao Xi, her eyes lit up.

"Senior Sister, you're here! The item you mentioned last time, the one you wanted for remotely capturing and attacking enemies, we've just received it. It's available now. This technique is called Dragon Grasp.

"It allows you to form a spirit Qi hand the size of a human palm within a fifty-meter radius. It can quickly grasp objects or strike enemies, all with minimal noise, making it difficult for others to detect or defend against. The manager specifically set it aside for you, intending to ask if you still want it, or if he should display it for others. Would you like it, Senior Sister?"

The attendant, a disciple of the outer sect herself, worked part-time at the market. By doing so, she could earn contributions and spirit stones. Hence, she referred to Yao Xi respectfully as Senior Sister.

Upon hearing this, Yao Xi's eyes brightened, a hint of eagerness crossing her face. She turned to Ye Chen and explained, "During the Qi Refining stage, using spiritual power to manipulate objects in the air, at best, you can only reach around five meters, and the accuracy is lacking, as is the speed of response.

"I've always wanted a technique like this to retrieve items remotely. It would be immensely helpful for alchemy, and when gathering spirit herbs outside, it could prove invaluable. Not to mention, it could also be used for combat, making it an incredibly versatile tool. Please, wait here for me. I'll be out once I've made the purchase."

Ye Chen, upon hearing this, was equally intrigued.

Yao Xi wanted a technique? Wasn't this a perfect opportunity? While Ye Chen wasn't lacking in techniques himself, who would ever say no to more? He'd long been curious about the thirty-times feedback from Yao Xi and what kind of surprise it might bring him.

With a smile, Ye Chen replied, "No worries. I've never been to Green Cloud Market before, so it's a good opportunity to join you, Senior Sister."

Yao Xi nodded with a smile of her own, her graceful steps carrying her as she ascended the stairs and entered the shop.

…

"Ten middle-grade spirit stones? That's too expensive!"

Yao Xi's interest in the technique was evident, but upon hearing the price, her eyes widened in shock.

The attendant quickly responded, "This Dragon Grasp is no ordinary technique. It allows you to control within a fifty-meter range, and it's one that can be cultivated even during the Qi Refining stage. There might not be a second copy of it in the entire Green Cloud Sect.

"Moreover, not only is the control precise, but the power is also formidable. The most important feature is that the spirit Qi fluctuations when forming the Dragon Grasp are minimal, making it nearly impossible for opponents to detect in the midst of battle.

"Think about it, Senior Sister. In combat, if you suddenly form the Dragon Grasp behind your enemy to launch a surprise attack, who could defend against that? With this technique, Senior Sister, you might even have a chance to defeat Senior Brother Li in the sect's year-end competition and win the Foundation Establishment pill. As for the sect's Five Elements Cave and secret realm slots, this technique would increase your chances of obtaining those as well."

The attendant's words were undeniably tempting. However, when Yao Xi glanced at her storage pouch, embarrassment appeared on her face.

"I've been experimenting with new pill recipes recently and spent a large amount of spirit stones on herbs. Right now, I'm running low on stones," she admitted. "Would it be possible to reserve this technique for me for a few months? Once I've saved up enough spirit stones, I'll come back and buy it."

The attendant shook her head.

"Senior Sister, you know the rules. The deacon might have held it back for you, but that's the limit. If you don't purchase it now, someone else might snatch it up. Remember, the path of cultivation moves fast. Miss a step, and you might fall behind. If you let this opportunity slip, you could miss even greater ones later. You'll regret it if that happens. Maybe you should ask a friend if you can borrow some spirit stones?" she suggested with a sly glance at Ye Chen. "Like this Senior Brother here, a direct disciple?"

Yao Xi's delicate face showed signs of inner turmoil.

With a faint, self-deprecating smile, she shook her head. "Forget it. What is meant for me will come, and what isn't will pass."

She turned to Ye Chen with a smile, her eyes softening. "Forgive me, Junior Brother. I come from a humble background as a wandering cultivator. I was fortunate to have good talent, which allowed me to enter the sect. Even though I can craft pills, resources have always been tight. More so, since I focus entirely on cultivation and pill-making, I don't have many friends. Let's go, Junior Brother."

With a final lingering glance at the jade slip in the attendant's hand, she turned and began to walk away. As Yao Xi reluctantly cast a final glance at the jade slip in the attendant's hand, she turned and walked away.

Ye Chen watched this scene, raising an eyebrow. At first, he thought the situation was somewhat normal. But upon reflection, it felt eerily familiar, almost like the behavior of a girl in his past life, dragging her sugar daddy along on a shopping spree. It was supposed to be a simple shopping trip. Then, she suddenly found something she liked.

But, alas, the money was short. And of course, the sugar daddy, eager to win her favor, would buy it for her. And in return, he would be rewarded with the adoring, grateful gaze of his goddess….

The scene unfolding before him now was strikingly similar. The Senior Sister's scheme… was a bit too deep!

Chapter 82: Has My Simp Been Stolen?

At that moment, Ye Chen understood everything in an instant. The Senior Sister, seemingly warm-hearted, was actually very calculating. It was possible that the attendant was in cahoots with her, intentionally waiting there to stage the scene. The reason for all of this was most likely related to the rumors about Ye Chen being a simp. Perhaps the Senior Sister was trying to see if she could profit from him.

However, she had handled it quite delicately. Her intentions were not overtly obvious. Her skill level was far beyond that of the opportunistic girls from his past life.

Once Ye Chen figured it all out, he couldn't help but smile even more. For him, it wasn't that he feared the opponent being an opportunistic girl trying to take something from him.

On the contrary, he would rather face such a person. What truly terrified him was encountering a high-level, unattainable female cultivator, one with no desires. A woman he could see but never touch.

Besides, the Dragon Grasp spell sounded quite useful and versatile. He couldn't help but wonder how much more potent it would be after the thirty-fold amplification.

With that thought in mind, Ye Chen immediately flicked his wrist and retrieved ten mid-grade spirit stones from his storage ring.

"I'll take the Dragon Grasp."

The attendant stared at the spirit stones in surprise.

Yao Xi, too, immediately turned around and, with a smile, said, "Junior Brother, you wish to acquire this spell as well? That's wonderful! I'd much rather have you buy it than let it fall into the hands of my competitors!"

Ye Chen clicked his tongue and nodded in approval. Such acting skills were no worse than Sun Ruoxin's.

As expected of the Senior Sister of Green Cloud Sect, she was quite something. He shook his head, taking the jade slip from the attendant's hand with a smile. "Senior Sister, what are you saying? Taking what others cherish is not the way of righteous cultivators like us.

"What this junior sister said is true. Cultivators climb step by step, and every misstep could cost us dearly. Losing this technique may even cause you to miss your chance for Foundation Establishment. So please, accept it, Senior Sister."

Upon hearing these words, the beautiful face of Yao Xi, full of youthful vitality, was filled with surprise.

"No, no…" she shook her head. "We've only just met, Junior Brother. How can I accept such an expensive gift from you? This is absolutely not possible."

Ye Chen smiled and stepped forward, taking Yao Xi's delicate hand in his own and gently placing the jade slip into her palm.

"The moment I laid eyes on you, I felt like we were old friends. You've been so patient with me, helping me understand the sect and showing me around. In my heart, I already consider you the closest person to me. This gift is just a token of our first meeting. If you refuse, it would mean you don't see me as a friend. In that case, I'll stop troubling you in the future, and we'll act like strangers."

While speaking, Ye Chen didn't let go of her delicate hand. Her hand was soft and tender, as fragile as if it were made of jelly. No wonder she walked with such a bounce.

Yao Xi's face turned slightly red at his words, and she lowered her head, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“...The first time I met Junior Brother, I also felt something special, like we were close. Among the male disciples in the sect, you're the only one I feel this way about! So… well, then I'll shamelessly accept it. In a few months, I'll return the spirit stones to you!"

Ye Chen shook his head, a playful smile on his lips. "Senior Sister, if you say that, it means you still don't see me as a friend."

Yao Xi was at a loss for words this time. She could only smile awkwardly and say, "If that's the case, thank you, Junior Brother."

At that moment, however, a familiar sound rang out in Ye Chen's mind.

"Gift successfully given!"

"The gift is 'Dragon Grasp'!"

"Feedback in progress!"

"Thirty-times feedback…."

"Reward: 'Heaven-Destroying Hand.'"

"Detected that the gift given by the host to the recipient, Yao Xi, is of great importance to her and exceeds her expectations. Her emotional state has fluctuated significantly, triggering a critical hit reward!"

"Reward: One-day private tuition from the Ancestor of the Chen family's phantom. 'Heaven-Destroying Hand' is an ancient family technique of the Chen family. The host can now learn related knowledge of the technique from the phantom!"

Listening to the system's rewards, Ye Chen couldn't help but show a satisfied smile on his face.

The name "Dragon Grasp" already sounded imposing. But once "Heaven-Destroying Hand" appeared, it became even more terrifying.

But an ancient technique of the Chen family?

Though Ye Chen had never heard of it before, any technique with the term "ancient" attached to it must belong to a power far greater than Green Cloud Sect, likely countless times stronger. Such a family legacy technique would undoubtedly be no disappointment in terms of power.

So this was the result of the thirty-times female cultivator feedback? Even ancient techniques were popping out. He was absolutely in love! Not to mention, the critical hit reward had been triggered. Such a treasure could not be missed. He would have to make the most of it.

On the opposite side, Yao Xi felt Ye Chen's fiery gaze, as if he were looking at an extraordinary treasure, and her delicate face turned crimson. Though she had sensed Ye Chen's interest in her from their first meeting, she had never imagined his feelings would burn so intensely. It left her heart somewhat stunned.

After a long pause, Yao Xi finally spoke in a shy voice, "Junior Brother, I've already accepted the gift... How about... you let go of my hand now?"

Since giving her the jade slip, Ye Chen hadn't let go of her hand. Ye Chen snapped back to reality upon hearing her words and feigned embarrassment, reluctantly releasing her small hand. The embarrassment was an act, but the reluctance was real.

Yao Xi's hand truly felt like it came from the heavens. Such hands were a shame to be wasted on anything other than alchemy.

"Junior Brother, let's go."

Ye Chen nodded and followed Yao Xi as they made their way out.

...

After casually wandering around for a while, Yao Xi turned to Ye Chen with an apologetic smile. "It's time for my alchemy session, so I'm afraid I can't accompany you any longer. Let's do this another time."

Ye Chen nodded in understanding.

When a woman wants to distance herself from a man she doesn't quite care for, especially one she finds unappealing, she usually buys what she wants, eats, and then finds some excuse to leave.

Ye Chen also wanted to return and study the technique the system had just rewarded him with, so their thoughts aligned perfectly. They parted ways soon after.

On the way back, Yao Xi looked at the jade slip in her storage pouch, her thoughts swirling. Ever since hearing the rumors that Ye Chen, the new direct disciple, was a simp, Yao Xi had begun to entertain other thoughts.

So today, she decided to put those rumors to the test, curious to see if they were true. She didn't expect the reality to be such a shock.

Ye Chen's generosity towards female cultivators far exceeded her expectations. A technique worth ten middle-grade spirit stones, and he gave it to her without even batting an eye. How wealthy could he possibly be?

At that moment, Yao Xi couldn't help but feel intense emotions. She was genuinely moved. In the Green Cloud Sect, the disciples with the greatest strength were often supported by powerful families. The more talented a disciple was, the more resources their family would provide.

But Yao Xi was different. She had no family support behind her. She had to rely entirely on herself. Her journey had been incredibly difficult. Due to a lack of resources, she was always slightly behind others, and when great opportunities presented themselves, she often missed them by a hair.

The prospect of reaching Foundation Establishment seemed like an unattainable dream. Yet the appearance of Ye Chen, this elite simp, had given Yao Xi a glimmer of hope.

Lost in thought, she was suddenly interrupted by the sight of Sun Ruoxin. The moment Sun Ruoxin spotted Yao Xi, a bright smile spread across her face, and she quickly walked over to greet her cheerfully.

Yao Xi, however, felt a bit awkward. After all, in some ways, she was competing for the attention of the same simp. Her elders had told her to look out for Sun Ruoxin, to take care of her. But now, in a twist of fate, she was in the position of possibly taking the simp from right under Sun Ruoxin's nose.

Although cultivators typically didn't care much about face or pride, and many close brothers had turned on each other without hesitation over opportunities, Yao Xi still felt a little guilty. So, she merely nodded coldly and left, not sparing much time for pleasantries.

As Yao Xi walked away, Sun Ruoxin's face quickly clouded with displeasure.

"What's the big deal with being an outer sect senior sister?" she muttered under her breath. "She's just at the ninth level of Qi Refining, what's there to be so proud of? Hmph, Ye Chen adores me. He's a direct disciple, far stronger than her!

"Though, I can't believe he didn't tell me about this last time we met. He had a chance to become a direct disciple, but he still gave me just a regular Green Cloud token. He kept all the good things for himself. What kind of love is that? If he doesn't give me enough gifts next time we meet, I'm not going to forgive him!"

Sun Ruoxin smiled to herself as she thought of Ye Chen. She felt secure in her position and believed her future was bright. However, when Sun Ruoxin arrived at the Mission Hall, hoping to find a task suited to her, she overheard some gossip from nearby disciples about the new direct disciple.

It seemed that the new direct disciple had fallen head over heels for Senior Sister Yao Xi at first sight and had taken her to the Green Cloud Market, where he bought her a technique worth ten middle-grade spirit stones as a greeting gift.

To give such an expensive gift right off the bat? The rumors had completely confirmed Ye Chen's simp status.

Hearing this, Sun Ruoxin's face immediately darkened.

"My simp went to fawn over someone else?"

This couldn't be possible!

Chapter 83: How Dare You Say You Love Me?

No wonder Yao Xi had looked at her that way today. It wasn't indifference; it was guilt. The more Sun Ruoxin thought about it, the angrier she became. She had always respected Yao Xi as a senior sister, but here Yao Xi was, stealing her simp.

It was completely unforgivable. Especially since there had been several attendants present at Green Cloud Market, all of them describing the situation in vivid detail. The ten middle-grade spirit stone technique? Yao Xi couldn't afford it. But Ye Chen, the new direct disciple, had waved his hand and bought it for her as a gift.

At first, Yao Xi didn't want to accept it. But Ye Chen insisted, pushing her to take it. This had caused many disciples to gossip, amazed at such a display of devotion. A ten-spirit-stone technique, so rare and precious, yet Ye Chen had to beg Yao Xi to accept it!

To Sun Ruoxin, it was utterly humiliating. That was supposed to be her gift. Why was Ye Chen giving it to someone else? And not just anyone, but Yao Xi, her rival!

The more she thought about it, the more her face twisted in anger. She needed resources. Her cultivation was stalling, and she had so little. But here was Ye Chen, giving away priceless things to someone else.

Why did Ye Chen do this? Did he hold a grudge because she hadn't invited him in last time? Was he getting back at her? How could he be so petty?

Sun Ruoxin justified her actions. As a female cultivator, it was only natural to be cautious. She was protecting herself. But Ye Chen should have understood that. If he truly loved her, he would have supported her. Yet, instead of understanding, he was lashing out.

Was this how he returned her feelings? Had he truly given up on her so easily?

She had been willing to sacrifice so much for him, even accepting the dual cultivation technique for his sake. Yet, he treated her this way?

Sun Ruoxin's anger burned bright as she stormed toward the Sword Peak, determined to confront Ye Chen. However, when she reached the base of the peak and saw the barrier blocking her way, reality hit her hard. Without a token, she found herself unable to proceed. Clenching her teeth, her brows twitched like falling meteors, and her lips turned pale with frustration.

“This isn't over!”

She swore to herself that the next time she saw Ye Chen, she would get to the bottom of this. She would confront him directly, asking why he had treated her this way. If Ye Chen couldn't provide a reasonable explanation, she would never forgive him.

Still fuming, Sun Ruoxin returned to her residence, only to have one of her fellow female disciples come to her door not long after.

"Junior Sister Sun, we're about to take on a mission, and we're short one talisman master who can handle beast materials. Would you like to join us? It's a two-week job. We'll earn about forty lower-grade spirit stones each for this trip."

Sun Ruoxin sneered inwardly at the offer.

Forty lower-grade spirit stones?

Ye Chen could easily gift her something far more valuable than that. But, in truth, Sun Ruoxin was running low on spirit stones. Her father had not been able to provide support recently. After all, he had spent a considerable amount of spirit stones to get Elder Kong to ease up on certain matters, and even borrowed from old friends to smooth things over.

Though Sun Ruoxin had secured a position within the Green Cloud Sect through Ye Chen, Elder Kong hadn't outwardly shown any dissatisfaction. Her father, however, could no longer maintain his position at Green Cloud Market.

Now, her only means of repayment for the debt incurred was through her work as a talisman master. Without sufficient resources, she couldn't move forward in the sect.

So, despite her disdain for the paltry reward, Sun Ruoxin reluctantly agreed to join the mission. She would meet with them tomorrow at the Internal Affairs Hall to receive the task.

In Sun Ruoxin's mind, the two-week absence would work in her favor. She was convinced that Ye Chen's extravagant gift to Yao Xi was simply a way to provoke her.

"He'll be looking for me soon enough, and when he can’t find me, he'll be frantic."

She would use this time to let him stew in his own uncertainty, forcing him to reflect on his actions. By the time she returned, she would know exactly how to manipulate him, making him apologize and beg for her forgiveness. A triumphant smile spread across her face as she imagined it all.

On Ye Chen's side, he was comfortably enjoying the attentive care of Lu Jing and Lin Ke'er. With complete ease, he immersed himself in comprehending the Heaven-Destroying Hand.

This technique was undoubtedly a powerful one. Even with the critical hit triggering the manifestation of the ancestor's spirit, Ye Chen still found it quite challenging to grasp the technique.

This puzzled him. When he was studying the Great Joy Zen Method, he didn't have a spirit to guide him, yet his progress had been remarkably fast.

At the time, Ye Chen had even gotten the mistaken impression that his comprehension was especially good. Now, however, he realized that his comprehension seemed to work only for dual cultivation techniques!

It was somewhat absurd. But, despite his average comprehension, with the guidance of his ancestor's spirit, his progress wasn't slow.

Three days later, Ye Chen stood halfway up Sword Peak. In front of him lay a pile of scattered rocks. His body radiated no spiritual energy at all.

But suddenly, about a hundred meters away in the air, a golden-purple hand, half a meter long, materialized. The appearance of the golden-purple hand was swift, as if it had been formed in the blink of an eye.

In the next instant, it slammed down, shaking the rocks apart as if a missile had struck. The scattered stones flew in all directions. For just starting out with the technique, the power was impressive.

Ye Chen was extremely pleased with the result. What delighted him even more was the subtlety of Heaven-Destroying Hand.

Now, Ye Chen could summon it anywhere within a hundred meters, and in complete silence! He could even launch an unexpected strike from behind an opponent during a fierce battle, making it nearly impossible for them to defend. Not to mention that Heaven-Destroying Hand wasn't just used for offense; it was versatile.

For instance, he could easily grab a large stone without lifting a hand. Its practicality was impressive, and it could be used for all sorts of things, such as capturing enemies. The only downside, however, was its high energy consumption.

At his current level, he could only unleash six Destruction of Heaven's Hands before exhausting all his spiritual power. But this wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Once his cultivation progressed, the technique's duration would undoubtedly improve.

After reflecting on the gains and losses, Ye Chen wearily returned to his courtyard. Being a direct disciple had its perks. Every day, fresh beast meat was delivered to him, along with the highest quality spiritual rice and vegetables. This gave Lu Jing plenty of room to demonstrate her talents.

"Young master has returned? Please, come and eat. Today, the Internal Affairs Hall sent us some late-stage Spirit Deer meat. It's incredibly fresh….

"Paired with Spirit Orchid and Spirit Vine, the taste is exceptional.

"Please sit, young master!"

As soon as she saw Ye Chen, Lu Jing eagerly took the opportunity to flaunt her cooking skills.

Lin Ke'er, standing to the side, wasn't about to fall behind either. She hurriedly changed Ye Chen into comfortable robes and set the table with utensils.

Ye Chen inhaled the fragrant aroma and smiled contentedly. With two beautiful maids at his service and exquisite food to enjoy every day, life was nothing short of luxurious.

He took a bite of the Spirit Beast meat, savoring the taste, and looked at Lu Jing with approval. "The flavor is really quite good. Lu Jing, your cooking skills are getting better and better! Tonight, you take the lead."

Upon hearing this, Lu Jing's face immediately lit up with joy.

Ye Chen's physical prowess was extraordinary, and being able to cultivate alongside him was already a source of immense happiness. Not to mention the cultivation improvements it brought. In fact, her rate of progress was even higher than when she was on her own. To be chosen to lead meant an opportunity for greater advancement. How could Lu Jing not be pleased?

Meanwhile, Lin Ke'er, standing aside with her innocent expression, couldn't hide her displeasure. But she quickly devised a plan. When Lu Jing was in the middle of cultivating, if she were a little more proactive, she could shorten Lu Jing's turn and take her place sooner.

Compared to Lu Jing, Lin Ke'er was much more forward and assertive. She had mastered the art of subtly joining in to shorten the time before her turn. With that thought in mind, her expression quickly brightened again.

Lu Jing noticed Lin Ke'er's change in demeanor and immediately frowned. "You can't keep rushing me, saying things like 'hurry up, it's my turn'... Otherwise, I'll have to ask the young master to step in," she warned playfully.

Lin Ke'er immediately panicked. "No, no! I just want to make progress faster, I wasn't rushing you at all!"

Meanwhile, Ye Chen sat back, enjoying the spiritual meal while watching his two maids bicker in a playful, jealous rivalry. His mind drifted for a moment to the thirty-times reward he'd received from Senior Sister Yao Xi, whom he'd already charmed. And when he reached the Foundation Establishment stage, there would be the hundred-times reward awaiting him from his master.

Life felt so satisfying…. And as for Sun Ruoxin? She had long been pushed to the back of his mind, and he hadn't thought about her in ages.

Chapter 84: The Master's Expectations

"Greetings, Senior Brother Ye. I've come to the Sword Peak to inform you that the Five Elements Cave will officially open next month. I'm here to confirm whether you plan to use your entry privilege this year. As a direct disciple, you are eligible to enter once every three years."

...

Life at the Sword Peak was particularly pleasant for Ye Chen. His master remained distant, having barely appeared since the day Ye Chen was brought in. Clearly, his master had no interest in him as a disciple.

No guidance, no supervision. But no interference also meant a sense of freedom. Food, drink, and the resources needed for cultivation were all sent directly from the Internal Affairs Hall.

Whenever he had nothing to do, Ye Chen simply cultivated at Sword Peak. He practiced by day and by night, being extremely diligent. When there were matters to attend to, it was usually just to visit the sect's grand plaza.

There, he would meet with Senior Sister, listen to lectures, stroll through the streets, and sometimes, find something Senior Sister needed. He would then gift it to her, receiving a thirty-times feedback in return.

Just last week, with a glance that was barely noticeable but easy for Ye Chen to catch, he discovered that Senior Sister liked a particular type of hairpin, which was a high-grade magic tool.

This hairpin could withstand a surge of spiritual flame once, making it particularly effective against wood-based spells. It was priced at ten mid-tier spirit stones.

Senior Sister glanced at it wistfully, and then, as if nothing had happened, continued on her way. But Ye Chen, as the top simp of Green Cloud Sect, would never miss such a detail. In a grand gesture, he purchased the hairpin and gifted it to her. Though no critical hit triggered this time, the thirty-times feedback still rewarded him with thirty exquisite hairpins.

When Ye Chen found time to sell them, he could at least pocket three high-grade spirit stones. Ten mid-grade spirit stones had transformed into three high-grade ones. This was the advantage of the high-feedback multiplier.

In comparison, Sun Ruoxin's fifteen-times feedback was half as effective. It showed just how crucial Senior Sister Yao Xi was. Ye Chen had already made up his mind. Before reaching Foundation Establishment, he would devote himself entirely to worshiping Yao Xi.

No distractions! Unless, of course, a female cultivator in the Qi Refining stage with a higher multiplier than Yao Xi appeared. But Ye Chen had done his research lately.

Among the female disciples of Green Cloud Sect, Yao Xi's talent and cultivation were unparalleled. All the other direct disciples were male. So, if not worshiping Yao Xi, who else could he possibly turn to?

...

Today, a steward from the Internal Affairs Hall arrived suddenly. He respectfully delivered a new piece of information to Ye Chen. The Five Elements Cave would open next month.

Over the past few weeks, Ye Chen had gained a deeper understanding of the sect. Thus, he was quite familiar with the purpose of the Five Elements Cave.

To break through to Foundation Establishment, a cultivator needed to accumulate an immense amount of spiritual Qi. The more profound the spiritual Qi, the higher the chances of a successful breakthrough, and the stronger the foundation.

In the ancient era, there had been the Five Elements Pills, which could help open a cultivator's Dantian, making them one of the most vital pills for cultivators in the Qi Refining stage, second only to the Foundation Establishment Pills.

But after the end of the ancient era, the world had changed dramatically. The materials for crafting the Five Elements Pills had all but vanished. Only a few ancient pills remained. Yet without the necessary materials, they couldn't be refined. They were like a tree without roots, dwindling away with each use.

Years passed, and the Five Elements Pills became a thing of the past, completely vanishing. To cope with this, the Five Elements Cave had been devised by later generations. Using array formations, it simulated the effects of the ancient Five Elements Pills. It absorbed the natural essence of the world, transforming it into the Five Elements Spirit Qi to assist cultivators in opening their dantian.

However, the materials needed for the formation were extremely expensive. Only sects like Green Cloud Sect, with their abundant resources, could afford to maintain such a formation.

Moreover, the efficiency of the transformation was low. The amount of Five Elements Spiritual Qi produced each year might only be enough for a single Qi Refining cultivator. At Green Cloud Sect's Five Elements Cave, the yearly output of Five Elements Spirit Qi was barely enough for five cultivators to use.

And since the sect couldn't provide it solely to the direct disciples, as that would harm the morale of the common disciples, there were restrictions in place for them. The direct disciples could enter the cave only once every three years. The remaining spots would be made available to the general disciples to compete for. Hence, they had to first confirm with the eligible direct disciples and then finalize the remaining spots.

At this moment, Ye Chen hesitated when facing the steward's inquiry. He had heard that the Five Elements Spiritual Qi in the Five Elements Cave was a competition to claim. Once inside, cultivators simply found a spot, sat down, and began absorbing the energy. The more one absorbed, the greater the reward.

The cultivator with the fastest absorption and greatest capacity would reap the most benefit. And the higher one's cultivation, the more they could absorb, which meant more advantages to be had. Ye Chen thought to himself: should he wait two more years to take this opportunity? That way, after gifting the chance to Yao Xi, he could absorb more and perhaps even get better feedback.

Considering how hard he was training every day, in two years he would certainly reach the peak of the Qi Refining stage. But just as he was contemplating this, a red figure appeared, soaring on a sword. It landed before him, and Ye Chen immediately recognized the outline of her figure even before seeing her face. Such a perfect silhouette was rare to find anywhere in the entire cultivation world.

Without needing to see her face, Ye Chen already knew it was his beloved master, Gu Yun Yun.

The steward didn't dare look directly at her and immediately lowered his head. "Greetings, Master Gu!"

Gu Yun Yun ignored the steward and turned directly toward Ye Chen. Her face was expressionless as she spoke coldly, "You will go to the Five Elements Cave to cultivate this year."

Ye Chen: ????

He had thought that his master cared little about him, that she wouldn't pay attention to his progress. But now, she had suddenly appeared.

Ye Chen felt warmth in his heart, swearing to himself that after reaching Foundation Establishment, he would certainly repay his master's kindness tenfold, serving her with the utmost devotion.

However, Ye Chen was also curious. Why did his master want him to go this year? Wouldn't it be better to wait until his cultivation was higher?

As if sensing Ye Chen's confusion, Gu Yun Yun spoke calmly: "This year, the spiritual veins of Green Cloud Sect experienced an anomalous surge. The Five Elements Spiritual Qi transformed in the Five Elements Cave is 60% higher than in previous years. By seizing this opportunity to cultivate, you might be able to break through to the late stage of Qi Refining."

Hearing this, Ye Chen's eyes immediately lit up.

Without hesitation, he nodded. "Thank you for the reminder, Master!"

Then, he glanced coldly at the steward, his tone indifferent. "I'll take it."

This man had been dishonest. Such an important matter and he hadn't mentioned it to him.

The steward could only lower his head, unable to offer any rebuttal.

Elder Chen had felt that giving Ye Chen the Five Elements Cave quota was a waste, especially with this year's extraordinary results. It would be better to give the opportunity to a more talented disciple, for the good of Green Cloud Sect. That was why he had deliberately kept quiet about it.

What could he do? Now, with Master Gu having exposed the truth and Ye Chen, the direct disciple, resentful, he could only mutter, "Alright! I'll bring you the entry token in a couple of days!"

With that, he quickly left, wanting to escape the awkwardness.

Gu Yun Yun didn't wait for Ye Chen to speak, immediately rising again. "Cultivate well in the Five Elements Cave. Don't miss this chance."

Gu Yun Yun had come today not only to remind Ye Chen but also to gauge whether he was all show but no substance. After all, it had been days, and Ye Chen hadn't rested a single night. This had completely thrown off her own internal clock.

Yet, when she saw Ye Chen, he didn't appear weak at all. On the contrary, his aura had grown stronger since the time he first entered. This made Gu Yun Yun feel a bit hopeful. Perhaps her disciple wasn't as useless as she had thought. After he came out of the Five Elements Cave this time, he might have made some significant progress.

At least, she hoped he wouldn't be humiliated by too many ordinary disciples during the next sect tournament. Otherwise, even she, as his master, would feel embarrassed.

…

Ye Chen, watching his master's fiery figure disappear into the distance, quickly bowed deeply. "I won't disappoint you, Master."

Once his master was out of sight, Ye Chen lowered his head, deep in thought. What kind of reward would he get if he gave his Five Elements Cave quota to Yao Xi?

This year, the Five Elements Cave was overflowing with Five Elements Spiritual Qi. The value of the quota was certainly higher than in previous years. The reward he'd receive should be substantial, right? Would the system grant him a private Five Elements Cave? A place for him to enjoy all to himself?!

Chapter 85: The Necessary Price for the Quota

"What? There's only one quota for the Five Elements Cave this year?"

Yao Xi, who had gone to the Internal Affairs Hall to register, was stunned upon hearing the steward's words. Her beautiful eyes widened in disbelief.

The steward, equally helpless, sighed. "Yes, this year, the sect gained one more direct disciple. The total number of direct disciples has increased to four. And all four of them have chosen to enter the Five Elements Cave this year."

He paused, then added, "So, the remaining quota for disciples below the direct disciple rank is just one."

Yao Xi's expression stiffened at these words. She had reached the ninth level of Qi Refining last year, but the competition for the Five Elements Cave quota had been too fierce, and she hadn't managed to secure a spot.

This year, however, several of the ninth-level Qi Refining senior brothers either failed their breakthroughs or had aged out and left the sect to manage mundane affairs. Among the ordinary disciples, only she and Li Xiaoyao had reached the ninth level of Qi Refining.

Yao Xi had thought that this year, the Five Elements Cave quota would surely be hers. And with this year's Five Elements Cave filled to the brim with Five Elements Spiritual Qi, it felt like the heavens were assisting her. Yet, to her dismay, there was only one remaining spot.

Li Xiaoyao had broken through to the ninth level of Qi Refining three years ago, achieving the Great Perfection of Qi Refining. His mastery of the Green Cloud Sword Art had reached an extraordinary level, and he was already at the pinnacle of the Great Completion realm. His strength was nearly on par with the direct disciples. Competing with Li Xiaoyao for this last quota seemed almost impossible.

This left Yao Xi genuinely worried. Resources in the sect were limited, and they had to be fought for. If she couldn't enter the Five Elements Cave this time, her strength would stagnate. Without that breakthrough, she wouldn't be able to secure first place among the ordinary disciples in this year's sect competition, nor would she receive the Foundation Establishment Pill. The saying "one step slow, every step slow" wasn't an exaggeration.

After registering her name, Yao Xi returned to her small courtyard with a troubled expression in her eyes. Even the idea of refining pills, which she had originally planned to do, no longer seemed appealing. She simply went inside to rest.

In the quiet of Yao Xi's courtyard, a female cultivator was in the middle of her training. Upon seeing Yao Xi, she smiled and said, "Senior Sister, you're back? Your courtyard is filled with so much Spiritual Qi; it's so much better than mine. Thank you for letting me use it.…"

If Ye Chen had been there, he would have immediately recognized this female cultivator. She was the same one who had sold him Dragon Grasp at Green Cloud Market.

Yao Xi waved her hand, signaling that there was no need for thanks.

The female cultivator, noticing the sorrow in Yao Xi's expression, asked with concern, "Senior Sister, you don't seem well. Is something wrong?"

Yao Xi let out a deep sigh, her expression filled with a pitiful melancholy. "This year, there's only one quota for the Five Elements Cave! I'm most likely no match for Senior Brother Li, and it seems I'll be missing out on the Five Elements Cave again this year. Looks like I'll have to wait another year to break through to Foundation Establishment."

The female cultivator, confused, responded, "How can there be only one quota? Even if all the direct disciples go, there should still be more… Oh, it's that new direct disciple, right? He's also going to the Five Elements Cave this year?

"That's such a waste. He's only at the sixth level of Qi Refining, right? He must be much slower at absorbing Spirit Qi. How could he compete with the other direct disciples? Even if he goes, he won't be able to absorb much. It'd be better if the spot went to you, Senior Sister. Senior Sister, why don't you ask him to give up his spot? If he does, then there'll be two quotas for ordinary disciples. Besides Li Xiaoyao, no one else should be a match for you. This way, you'll have a guaranteed chance."

The female cultivator had figured out the problem and immediately suggested a solution to Yao Xi.

However, upon hearing this, Yao Xi only smiled bitterly and shook her head. "Ye Chen may like me, but he's not foolish. This year, the Five Elements Cave's Spiritual Qi is overflowing, and the effects will be even greater than before. Any cultivator aiming for Foundation Establishment won't miss out on such an opportunity."

The female cultivator, however, was a bit more stubborn. "Who says he's not foolish? I've heard that he even gave away his spot to someone else to enter Green Cloud Sect. That Sun Ruoxin, she's no match for you. If Ye Chen could give away his spot for Sun Ruoxin to enter Green Cloud Sect, then he certainly won't be stingy with you. So, Senior Sister, you should try asking him. There's no harm in trying."

Yao Xi shook her head and smiled gently. "You're such a naive girl. Ye Chen is a direct disciple now. Do you know what that means? It means Ye Chen already knew he could enter Green Cloud Sect and that he has a much brighter future ahead. That's why he gave away the Green Cloud Token to Sun Ruoxin. If Ye Chen didn't have the chance to become a direct disciple, do you think he would've given away the Green Cloud Token?"

Hearing this, the female cultivator seemed to realize something. She thought about it for a moment. It made sense. This so-called simp direct disciple, whom the other disciples joked about as being willing to give up even his life for the female cultivators, didn't seem so absurd after all.

Suddenly, an idea crossed the female cultivator's mind. Her eyes brightened as she leaned in close to Yao Xi and whispered in her ear, "Senior Sister, why not just give yourself to Ye Chen? I saw it last time. The way Ye Chen looked at you, especially when he saw your back…. He was so meticulous in his gaze. If you give yourself to him, he definitely won't be able to refuse you…."

Yao Xi flicked the female cultivator's forehead lightly with her delicate fingers, giving her a coquettish glare. "Stop talking nonsense. Go train, or if you're not going to, hurry up and leave."

Yao Xi certainly had no intention of doing such a thing. Yes, Ye Chen was a direct disciple now. But his talent was poor, and his cultivation was weak. It wouldn't take two years before his status as a direct disciple could be in jeopardy.

As for herself? She was already at the ninth level of Qi Refining, just one step away from Foundation Establishment. At this moment, their apparent gap might not seem too significant. But once she broke through to Foundation Establishment, their statuses would be worlds apart. In this situation, how could she possibly give herself to Ye Chen just for a spot in the Five Elements Cave?

It wasn't worth it.

Thus, Yao Xi didn't even entertain the idea the female cultivator had suggested. However, the female cultivator did make a point.

Perhaps Yao Xi could drop some hints to Ye Chen, subtly mention how important this year's Five Elements Cave quota was to her. If she managed to persuade him, it would indeed be a pleasant surprise.

But Yao Xi didn't have high expectations. She was still prepared to compete with Li Xiaoyao for the spot.

After all, whether it was Ye Chen's Dragon Grasp or the exquisite hairpin magic tool, everything had been prepared for her to face Li Xiaoyao in the upcoming sect competition. Winning the first place in the ordinary disciple category would earn her a low-grade Foundation Establishment Pill.

With the Foundation Establishment Pill, her chances of a successful breakthrough would be much higher. And even if the breakthrough failed, the Foundation Establishment Pill would protect her meridians, giving her another shot at the next breakthrough.

Yao Xi had long since made her preparations. She wasn't truly despairing. Even if it came to facing Li Xiaoyao head-on, she might not necessarily lose.

However, Li Xiaoyao's sword Qi was sharp, and ordinary defensive magic tools were hardly enough to block it. Perhaps she would need to find a way to get Ye Chen to give her another high-grade defensive magic tool. With that, her chances of winning would increase considerably….

Tomorrow, she would be attending the elder's lecture. Ye Chen would be there, but not for the lecture. Instead, he would be sitting in the back, silently watching her. His gaze made even her fasting feel awkward.

Yao Xi didn't particularly enjoy being stared at like that, and in fact, she found it a bit annoying. But for the sake of Foundation Establishment, this small sacrifice was worth it.

Yao Xi decided that tomorrow, she would wear something that highlighted her figure more, letting Ye Chen enjoy the view.

That way, when Ye Chen gave her a defensive magic tool, he surely wouldn't be stingy. He might even seriously consider giving up the Five Elements Cave spot for her! After all, the path to immortality was a hard one!

To scale the peak of cultivation, Yao Xi was willing to go all out!

Chapter 86: How Quickly Their Faces Change!

Gently pushing aside the jade legs that rested upon him, Ye Chen stretched lazily as he rose from his seat. He then took the entrance token to the Five Elements Cave from his storage ring and examined it thoughtfully, his mood lifted in quiet delight.

At last, the day had come—the day when Yao Xi would vie for the coveted spot. He had paid a great price for this moment. When they met the week before, Yao Xi had worn a skirt that was a little tighter than her usual everyday attire. After kneeling, it clung so tightly to her form, as if the fabric encased a delicate jelly. It was a sight that made it impossible not to wonder about its texture.

As for Ye Chen, he found the sight quite refreshing.

After the lecture ended, the two took their customary walk, chatting aimlessly. Yao Xi's attitude toward him was markedly warmer than usual. She even closed the distance between them, drawing nearer than she ever had before, to the point where Ye Chen could smell the unique fragrance that lingered around her.

Throughout their walk, Yao Xi's mood seemed somber. She spoke of the hardships of cultivation, lamenting that one misstep could lead to a lifetime of regret. She mentioned the strength of Li Xiaoyao and confessed her own lack of confidence. She also spoke of the Five Elements Cave's importance for those at the ninth level of Qi Refining, subtly hinting that perhaps it would be better to wait until her cultivation was higher before entering, as the benefits would be greater.

As they passed by the Green Cloud Market, Yao Xi casually mentioned her desire to see some defensive magic tools to prepare for Li Xiaoyao. She found one that piqued her interest, but her spirit stones were clearly insufficient. With the same reluctance as before, she cast a longing glance at it and subtly hinted to Ye Chen, urging him to purchase it for her.

However, this time Ye Chen did not fall for it. It was as if he hadn't noticed Yao Xi's subtle hints at all. He simply followed her out without a word about the Five Elements Cave.

In the end, as Yao Xi's disappointment flashed briefly in her eyes, they parted ways. Ye Chen certainly couldn't give the spot to Yao Xi now. The Five Elements Cave had the power to expand a cultivator's dantian, making it invaluable for those at the Qi Refining stage.

Ye Chen had to ensure that, once the gift was given, the recipient would be completely overwhelmed with surprise, that the reaction would be nothing short of explosive. He had already discovered something crucial. The greater the surprise, the higher the reward. Thus, Ye Chen decided to wait until Yao Xi lost to Li Xiaoyao before offering her the spot.

At that point, when Yao Xi found that the opportunity had been lost and then suddenly returned to her, her mood would swing like a roller coaster. The shock would surely maximize the reward.

For this reason, Ye Chen pretended not to understand Yao Xi's hints, refusing to buy her the exquisite defensive magic tool. After all, what if Yao Xi, with that tool in hand, managed to pull off a surprise victory against Li Xiaoyao and secured the spot? That would leave Ye Chen in utter confusion. If Yao Xi had the spot, who would he give his own to? He certainly wouldn't use it himself—that would be a waste.

So, Ye Chen would rather go a week without gifting anything, missing out on reward opportunities and a few precious top-tier spirit stones, than risk Yao Xi winning. Her loss was the most beneficial outcome for him. The more thoroughly she lost, the happier Ye Chen would be.

The competition for the Five Elements Cave spots among the ordinary disciples naturally depended on strength. The contest would begin at nine o'clock.

Such competitions in sects were simple—random draws were made, pairing up disciples into matches. After one round, the winners would advance. There were eight disciples in total.

The first round would determine the four victors. The second round would whittle that down to two. Then, the final showdown. If all went smoothly, the outcome might be decided before noon.

When Ye Chen arrived at the grand plaza, there was already quite a crowd of disciples gathering to watch. Upon seeing Ye Chen, many of them grinned and whispered among themselves. Everyone knew that their direct disciple, the so-called "simp," was surely here to cheer on Senior Sister.

However, most were certain that Senior Sister stood little chance against Senior Brother Li. The real question was whether this direct disciple would shower her with gifts to lift her spirits when she inevitably lost. But no one expected what would happen next. Ye Chen wasn't here to cheer on Yao Xi. On the contrary, Ye Chen was here to cheer for Yao Xi's opponent.

...

The competition was about to start. The participating disciples had all gathered.

"Senior Brother Li has arrived! He has a ninth-grade spiritual root and exceptional swordsmanship talent. This year, he'll enter the Five Elements Cave, and then, in the sect competition, he'll likely secure a Foundation Establishment Pill. With that, breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage is nearly a certainty."

"Honestly, I think Senior Brother Li should be the direct disciple of Sword Peak."

"Senior Sister Yao is here too. She's absolutely beautiful!"

"Look! Our direct disciple has indeed gone over to her..."

"To think a dignified direct disciple is so obsessed with a female cultivator. It really shames us men."

The crowd was abuzz with chatter.

Among the disciples who had signed up, only Li Xiaoyao and Yao Xi were at the ninth level of Qi Refining. The others were all at the eighth level, and to most, they seemed merely filler. So, the attention of the disciples was naturally focused on the two of them.

Ye Chen approached Yao Xi and, with a smile, said, "I wish Senior Sister Yao great success in defeating your strong opponents on the stage later!"

Yao Xi also returned a smile, though it seemed slightly strained. "Thank you, Junior Brother Ye. The competition is about to start, so I need to calm my mind and prepare. I won't keep chatting with you."

Her coldness made Ye Chen secretly curl his lips in disdain. This person sure could change faces quickly. When he had been sending her gifts before, she had been all smiles, answering his questions warmly and eagerly.

Yet, just because he hadn't given her anything last week, she was now suddenly too busy to talk. Tch, the turnaround was quick, wasn't it?

Well, Ye Chen thought, I'm curious to see what kind of face she'll make when I present the spot to her later.

Both Ye Chen and Yao Xi were being closely watched by the surrounding disciples.

At this moment, seeing Yao Xi's cold attitude, the disciples couldn't help but snicker. After all that time being a simp, giving so many gifts, yet getting nothing in return. A simp was destined to have nothing.

At a distance, Li Xiaoyao, his sword resting on his back, appeared to be meditating with his eyes closed, but in reality, he was silently observing Yao Xi. When he saw Ye Chen approach, his brow furrowed slightly. But when he saw Yao Xi's indifferent response, the corner of Li Xiaoyao's mouth couldn't help but curl upward.

...

Before long, the plaza grew quiet.

The elder and steward from the Internal Affairs Hall had arrived. The elder was none other than Elder Chen, the one who had first met Ye Chen when he entered the sect.

With a flick of his hand, Elder Chen threw down a formation plate. In an instant, a large arena, thirty meters in both length and width, rose up from the ground. From his sleeve, eight tokens flew out, each glowing with spiritual light, obscuring whatever was written on them.

"Now, for the first round, the first group of opponents will select a token each. The names on the tokens will decide the first match."

"Now, you two choose for the second group."

"You two choose for the third group..."

To ensure fairness, the elder instructed the eight participants to draw lots to determine their first-round opponents. When the first person drew a token and the spiritual light faded, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd.

The name revealed was none other than Li Xiaoyao's. This immediately made the other disciples uneasy, fearing that they might draw Li Xiaoyao in the first round. The second contestant, tense with anxiety, picked the second token.

As the name appeared, the murmurs grew louder, and a wave of surprise swept over the crowd. The name on the token was unmistakably Yao Xi! Everyone had considered Yao Xi and Li Xiaoyao the two most likely candidates for the Five Elements Cave spot.

Though Li Xiaoyao was stronger, anything could happen in battle. Perhaps Li Xiaoyao would exhaust his energy in the earlier rounds or suffer an unexpected injury that would hinder his strength. It wasn't out of the question for Yao Xi to claim victory.

Yet, no one had anticipated that the two of them would face off so early—right in the first round. The other disciples were overjoyed. With the two most powerful Qi Refining Stage cultivators clashing head-on in the very first round, didn't that give them a chance?

As for Yao Xi, her face had stiffened, the shock evident. She clearly hadn't expected to face Li Xiaoyao so soon. The situation was dire.

Meanwhile, Ye Chen couldn't help but grin at her misfortune. The first round was perfect. It minimized any unexpected outcomes and saved him time. It was almost too perfect.

However, Ye Chen quickly suppressed his smile, his expression turning somewhat peculiar. To the other disciples, though, it appeared that Ye Chen was simply feeling sorry for his Senior Sister. This sight made the disciples sigh in unison. Ye Chen really was deeply infatuated with Senior Sister.

Chapter 87: Please Maintain Your Dignity

The disciples were all too happy to see Yao Xi and Li Xiaoyao placed in the same group. Who wouldn't want to witness something thrilling from the very start?

Moreover, when two strong contenders clash, one must inevitably fall. For the other participants, the advantages far outweighed the disadvantages.

Only Elder Chen, watching from the sidelines, sighed when he saw the two of them facing off. Both Li Xiaoyao and Yao Xi had impressive talents and were likely to break through to Foundation Establishment.If both of them could enter the Five Elements Cave, it would undoubtedly be the best outcome for the sect.

But then, there was the matter of Gu Yunyun suddenly taking on a true disciple this year. From Elder Chen's perspective, it was a waste of sect resources for Ye Chen to take the spot for the Five Elements Cave.

What's worse, he had heard that the young man was a simp. He spent all his time running around the female disciples and never focused on his own cultivation. It was truly a disgrace.

Elder Chen had made up his mind. When the sect's Grand Competition came around and he saw the Patriarch, he would propose that the sect put an end to this practice of taking on direct disciples due to personal favors, regardless of sect interests.

As for Ye Chen, he must be expelled from the sect. Even if it meant offending Gu Yunyu, Elder Chen was determined to act. If other sects found out that Green Cloud Sect's direct disciples were this kind of trash, it would be a major embarrassment.

Ye Chen, single-handedly, had dragged down the overall quality of Green Cloud Sect's direct disciples. The more Elder Chen thought about it, the more Ye Chen became an eyesore to him. If he weren't afraid of offending Gu Yunyun, he would have probably already kicked Ye Chen out of the sect by now.

At that moment, the groups were finalized. The first group, naturally, was Li Xiaoyao and Yao Xi. The two entered the formation battlefield.

Li Xiaoyao wore a confident smile, his sword flying into his hand: "Apologies, Junior Sister."

Yao Xi's expression was grave as she summoned her magic tool. As Elder Chen declared the match to begin, the two immediately engaged in combat. In the blink of an eye, spells danced through the air, sword energy surged, and their battle became a fierce stalemate.

"Li Xiaoyao's Green Cloud Sword Art is truly relentless. Even through the formation, I can still feel that overwhelming momentum."

"Junior Sister Yao Xi seems to have improved a lot compared to last year. The way she casts her spells is so precise, and her light footwork almost avoids every attack."

"I used to think Li Xiaoyao was certain to win, but now it seems like there's a bit of suspense."

"Li Xiaoyao hasn't even revealed his trump card yet. Especially that one sword from last year's competition. I heard from the elders that it had the aura of a single strike that could break thousands of spells. Yao Xi couldn't possibly be his match."

The disciples whispered among themselves, surprised by Yao Xi's performance. But most still weren't optimistic about her chances. A disciple looked over at Ye Chen and noticed his serious expression, with a hint of concern flickering in his eyes.

Clearly, Ye Chen was worried about Senior Sister Yao. And indeed, Ye Chen was concerned, but not about Yao Xi losing. On the contrary, he was worried that Yao Xi might win.

Li Xiaoyao was calm and composed, and he still had hidden trump cards. But the thing was, Yao Xi had her own trump cards. The Dragon Grasp and the exquisite magic tool hairpin he had given her—she hadn't used either yet. The outcome was still uncertain.

Ye Chen cursed under his breath. Had he really done all this just to help Yao Xi win? That would be a huge loss for him. In that case, he would have no choice but to give the spot to that twenty-fold Senior Sister.

Though she seemed to have someone already, so giving her a grand gift wouldn't be the best move. But when he thought about it, it didn't seem so bad after all. It would only affect his reputation a little. Either way, Ye Chen was certain of one thing: he wasn't trying to steal anyone's girl.

As for giving the spot to Sun Ruoxin? That was out of the question. The fifteen-fold Sun Ruoxin, in Ye Chen's eyes, was merely a backup to the backup. A precious thing like the Five Elements Cave spot would never be wasted on a low-multiplier disciple like Sun Ruoxin.

…

However, as if summoned by the thoughts of Ye Chen, a woman's furious voice suddenly rang out behind him.

"Ye Chen, why haven't you come to find me? I only kept you out of my room to test you. But not only did you fail the test, you went and made another female disciple angry! You've truly disappointed me! You don't love me. If you really loved me, how could you bear to make me cry? Do you know how I've been living these past two weeks? Do you even care about me?"

The explosive and heated exchange immediately drew the attention of the disciples who had been watching the battle intently.

Betrayal? A third party? And it was all tied to their very own simp direct disciple?

The disciples' curiosity peaked. While battles between strong opponents were thrilling, the drama between men and women was always more intriguing.

Ye Chen turned around, and there, standing before him, was the livid Sun Ruoxin. This wasn't an act. She was genuinely furious. She had gone on a mission for two whole weeks.

Originally, she had hoped to leave Ye Chen to stew in his own worries, hoping he would search for her desperately, regretful of his actions. But when she returned today and glanced at the visitor's talisman on the door, she realized—Ye Chen hadn't come to see her even once during the entire two weeks.

It was as if she didn't even matter to him. After asking the neighbors, she confirmed that no one had visited her during her absence.

Meanwhile, that newly minted direct disciple, who usually never showed up, appeared only to stroll around with Senior Sister Yao. It was clear to her now—Ye Chen had completely forgotten about her.

Every day, Ye Chen surrounded himself with Yao Xi. This news stung Sun Ruoxin deeply, a mix of shame and anger boiling within her. When she learned that Ye Chen was in the sect's square, watching Yao Xi—the woman she despised—fight, she rushed over without a second thought.

After venting her anger, Sun Ruoxin had calmed somewhat. But she also knew that dealing with men required a balance of firmness and softness. She would need to be tough when necessary, but also gentle. So, with tearful eyes, she looked at Ye Chen, her voice softening.

"Junior Brother, I know how you feel about me. I understand that you've been with other female disciples just to make me jealous. But my cultivation method has restrictions. I truly can't bind with you as a Dao partner before reaching Foundation Establishment. But I swear, once I reach Foundation Establishment, I'll never disappoint you, Junior Brother. Look at this ring I got—it can cast three lightning spells. I spent all the spiritual stones I earned from my mission on this. Do you like it, Junior Brother? Let me put it on for you, alright?"

As she spoke, Sun Ruoxin pulled out a ring and extended her hand, attempting to place it on Ye Chen's finger. The scene left the onlookers in stunned silence.

There was no doubt that Sun Ruoxin was beautiful, especially her long, shapely legs, smooth and delicate as if sculpted from white jade. Few could rival her even in the entirety of Green Cloud Sect. And everyone had heard the rumors. It was Ye Chen who had helped Sun Ruoxin enter the sect.

Now, with Sun Ruoxin saying these words, could it be that Ye Chen didn't actually care for Senior Sister Yao Xi? Had Senior Sister Yao Xi only been a means for Ye Chen to provoke Sun Ruoxin? Had she been nothing more than a pawn in their little drama? But was that really possible?

The disciples were skeptical. After all, the gifts Ye Chen had given Senior Sister Yao Xi were far from cheap. Who would spend such fortune just to spite someone else?

So, the crowd began to suspect. Perhaps Ye Chen had fallen for Sun Ruoxin instead. And sure enough, just as the rumors hinted,

Ye Chen avoided the hand that reached for him, his gaze cold and indifferent. He didn't even glance at the ring.

"Fellow Daoist Sun, please maintain your dignity…"he said, his voice unyielding. "I fear Senior Sister Yao might misunderstand."

The entire area fell deathly silent.

Sun Ruoxin, who had been so confident in manipulating Ye Chen, was now completely stunned, frozen in place.

Chapter 88: I Will Show You How I Handle You

The words spoken by Ye Chen left Sun Ruoxin, who had been focusing on manipulating him and extracting more gold coins, stunned in place. She truly did not expect this.

Ye Chen, who had always addressed her as "Senior Sister" when he presented her with gifts every day, had now, after just a few days, switched to calling her "Fellow Daoist Sun"—as though the old had been replaced by the new.

What was even more unsettling was his remark about fearing that the eldest senior sister might misunderstand him. Had Yao Xi already become so important in Ye Chen's heart?

Sun Ruoxin gazed at Ye Chen, whose expression had turned cold and indifferent. She found herself unable to accept it.

Ye Chen had once loved her so deeply. He had even gifted her a flying boat, never once complaining about it afterward. He had cast aside past grudges and even presented her with the Green Cloud Token. How could it all change so suddenly? How could he no longer love her?

The only explanation, the only possibility, was that she had truly hurt his heart. She must have disappointed him deeply. Her repeated selfishness, her reckless tantrums, her utter disregard for him—each of these had gradually eroded the love Ye Chen once had for her. And that final time, when she refused to let him enter her door, had been the last straw that drove him away.

In the end, Sun Ruoxin had always believed that, no matter how she treated Ye Chen, he would love her for a lifetime, unwavering and unchanging. But now, when she discovered that Ye Chen, too, could leave her, she felt a panic she had never known before.

Now, more than ever, she needed Ye Chen. She, who was now just an ordinary disciple, poor and destitute, had no resources to speak of. While Ye Chen, a direct disciple, was extravagant with his wealth, capable of bringing her vast resources.

Moreover, because of the Green Cloud Token, her father had been under constant attack from the Ye family. They could hardly stay in Green Cloud City any longer. She needed Ye Chen to help mediate. How could she possibly afford to lose him now?

At this moment, Sun Ruoxin could think of nothing else. She hurriedly and pitifully spoke, "Junior Brother, please don't be like this. Senior Sister knows she was wrong! Please accept this gift, won't you? I promise I won't act like this again!"

Sun Ruoxin hoped to earn Ye Chen's forgiveness by playing the victim. However, Ye Chen, with evident impatience, waved his hand, causing the ring to fall to the ground.

In the face of Sun Ruoxin's stunned gaze, he coldly spoke, "I actually knew long before that the Green Cloud Sect had already sent you a warning about the arrival of the demon beasts at the Silver Moon Market. So you knew the beasts were coming, but you still had no hesitation in deceiving me and taking my flying boat without a word of warning, fleeing for your life without a second thought.

"Then, you took the Green Cloud Token from me and immediately ran to the Green Cloud Sect, clearly afraid that the Ye family would find out and demand the token back. I gave you the Green Cloud Token, and the family punished me for it. Had my master not arrived in time, I would have been imprisoned by the family for life. Did you care? I once loved you, but that was in the past. You should go now. I don't want the eldest senior sister to misunderstand."

…

Ye Chen's words left Sun Ruoxin cold with shock. It turned out, Ye Chen knew everything. Even though he knew the truth, knew she had deceived him, Ye Chen still tried to be kind to her. His first action upon arriving at the sect had been to prepare a surprise, offering her a dual cultivation technique. His love for her seemed to be able to forgive everything. But now, this deeply loving person—She had lost him.

Ye Chen turned and once again focused his gaze on the stage.

Sun Ruoxin remained rooted to the spot, her lips trembling, but no words came out. She could only silently lower her head and pick up the ring Ye Chen had knocked to the ground. Without uttering a sound, she gazed at his retreating figure.

…

The disciples who had been watching this spectacle were equally shocked. Before, they had merely thought Ye Chen was a fool, a "simp" at best. They believed he was someone who would easily fall in love with anyone. Many female disciples had looked down on him for this.

However, after hearing how Sun Ruoxin had treated Ye Chen, all the disdain in their hearts vanished in an instant. To be treated in such a way by the woman he loved—knowing the truth, yet still silently giving everything for her—this kind of man was simply too moving.

Many of the female disciples looked at Ye Chen with sparkling eyes, thinking how wonderful it would be if they too could meet a man who loved them so deeply. On the other hand, the male disciples grew increasingly contemptuous of Ye Chen. They truly hadn't expected him to be even more spineless than they had imagined.

This man didn't even value his own life, yet he kept giving, kept making sacrifices, moving himself with his own actions. It was simply ridiculous. Simp—truly, such a person deserved nothing but disdain.

Ye Chen paid no heed to the opinions of the surrounding disciples. The words he had just spoken were, after all, primarily designed to strengthen his image. He wanted everyone to know that he was willing to sacrifice even his life for a woman.

In comparison, the gifts and opportunities he provided seemed all the more justified and reasonable, ensuring that no one would dig too deeply into his actions. But as for Sun Ruoxin, she was no longer of any importance to Ye Chen. There were still several female disciples in the sect with a fifteenfold cultivation multiplier. And there were even some with a twentyfold multiplier.

Even if Yao Xi were to leave the sect one day, he would still have other female disciples from whom he could obtain rewards. Given this, there was no need to continue indulging Sun Ruoxin. She had accepted so many gifts from him, taken advantage of him at every turn, yet now, she had the audacity to come and confront him with such arrogance?

If someone didn't know better, they might think she was the one giving him gifts. The final straw had been that magic tool ring—how laughable. She thought she could control him with some trinket and make him feel moved. Did she think she was operating some "simp system"?

...

Thus, Sun Ruoxin was swiftly dismissed from Ye Chen's mind. Ye Chen quietly turned his attention back to the stage.

On the stage, Li Xiaoyao and Yao Xi continued their fierce battle. But unlike the evenly matched struggle at the start, Yao Xi was now clearly at a disadvantage.

Yao Xi's Dragon Grasp and her magic tool hairpin had already been forced out, yet they failed to deliver any meaningful effect.

Li Xiaoyao, however, remained in full control of the situation. Yao Xi's signs of defeat were growing more evident by the second.

Finally, in the face of an unavoidable sword qi, Yao Xi's body was sent flying backward.

The spectators, who had refocused their attention, could not help but gasp in surprise. The outcome was now clear.

A barely perceptible smile curled at the corner of Ye Chen's lips. It was settled now.

"Li Xiaoyao wins and advances to the next round!"

Elder Chen cast a regretful glance at Yao Xi. He had, of course, noticed the commotion caused by Ye Chen earlier. To be honest, Elder Chen found himself looking down on Ye Chen even more because of it.

A grown man, strong and proud, yet he was willing to throw away his hope for life just for a woman. He didn't even value his own life. Who could respect such a "simp"?

Elder Chen couldn't help but think that if Ye Chen's spot in the Five Elements Cave could go to Yao Xi, it would be far more worthwhile. It was such a waste for it to be in the hands of a simp like Ye Chen.

Elder Chen made up his mind again. This year's Sect Tournament would surely be a disaster for Ye Chen. He would use this opportunity to ask the ancestor to rectify the sect's discipline and have Ye Chen expelled from the sect!

...

On the stage, Li Xiaoyao gracefully sheathed his sword and approached the slightly pale Yao Xi, offering her a respectful salute as he spoke, "I apologize, Junior Sister, but the path of cultivation is like a long river, and our journey like rowing against the current—if we do not advance, we will inevitably fall behind. I hope Junior Sister will understand."

Li Xiaoyao's words made Elder Chen nod in approval, his face breaking into a smile. This was the true demeanor of a cultivator. How could one give up their opportunity just because of a woman's beauty?

After battling Li Xiaoyao, Yao Xi had fully realized the difference between their strengths. Li Xiaoyao had even held back. She knew she was no match for him. Though disappointed, there was no resentment in her voice as she replied, "I must thank Senior Brother for showing mercy."

Li Xiaoyao raised his chin slightly and smiled, "Junior Sister, you were simply distracted by matters unrelated to the path of cultivation. External things are not so important. You needn't waste time on those unimportant matters and people. I hope, moving forward, you will focus solely on the path of cultivation. Once we both reach Foundation Establishment, you will see that those external things are nothing. In the world of cultivation, in the end, strength is everything. Temporary positions and status are but fleeting."

Li Xiaoyao's voice was loud enough to reach every corner of the arena.

The disciples, upon hearing this, exchanged odd glances. They couldn't help but look toward Ye Chen. It seemed like Senior Brother Li might have some feelings for the eldest senior sister. The "unimportant people" he mentioned were clearly referring to Ye Chen.

Ye Chen wasn't stupid—he understood it all too well. So, he wanted to compete for my woman, and now he's mocking me, is he? Just wait for the sect tournament this year—I'll show you how I handle you!

Chapter 89: Yao Xi's Struggle...

Li Xiaoyao didn't bother to hide his feelings. He was clearly dissatisfied with Ye Chen. His swordsmanship talent was top-tier, and he had once been a hope for his family, expected to become the direct disciple of the Sword Peak's master.

Yet, when the time came, Gu Yunyun had not even spared him a glance. Instead, she turned around and chose this "simp" fool as her direct disciple. How could Li Xiaoyao accept this in his heart? Not to mention, among the female disciples of this generation, Yao Xi stood out the most.

Li Xiaoyao had even thought about discussing the possibility of taking Yao Xi as his Dao partner once he reached Foundation Establishment. But now, Ye Chen had stolen his position as the direct disciple and, to make matters worse, had the audacity to flirt with the woman Li Xiaoyao was interested in, laughing and chatting with her in the sect every few days.

Now that the opportunity had presented itself, Li Xiaoyao was determined to ridicule Ye Chen and take the chance to educate Yao Xi. She was someone he had his eye on as a Dao partner. How could she waste her time with another man over petty, external matters? If her reputation were to suffer, what qualifications would she have to be his Dao partner?

...

Yao Xi, who had already turned to leave the stage, furrowed her brows when she heard Li Xiaoyao's words.

"You, Li Xiaoyao, have the Li family, a Foundation Establishment family, supporting you. You lack nothing—resources, cultivation materials, everything you could possibly want. But now you're telling me not to care about external things?"

It was easy for him to speak so confidently. If Li Xiaoyao had severed all ties with the Li family, Yao Xi might have believed his words. Moreover, although the battle was ongoing, Yao Xi had seen everything happening below the stage.

Before, Yao Xi had also thought that Ye Chen was a man who would fall in love with anyone and everyone—a person who was not a good match. But what had just occurred had shown her how deeply Ye Chen loved those he cared for. It wasn't that Ye Chen was fickle; it was simply that he had been disappointed too many times and had, in the end, fallen out of love.

Yao Xi even felt a pang of guilt for her previous cold attitude toward Ye Chen for not giving her a defensive magic tool. Ye Chen had given her so much without complaint, and yet here she was, treating him with the same harshness as someone like Sun Ruoxin—someone who only took and never gave. Even if she didn't love Ye Chen, Yao Xi had no intention of hurting him further.

So, at that moment, she halted her steps and turned around. "Junior Brother Ye is my friend, not some unimportant person as Senior Brother Li claimed!"

With those words, she calmly descended the stage.

Yao Xi's words undoubtedly took the disciples by surprise. The eldest senior sister was actually speaking up for Ye Chen, this so-called "simp"? Her previous attitude had been so cold.

Everyone had assumed that it was just Ye Chen's one-sided affection. But now, to hear her defend him like this...

On the stage, Li Xiaoyao, who had held himself so high above the others, looked utterly pale at Yao Xi's response.

Yao Xi had actually spoken up for Ye Chen. What had Ye Chen done? He had only given her some gifts, nothing more. What good were those gifts? They were nothing but trivial, insignificant things. Would he really give her something truly valuable—something that could alter her path? For instance, would he give her the spot in the Five Elements Cave?

...

Yao Xi walked down from the stage and approached Ye Chen.

"Junior Brother Ye, I lost. If you have no other matters, would you walk with me for a while?"

Her mood was indeed rather low. This year, she wouldn't receive the Five Elements Cave spot, and next year wouldn't be any easier either.

Several disciples at the eighth level of Qi Refining were on the verge of breaking through to the ninth level this year. Many of them had influential family backing. Thus, the competition she would face would still be fierce.

Even if she earned the spot next year, she would still be a year behind. Securing first place in the next Sect Tournament and obtaining the Foundation Establishment Pill was uncertain.

One misstep could slow down an entire year. Many talented cultivators had seen their potential wasted in the face of repeated failures. So, she decided to take a walk with Ye Chen. Perhaps it would help ease her troubled heart.

And, it would also serve as an apology for the coldness she had shown him earlier. If Ye Chen were a scumbag, Yao Xi would have no qualms about deceiving him. She wouldn't feel burdened by any guilt.

But now that she had realized Ye Chen was a deeply devoted man, Yao Xi felt the need to explain things to him. The truth was, they weren't suited for each other. That way, she wouldn't keep delaying his future.

As for the gifts Ye Chen had given her, though they were moving, they didn't change the fact that her own talent in combat was mediocre. No matter how much she enhanced herself, she was still no match for Li Xiaoyao.

Without securing first place in the sect competition, she wouldn't get the Foundation Establishment Pill. No amount of spells or magical tools would help her then.

...

Before Yao Xi, Ye Chen appeared slightly surprised.

Yao Xi had actually defended him? While Ye Chen had only flattered her for the system's feedback and didn't care about her attitude, hearing her speak up for him still lifted his spirits. At least Yao Xi had more conscience than Sun Ruoxin.

Ye Chen chuckled and said, "Senior Sister, why be so downhearted over temporary success or failure? It's just that you didn't get the Five Elements Cave spot. I'll give you mine!"

As he finished speaking, Ye Chen casually took out the Five Elements Cave token sent by the Internal Affairs Hall.

Yao Xi had been smiling wryly at Ye Chen's words of comfort, but when she saw the token in his hand, her smile faltered.

Ye Chen... he was actually giving her the Five Elements Cave spot? This... how could this be possible?

Yao Xi was stunned. And at that moment, the disciples around them were equally dumbfounded.

Li Xiaoyao, standing high on the stage, was wide-eyed in disbelief. Even Elder Chen from the Internal Affairs Hall couldn't stop his eyes from widening in shock.

The Five Elements Cave was incredibly valuable. It could help cultivators open their dantian, enhancing their magical power and increasing their chances of breaking through to Foundation Establishment. Its importance was unquestionable.

The Green Cloud Sect had been established for over a thousand years. Whether direct disciples or ordinary disciples, anyone who obtained such a spot was treated like royalty. It was unthinkable to give such a spot away. Yet now, it was happening right before their eyes.

The disciples looked at Ye Chen with mixed emotions. Some had still doubted Ye Chen before. They had wondered if his proclaimed deep affection for Yao Xi was genuine. But now, seeing him give away the Five Elements Cave spot, their doubts evaporated entirely.

Even Li Xiaoyao, who had been silently mocking Ye Chen, was stunned. Just moments ago, he had ridiculed Ye Chen's supposed devotion, thinking it was all an act. True treasures, Li Xiaoyao had believed, would be kept for himself. But Ye Chen's actions now had slapped Li Xiaoyao squarely in the face.

Li Xiaoyao's expression turned a mix of pale and green as he could only internally reflect: "Simp... truly impressive."

On the stage, Elder Chen was equally stunned. He had never expected Ye Chen to do something like this. Ye Chen was actually giving away his own Five Elements Cave spot? Absurd. It was truly absurd.

However, this did bring Elder Chen some relief. After all, compared to Ye Chen, it was clearly better for Yao Xi to receive the spot. Perhaps she could help the sect by becoming another Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Elder Chen's opinion of Ye Chen had improved somewhat as a result. Still, when the sect tournament came around, Elder Chen would insist on stripping Ye Chen of his direct disciple status and expelling him from the sect.

After all, their Green Cloud Sect's direct disciple, who didn't even care about his own cultivation, had no hesitation in giving his chance to a female disciple.

Such a direct disciple, if word of it spread, would be a huge embarrassment.

...

In the center of the scene, Yao Xi stood frozen, staring at the Five Elements Cave token in her hand. This was the very thing she had dreamed of obtaining. But…she had just made up her mind that she would no longer lead Ye Chen on, that she would be clear with him and stop causing him pain with her mixed signals. Yet now, Ye Chen had given her such a huge surprise.

Of course, Yao Xi wanted to accept it immediately. After all, this year's Five Elements Cave had an abundance of spirit Qi, and its effects would be even better than in previous years. Her chances of breaking through to Foundation Establishment would be much greater.

But as she thought of Ye Chen's deep affection, the fact that he was even willing to give her the Five Elements Cave spot… what would happen if, one day, she became someone else's Dao partner? How would Ye Chen feel then?

Struggling internally, Yao Xi couldn't tear her eyes away from the token. After several moments of hesitation, she finally bit her lip and spoke…

Chapter 90: Sincerity is the Ultimate Weapon!

In the end, Yao Xi gently bit her lip, looking at Ye Chen seriously as she spoke, "Junior Brother, we're not suited for each other. I've thought it through carefully, and I believe there will be no future for us. Therefore, you should take this token back. You are only at the sixth level of Qi Refining, and you need this opportunity more than I do.

"This year, the Five Elements Cave has more abundant spirit Qi than ever before. If you seize this chance, there is a real possibility you could break through to the ninth level of Qi Refining or even reach Foundation Establishment in the future. However, even if that doesn't happen, if you encounter any difficulties in alchemy in the future, feel free to come and ask me anytime."

With that, Yao Xi gently pushed Ye Chen's hand back.

At that moment, the entire arena fell silent. Countless disciples watched in disbelief, wishing they could take the Five Elements Cave token from Yao Xi and accept it on her behalf. That was the coveted Five Elements Cave—something every Qi Refining cultivator longed for! It could expand the dantian! And Yao Xi just rejected it. It was such a waste.

But despite the disciples' disbelief, they understood what Yao Xi meant. She didn't want to keep Ye Chen hanging, nor did she want to deceive him. That was why she had made it clear and refused his gift. She could have easily pretended, accepted the token, and gained the opportunity without much effort. Compared to Sun Ruoxin, who had been driven by greed and selfishness, Yao Xi's actions were worlds apart.

The disciples looked at Yao Xi with newfound respect. If they were in her position, they knew they would never have been able to say no to such a precious opportunity.

As for Ye Chen, after being rejected, he looked at Yao Xi with a slight surprise. This Yao Xi truly had a conscience. She couldn't bear to deceive a "simp." Or had she simply leveled up in her understanding?

Regardless of the reason, one thing was clear: This gift had to be given. After hearing Yao Xi's words, a typical simp would have likely turned pale, become upset, disappointed, and asked why.

But Ye Chen, he showed none of that. He only smiled and looked at Yao Xi. "Senior Sister, why refuse the token over something so trivial? I know very well that you don't like me, and that we will never be together in the future, but so what?"

Yao Xi was stunned. The disciples watching were equally taken aback.

Ye Chen wasn't finished speaking yet: "I love you, and that has nothing to do with you. As long as I see Senior Sister happy, that's enough for me. This Five Elements Cave token, I originally wanted to enter myself, but in truth, it was prepared for you! If Senior Sister defeats your opponent and obtains the spot, then I can enter with you. I absorb spirit Qi less efficiently, so you can absorb more! That's better than having someone else enter and compete with you for it. And if, by chance, you don't get the spot, then you can use mine. So, Senior Sister, there's no need to feel awkward or burdened."

At this moment, the entire arena fell silent. Everyone, including Yao Xi, had Ye Chen's words echoing in their minds. It dawned on them...

Ye Chen had only taken the token for Yao Xi's sake. He was completely considering her well-being. How could someone be so deeply affectionate?

Many of the female disciples were moved to tears. If only they could find such a man who cared so selflessly for them.

Yao Xi stood frozen, her bright, star-like eyes filled with a whirl of complex emotions. She had, in her mind, resented Ye Chen at times. She had thought, Ye Chen's cultivation was low, and his talent was lacking—why should he take the spot?

If Ye Chen hadn't taken the token, there were two spots available. She would have been almost certain to get one. But then, she hadn't expected to face Li Xiaoyao in the first round. Even with two spots, she would have no chance. Ye Chen's decision to take the spot early had actually turned out to be incredibly wise. Ye Chen's love for her... it was too heavy.

At this moment, Yao Xi didn't know what to say or do. Should she accept it? Ye Chen's deep affection had left her utterly at a loss.

Ye Chen smiled gently, taking Yao Xi's hand and placing the Five Elements token into her delicate palm.

"Junior Brother..." Yao Xi gazed at the token in her hand, her heart in turmoil.

Ye Chen, however, turned without hesitation, his voice carrying as he spoke, "I don't need the token. If you don't want it, Senior Sister, just throw it away!"

With that, Ye Chen's figure already began to fade into the distance. The disciples around them looked at Yao Xi, eagerly waiting for her to throw the token away. Some even began to summon magic tools, ready to snatch the Five Elements token the moment it was discarded.

But Yao Xi was no fool. How could she throw it away? Instead, she swiftly tucked it into her robes and quickly started chasing after Ye Chen.

Inside, Yao Xi felt a deep sense of regret. If only Ye Chen had better talent, if only he could reach Foundation Establishment. But with his third-grade spiritual roots, it was almost impossible for him to reach Foundation Establishment.

Still, Yao Xi had made up her mind. If she didn't break through to Foundation Establishment by the time she was thirty, she would agree to become Ye Chen's Dao partner. This decision wasn't because of the Five Elements token. It was because of Ye Chen's profound affection. Living a lifetime with a man like him would surely bring happiness.

However, if she succeeded in reaching Foundation Establishment, then the two of them would no longer be suited to be together. Putting everything else aside, the difference in lifespan between someone in Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment would make it impossible to grow old together. When one passed away, the other would still live for another fifty years—how tragic would that be?

At that time, she would help Ye Chen find a suitable Dao partner. She would protect Ye Chen and his descendants for life. This was how she would repay his deep love for her.

Determined, Yao Xi hurriedly caught up to Ye Chen, no longer hesitating. She spoke sincerely, "Thank you, Junior Brother! Yao Xi will never forget this!"

Ye Chen's face broke into a radiant smile. Yao Xi also smiled brightly, her face blooming like spring flowers. In her mind, she was sure that Ye Chen was happy because she had accepted the Five Elements token. But in truth, Yao Xi wasn't entirely wrong in her guess.

...

Meanwhile, on the grand square.

The main event had already ended. But the crowd continued to discuss in hushed tones. As for Li Xiaoyao, still standing on the stage, no one was paying attention to him anymore.

Li Xiaoyao glared as he watched Yao Xi run after Ye Chen. His teeth clenched in frustration.

"Damn simp, you better pray we don't cross paths in the sect tournament at the end of the year."

But at that moment, Elder Chen spoke up, "Li Xiaoyao, what are you standing there for? The second group is about to begin!"

Li Xiaoyao's lips twitched as he hurried off the stage. The contest for the spots had resumed after being interrupted by Ye Chen.

...

Outside the crowd, Sun Ruoxin stood, watching Ye Chen and Yao Xi disappear into the distance, tears streaming down her face. She truly regretted it.