ISWI Chapter 105-106 (Patreon)

Chapter 105: Heart Command Talisman

The following month passed swiftly. Yao Xi had been focusing on adjusting her condition and preparing for her breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.

Ye Chen, ever the devoted one, naturally did everything in his power to assist Yao Xi in gathering the necessary resources. For instance, she needed Clear Heart Pills, which helped cultivators maintain a clear mind and make fewer mistakes.

Typically, two pills would suffice. But Ye Chen was having none of it. "Two pills? How could two pills be enough! If the other direct disciples see this, they'll think I, Ye Chen, can't afford more! Ten pills, it must be ten! You need ten, just for yourself! And they must be top-grade Clear Heart Pills! You're after Clear Mirror Incense? I'll go buy it right away!"

Ye Chen was especially generous when it came to gifting.

Yao Xi couldn't help but feel a little helpless, but she didn't feel embarrassed in the least. On the contrary, she accepted his offerings without hesitation. She smiled sweetly. After all, the moment she accepted the Foundation Establishment Pills, Yao Xi had already considered herself to be Ye Chen's.

It was just that Ye Chen loved her too much, which was why things hadn't gone any further yet. Since she already belonged to him, accepting a few more gifts didn't matter. After all, her breakthrough to Foundation Establishment would also benefit Ye Chen in the end.

In any case, with Ye Chen's help, Yao Xi's preparations for her breakthrough to Foundation Establishment were complete, and all the necessary pills and items were ready.

"Junior Brother, wait for me to come out!"

In front of the sect's designated seclusion cave, Yao Xi embraced Ye Chen tightly. Their bodies, perfectly fitting together, left no space between them.

Ye Chen smiled warmly. "I wish you a smooth and successful breakthrough, Senior Sister. May you become a powerful Foundation Establishment cultivator."

To break through to Foundation Establishment, most cultivators needed to enter seclusion for about a month. Of course, it wasn't the breakthrough itself that took so long. It was the time spent adjusting one's state, finding the right moment, breaking through, and solidifying the new realm—all of these steps combined made up the time.

Though this meant that Ye Chen would not be seeing Yao Xi for over a month, he wasn't in any rush. If it came down to it, he could always go and send a gift to that one female disciple with a twenty-fold multiplier. Though she was ten times less than Yao Xi, it would still be acceptable for a quick fix.

As for whether Yao Xi would successfully break through, Ye Chen didn't have any strong opinions. A successful breakthrough would, of course, be ideal. He himself was planning to break through to Foundation Establishment by the end of the year at the latest.

If Yao Xi became a Foundation Establishment cultivator ahead of him, it would be more convenient for him to send her the necessary items for her breakthrough. The feedback he would receive could be directly used once he himself reached that stage.

However, if Yao Xi were to fail, he would continue sending her Foundation Establishment Pills and other treasures that could increase her chances of success. In any case, he wouldn't lose out.

...

After sending Yao Xi into her seclusion cave, Ye Chen leisurely made his way to the market. He intended to see if there was anything he fancied, something he could buy as a gift. As he passed by, the disciples who saw him all bowed respectfully.

In the past, everyone had thought Ye Chen was a nobody, someone who might not even remain a direct disciple in a few years. No one bothered to get close to him.

But ever since the Sect Competition, when Ye Chen had decisively defeated Fa Zhen, his reputation had completely changed. Now, he was undoubtedly the number one disciple of the Green Cloud Sect.

In the cultivation world, strength commanded respect. Anyone who saw Ye Chen had to address him as "Senior Brother Ye." Some even called him "Big Brother Ye," trying to curry favor with him.

...

"Senior Brother Ye, I have a second-grade Beauty Pill here. It may have been stored for a long time, but at least half of its effects remain. You should buy it and give it to Senior Sister; she'll surely love it."

"Senior Brother Ye, look at this hand-stitched undergarment I made with spiritual silk. See the hollowed-out design? It also contains a Heart Protection Formation. If you gift it, both she and you will benefit..."

"Senior Brother Ye, what do you think of this cloak? It has a detection-warding function. Any beautiful female cultivator who wears it will appear unrecognizable, making it impossible for anyone to discern her gender. It can protect female cultivators when they travel, preventing them from being targeted by rogue cultivators..."

...

As Ye Chen listened to the various calls of the vendors, the corners of his mouth twitched. The majority of the things being recommended to him were clearly meant for female cultivators.

Seriously? Do they really think I'm that much of a simp? Is that the kind of person I am?

Ye Chen smirked, choosing to ignore them as he continued to leisurely browse. Before long, he came across a symbol that looked somewhat ancient.

"Heart Command Symbol! A second-grade talisman. For use by cultivators, it ensures that the target cannot betray or harm the user's interests."

At the sight of this, Ye Chen's eyes lit up.

This is interesting!

He had an immediate need for such a talisman. After all, with the system in his possession, there were many secrets he needed to protect. But knowing someone's face doesn't guarantee knowing their heart.

Ye Chen found it hard to ensure that the people around him would never betray him. He had witnessed too much deceit and scheming in his past life. Backstabbing incidents were far too common.

Ye Chen had always been pessimistic when it came to human nature. Thus, he had been looking for something like this for a long time. He hadn't expected to come across it today.

"How much is this talisman?" Ye Chen asked.

The disciple selling the talisman saw Ye Chen and quickly stood up. "Senior Brother Ye!"

After glancing at the talisman, the disciple hesitated before speaking, "Senior Brother Ye, this talisman does have a few flaws. First, the target must be willing for the talisman to work. Using it forcefully is ineffective. Second, the user's cultivation must be higher than the target's. If the target surpasses the user's cultivation, the talisman will lose its effect.

"Third, even if it works, it won't allow you to command the target. They cannot betray you, but they are not under your direct control. I've checked, and the Heart Command Talisman is an ancient talisman. However, after the enslavement talisman was introduced, the Heart Command Talisman gradually fell out of use and was eventually lost."

"After all, the enslavement talisman can directly force someone to act. With a thought, you can make the person suffer immense pain, and with a stronger thought, you can even kill them. Compared to that, the Heart Command Talisman is rather mild in its effects."

Ye Chen's reputation was well-established here. The disciple, knowing Ye Chen's strength, was cautious, ensuring that he wouldn't feel deceived. He wanted to avoid any potential trouble in case Ye Chen felt swindled.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow at the explanation. In comparison to the enslavement talisman, the Heart Command Talisman was indeed milder.

But that was exactly what Ye Chen needed. He had seen the enslavement talisman before, but honestly, it didn't feel right for his situation. What kind of decent person would place an enslavement talisman on a female cultivator who followed them? And wouldn't the female cultivator herself feel uncomfortable?

A maid was just a title, but once an enslavement talisman was used, that person became a true servant. The Heart Command Talisman, on the other hand, was perfect for Ye Chen's needs. As long as the person didn't betray him and spread his secrets, that was all he required. Everything else was secondary!

"Senior Brother, this is a second-grade talisman," the disciple continued softly. "While its effects are not as powerful as the enslavement talisman, it has become rare and is considered valuable. I originally planned to sell it to the disciples or elders from the Talisman Peak; they might have an interest in studying it. So, I've priced it at one high-grade spirit stone."

The disciple spoke quietly, afraid that Ye Chen would think he was trying to overcharge.

Ye Chen nodded in response.

Ye Chen had studied talismans and was even a perfectionist in first-grade talisman crafting. Though he couldn't create second-grade enslavement talismans, he knew well that making second-grade enslavement talismans was extremely difficult. The materials were rare, and the price was steep.

One high-grade spirit stone was usually the minimum price for such talismans. While the Heart Command Talisman was priced at one high-grade spirit stone, it seemed less valuable in terms of its effects. But it perfectly suited Ye Chen's needs!

Without hesitation, Ye Chen took out a spirit stone and, after confirming that the talisman was intact, completed the transaction.

Holding the Heart Command Talisman in his hand, Ye Chen began to ponder who he should give it to in order to double its effect. After all, one Heart Command Talisman would not be enough. Just for the people around him, such as Lu Jing and Lin Ke'er, two would be necessary.

As he thought, Ye Chen continued on his way back to Sword Peak. Suddenly, a figure stepped into his path.

Looking at those familiar, graceful legs, perfectly proportioned and slender, Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. The person blocking his way could only be Sun Ruoxin.

Chapter 106: Is This a Trap?

Upon seeing Sun Ruoxin, Ye Chen's expression remained largely unchanged. To be honest, when it came to appearance, Sun Ruoxin was slightly more alluring than Lin Ke'er and Lu Jing. She had a unique charm of her own.

With those long, shapely legs and a figure that was neither too large nor too small, just the right size to be perfectly grasped, she was indeed striking. But her personality, however, was utterly selfish and self-serving.

To be truthful, with the gifts of the flying boat and the Green Cloud Sect spot, even an ice queen would have shown some warmth to ease things. Yet Sun Ruoxin still tried to manipulate and control him. She had no conscience at all.

So, after giving her a brief glance, Ye Chen couldn't be bothered to say a word, intending to head straight for Sword Peak.

"Junior Brother, please forgive me! I truly know I was wrong!"

Sun Ruoxin said with her eyes red, her voice filled with desperation.

Ye Chen didn't even look at her, lifting his leg and preparing to leave. But then, to his surprise, Sun Ruoxin suddenly dropped to her knees in front of him, clutching onto his leg. "Junior Brother, don't go. I wasn't lying. I really do understand my mistakes! I've thought about all the things I've done before, and I feel like such a terrible person. I often wake up in the middle of the night, slapping myself in regret.

"Junior Brother, I didn't come today to beg for your forgiveness. I'm not foolish enough to think I can win back your forgiveness. I just want to ask, Junior Brother, for a chance to make up for everything. Junior Brother, will you come to my room tonight? I'll repay you well, and after tonight, I'll never appear before you again."

Still holding onto Ye Chen's leg, Sun Ruoxin tilted her head back, her eyes filled with pleading.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow at her words. The sight of her clinging to his leg and gazing up at him felt strange. But Ye Chen knew well what cultivation technique Sun Ruoxin practiced—before reaching Foundation Establishment, she couldn't lose her virginity, or her chances of reaching Foundation Establishment would be practically nonexistent.

Yet here she was, inviting him to her room. It didn't seem quite right.

To be honest, with Ye Chen's understanding of Sun Ruoxin's selfish and self-serving nature, there was no way she would simply give up her hope of reaching Foundation Establishment just because she regretted her actions and wanted to make amends.

Could she really be trying to set him up? If he went to her room, she could claim that he was the one who made the move. But Ye Chen had the Peak Master backing him—there was no way anything serious would happen if things escalated.

What was Sun Ruoxin really up to?

Ye Chen couldn't help but show a look of confusion.

Seeing Ye Chen's wariness, Sun Ruoxin let out a bitter laugh. Her actions had made it impossible for her to regain Ye Chen's trust. With a serious tone, Sun Ruoxin spoke, "Junior Brother, I'm not lying. I'm leaving Green Cloud Sect!"

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow.

Leaving Green Cloud Sect? She had worked so hard to enter the Green Cloud Sect, and now she was leaving?

Ye Chen became even more skeptical. He had a lot to do and didn't want to waste more time on Sun Ruoxin. He lifted his leg to leave.

However, Sun Ruoxin clung to his leg tightly, a miserable smile on her face. "Junior Brother, I'm telling the truth. The sect has forced me to take on a mission, and I can't refuse. My teammate is Kong Xiangbei! He's been stuck at the eighth layer of Qi Refining without breaking through, and who knows what will happen during this mission.

"The sect's mandatory task means I have no choice but to go. But once I do, it's certain I'll be used as a furnace to help him breakthrough. After that, I'll either have to submit or be killed by him. And I don't want any of that. Since I can't avoid this fate, I'd rather help you, Junior Brother, with your breakthrough.

"Right now, you're at the eighth layer of Qi Refining. With my help, you'll surely break through to the ninth layer. Consider it my gift of redemption. After I give myself to you, I'll leave the Green Cloud Sect. Without value, the Kong family won't target me anymore."

Looking at Sun Ruoxin and recalling what Kong Xiangbei had said at the arena, Ye Chen began to believe her. To be honest, Ye Chen did feel some disdain for Sun Ruoxin.

Of course, part of that was due to her low multiplier, which couldn't meet his needs. But even with his disdain, he didn't want to leave her for another man to use as a furnace.

Though Sun Ruoxin wasn't his woman, Ye Chen couldn't shake the feeling of being betrayed. He looked down at her. Despite her low multiplier and self-serving nature, she wasn't entirely useless. She could help him improve his cultivation. Breaking through sooner was always better.

Moreover, Sun Ruoxin's father, Sun Ye, had once been in charge of the Green Cloud Market. His storage ring was nearly a third full of treasures, but he hadn't had the time or chance to sell any of them. Perhaps Sun Ye could help him out in that regard.

After a moment of contemplation, Ye Chen decided to test Sun Ruoxin. He needed to confirm whether she had truly repented, as she claimed, or if she had simply run into trouble and was now playing the pity card to seek his help.

After all, as a direct disciple with the Peak Master's backing, Ye Chen might have the means to solve her problems. The results of this test would determine how Ye Chen would treat Sun Ruoxin from then on. He took out the Heart Command Talisman he had just bought.

Bending down, Ye Chen smiled and said softly, "Senior Sister, here's a gift for you."

Sun Ruoxin, who had her head tilted back, froze. She gazed at Ye Chen's warm smile, one she had only seen in her memories, and the way he was presenting her with a gift. Her eyes immediately filled with tears...

She didn't know if Ye Chen's change of heart was because she was willing to offer her body to help him break through his cultivation, but Sun Ruoxin didn't care.

Just hearing Ye Chen call her "Senior Sister" again was the greatest surprise. Her hands released Ye Chen's leg, trembling slightly as she took the talisman he offered her. Her eyes sparkled with the joy of having regained something precious.

"Senior Sister, won't you see what the gift is? Is it to your liking?" Ye Chen asked, grinning.

Sun Ruoxin, her face filled with joy, shook her head. "As long as it's from Junior Brother, I'll love whatever it is."

The next moment, a system notification sounded in Ye Chen's mind.

"Gift successfully given!"

"Gift: Heart Command Talisman."

"Processing feedback..."

"Fifteen-fold feedback in progress..."

"System detects that the gift is of great importance to the recipient, exceeding their expectations, causing a significant shift in their mindset, triggering a critical hit reward!"

"Reward: Fifteen Ancient Heart Command Talismans!"

Hearing the system's notification about the reward, Ye Chen's smile deepened. Fifteen talismans should be more than enough, right?

Most importantly, the critical hit reward had been triggered. This meant that Sun Ruoxin was truly pleased and happy with the gift. So it seemed that Sun Ruoxin had really repented.

"That talisman I just gave you is called the Heart Command Talisman," Ye Chen said. "I've already infused it with my blood. Once you use it, you'll never be able to betray me or harbor any ill intentions toward me. But you won't be under my control either—you'll still have your independence. Once you use the talisman, follow me up the mountain. If not, you're free to leave."

Ye Chen didn't give Sun Ruoxin any time to think. He casually began making his way toward Sword Peak. As the Sword Peak formation recognized the token on Ye Chen, it immediately opened a large light barrier.

Ye Chen stepped inside.

After hearing Ye Chen's words, Sun Ruoxin didn't hesitate for even a second and pressed the Heart Command Talisman to her forehead. As long as it meant receiving Junior Brother's forgiveness, Sun Ruoxin would willingly accept anything—even the enslavement talisman, if it were required.

The Heart Command Talisman flashed brightly before turning to ash in an instant. With a face full of joy, Sun Ruoxin rushed toward Sword Peak. Finally, she had earned Junior Brother's forgiveness.