ISWI Chapter 109-110 (Patreon)

Chapter 109: Yao Xi's Failure

"Middle Mountain Secret Realm?"

The moment Ye Chen heard the name, it sparked a memory. It was said to be a place from ancient times when immortals still existed in this world. Back then, powerful beings were constantly battling, and the outer universe had shed many fragments of space. These fragments were then used by the cultivation world to create various secret realms.

This was the general origin story of secret realms. Green Cloud Sect had its own secret realm in Middle Mountain, where many spiritual herbs were said to be found. Additionally, the spiritual Qi there was especially abundant, three times as much as in the outside world.

But only Qi Refining disciples were allowed to enter. And the secret realm only opened once every three years. Entering it to gather spiritual herbs could yield great resources, and even just the act of cultivation there was beneficial. So,the disciples were always eager to go.

Occasionally, someone would even find a top-tier spiritual herb and instantly become wealthy. However, Ye Chen wasn't too interested. Entering the secret realm took a month, wasting precious time that could be spent on accumulating rewards and cultivating with his maidservants.

As for the spiritual herbs, to be honest, Ye Chen didn't care much about them. If he needed anything, he could just buy it with spirit stones. In short, Ye Chen felt no real attraction to the secret realm and didn't see any reason to go just for the sake of joining the crowd.

"Can the spot be given to someone else?" Ye Chen asked.

There were only ten spots available for each secret realm entrance. Since Ye Chen didn't want to go, he considered passing the spot to someone else. Perhaps they could find something interesting there.

The steward immediately shook his head. "Apologies, Direct Disciple Ye, the spots cannot be transferred."

Seeing Ye Chen raise an eyebrow, the steward hurriedly explained, "This is a new rule implemented by the Sect Leader after the Sect Competition. It's not a decision made by the Internal Affairs Hall."

The steward had more to say. The reason for the new rule was entirely because of Ye Chen. After learning that Ye Chen had given away a spot for the Five Elements Cave, the Sect Leader felt it was too casual and that it undermined the sect's resources. That was why the rule had been introduced.

Ultimately, everything had stemmed from Ye Chen himself. And now, even though he had no interest in going, he couldn't pass the spot to someone else.

Ye Chen felt increasingly uninterested. But the steward spoke up at this moment: "Three years ago, a disciple in the secret realm found traces of spiritual fire, but they couldn't locate the secret realm before it closed, so they had to leave without success."

Spiritual fire?

Hearing this, Ye Chen's eyes immediately lit up! He certainly knew what spiritual fire was—one of the rarest and most powerful types of spiritual beings in the cultivation world.

Spiritual fire was crucial for alchemists and weapon smiths. It could directly control flames without the need for any formations. Moreover, since spiritual fire was a naturally occurring phenomenon from the heavens, it was far stronger than ordinary earthly fire. It enhanced the effects of pill refining and qi refining, and it could even add a variety of effects related to fire.

But the value of spiritual fire wasn't limited to this. Spiritual fire itself was extremely powerful. Owning spiritual fire was almost equivalent to having the most advanced fire-type magic, and it could also enhance other fire-type spells.

The most important aspect, however, was that spiritual fire could help cultivators refine spirit Qi or medicinal potency, significantly speeding up their cultivation. It could also completely purify any impurities, making a cultivator's spiritual energy even more refined and potent.

Ye Chen had been interested in spiritual fire for a long time. After all, anything that could increase the speed of cultivation was something Ye Chen would love. But it was practically impossible to buy. Now that he had heard news of spiritual fire, Ye Chen's interest was piqued.

"Do you know what grade the spiritual fire is?" Ye Chen asked curiously.

"They say it's third-grade, probably the Green Stone Fire... but the disciples didn't get a clear enough look, so they can't be certain."

Third-grade?

Ye Chen's eyes brightened even more.

Spiritual fire was ranked in nine grades, starting from the first grade and going up to the ninth grade, with the ninth grade being the best. A third-grade spiritual fire was already quite impressive.

The most important thing, however, was that Ye Chen had the system's feedback. If his master needed it, the fire's power could be multiplied by a hundred times. Though most sword cultivators didn't care much about external things,

Ye Chen's master might not value a third-grade spiritual fire. But even if his master didn't want it, there was still Yao Xi, who had a thirty-fold multiplier waiting for him. With a thirty-fold multiplier plus a critical hit, he could soar to new heights...

"I want a spot!" Ye Chen spoke without hesitation, claiming the spot for himself.

The steward nodded immediately. He then informed Ye Chen that Middle Mountain was over a thousand miles away from Green Cloud Sect, so an elder would be leading the group. The departure would be early in seven days.

Ye Chen felt exceptionally delighted. If he could obtain the spiritual fire, his cultivation would advance at a remarkable pace. His spiritual power would grow purer, more refined. Breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage would then be within easy reach.

Yet, on that very day, unexpected news spread through the sect. Senior Sister Yao Xi had failed her attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. She had already emerged from her secluded meditation.

When Ye Chen heard this, he could only shake his head. As expected, advancing to Foundation Establishment was no simple matter. Even someone like Yao Xi, with her ninth-grade spiritual root, Foundation Establishment Pill, and the advantage of the Five Elements Cave, had failed to make the breakthrough. He anticipated it would be even harder for himself.

Therefore, this spiritual fire had become something Ye Chen was determined to seize at all costs. Today happened to be the day for delivering gifts.

Initially, Ye Chen had planned to visit the twentyfold female cultivator. Now that Yao Xi had emerged from seclusion, it was naturally unnecessary. Without delay, Ye Chen proceeded to Yao Xi's courtyard.

…

"Senior Sister, don't be sad. You'll definitely succeed next time."

"Senior Sister, there's something I need to tell you."

"On the very night you began secluded meditation, Ye Chen took Sun Ruoxin up to Sword Peak."

"Sun Ruoxin has since left the sect to become Ye Chen's maidservant."

"And there's also a woman from Talisman Peak at the eighth layer of Qi Refining. I heard Ye Chen has been giving her gifts these past weeks, causing her to quarrel several times with her male companions..."

"Senior Sister, as soon as you went into seclusion, Ye Chen immediately sought out other women—and not just one, but two."

"What does this show? It shows Ye Chen simply isn't reliable and isn't someone you can spend your life with. Senior Sister, you'd better avoid seeing Ye Chen again, or you'll definitely end up hurt."

Yao Xi's complexion was slightly pale, her eyes vacant and distracted. Her junior sister stood beside her, comforting and nagging incessantly. However, as Yao Xi listened to news about Ye Chen taking Sun Ruoxin as a maid and sending gifts to the twentyfold female cultivator, she showed not the slightest hint of anger; rather, a faint smile appeared upon her lips.

Her junior sister was stunned. "Senior Sister, aren't you upset?"

Yao Xi smiled, shaking her head softly. "You don't understand. You only see Ye Chen's actions as unfaithfulness, believing he can't survive a single day without female companionship. But I alone understand his true intentions. Ye Chen must have believed I would definitely succeed in reaching Foundation Establishment. And once I succeeded, a gap would have appeared between us.

"For a female Foundation Establishment cultivator to choose a male Qi Refining cultivator as her dao companion would surely attract criticism and cause many inconveniences. And our lifespans would no longer match. Ye Chen didn't wish for me to bear this burden, nor did he want to hinder my path.

"That's precisely why, after I entered seclusion, Ye Chen deliberately approached other women, aiming to hurt me or anger me, so that I would sever all ties with him. But the more Ye Chen acted this way, the clearer I saw his hidden pain, and the more determined I became never to leave him. Unfortunately, I've disappointed Ye Chen—I failed to break through."

At this point, Yao Xi's voice was filled with profound guilt. Ye Chen clearly needed the Foundation Establishment Pill far more than she did. Yet, she had still failed.

The junior sister, who had been striving to stir up trouble, felt her head begin to burn, her mind nearly short-circuiting. She hadn't anticipated that after all her instigations—Yao Xi would still manage to interpret things in her own way. Wasn't this far too absurd?

…

At this very moment, a gentle knock came at the door.

"Senior Sister, I've come to see you!"

Upon hearing this familiar voice, Yao Xi's expression filled with remorse. She opened the door. Welcoming Ye Chen inside, she spoke softly, "Junior Brother, I'm sorry... I've let you down."

After dismissing her junior sister, Yao Xi immediately expressed her guilt. A single Foundation Establishment Pill was extraordinarily precious.

Ye Chen had willingly given it to her, placing all his hopes on her breakthrough. Yet, she had disappointed him. Yao Xi's remorse was indescribable.

Yet, hearing her words, Ye Chen simply embraced her tenderly. Stroking her soft, silken hair, he gently comforted her by whispering close to her ear, "It's all right. Really, it's fine. No one can be certain of success. If you failed, then so be it. The Middle Mountain Secret Realm contains spiritual fire, capable of purifying spiritual energy and increasing the likelihood of a successful breakthrough. I'll fetch it for you myself. Moreover, there's the Sect Competition soon, which will offer another Foundation Establishment pill—this time, a superior grade one. I'll win it for you as well! So, don't worry. Just rest properly and prepare yourself for the next attempt..."

Ye Chen's gentle words further solidified Yao Xi's belief: His actions with other women during her seclusion had been solely to protect her from burdens and inconvenience. Now, after her failure, Ye Chen had immediately come to her side, already preparing rare treasures and organizing everything perfectly.

Whether it was the spiritual fire or a top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill—Which of these wasn't priceless beyond measure? Yet, Ye Chen willingly offered them all to her. The sadness of her failure, combined with Ye Chen's tender devotion, finally overwhelmed Yao Xi. Unable to restrain herself any longer, she clung tightly to Ye Chen and burst into tears...

Chapter 110: I, Ye Chen, Will Never Betray My Sect!

"Junior Brother, stay with me tonight…"

A woman, when moved beyond measure, willingly—even eagerly—wished to entrust herself entirely to the man she loved. Thus, when Ye Chen prepared to leave, Yao Xi gently grasped his hand, unwilling to let go.

Ye Chen, however, softly released her fingers. "You might have taken the Foundation Establishment Pill, but you've still sustained serious internal damage. Rest and recover well. After the sect competition this year, you can attempt another breakthrough. I'm not in a hurry, so neither should you be."

Having spoken thus, Ye Chen decisively turned and walked away.

Yao Xi lightly pressed her lips together, her eyes filled with tenderness. Her once empty heart now brimmed with Ye Chen's sincere affection. She knew clearly that Ye Chen would absolutely refrain from touching her before she reached Foundation Establishment. And even after she succeeded, he would still worry about hindering her progress and try to distance himself. But by that time, would he truly be able to escape?

If he dared to avoid her again, then she would surely drag him into her little courtyard and thoroughly exhaust him for three days and nights, making certain he understood once and for all: That even after her breakthrough, her love for him would never waver.

…

During this week, Yao Xi's failed breakthrough became the hottest topic in the sect. Some disciples expressed genuine regret. Others gloated quietly.

Meanwhile, the Middle Mountain Secret Realm was soon to open. On the flying ship heading toward the Secret Realm, the elder addressed the gathered disciples solemnly: "The Middle Mountain Secret Realm lies exactly between our sect and the Misty Demon Sect. We have fought over it for countless years, yet neither side has managed to fully control it. Thus, the rule was established—ten disciples from each sect may enter.

"Beware: the disciples of the Misty Demon Sect cultivate dark and unorthodox methods, extremely bloodthirsty by nature. Once inside, you must remain vigilant. Support one another as fellow sect members. If you spot an isolated disciple of the Misty Demon Sect, kill without mercy. If you encounter an enemy beyond your capability, flee immediately.

"Ye Chen, as a direct disciple with the strongest combat prowess—and having already broken through to the ninth level of Qi Refining—please take care of your fellow disciples. But be especially cautious of the demon cultivator named Su Yuxuan!"

Ye Chen nodded upon hearing this. He already knew of the Misty Sect. The reason it was called the Misty Demon Sect was precisely because their cultivation techniques were twisted and sinister. They frequently crafted soul banners—though, of course, the Misty Sect preferred to call them Banners of the Human Emperor. Even their body cultivation techniques required repeatedly breaking and reforging the bones throughout the body.

In short, thoroughly evil, fully matching the public's perception of demonic sects. But Ye Chen had strength on his side, and he was exceptionally equipped.

"I am invincible under Foundation Establishment!" Although a bit arrogant, this was essentially true. Thus, he felt utterly fearless. However—Su Yuxuan? Who was that?

Curious, Ye Chen immediately asked the elder.

The elder responded warmly to Ye Chen's inquiry: "Su Yuxuan is the most talented disciple of this generation in the Misty Demon Sect. Rumor has it she possesses a top-grade Blood Spiritual Root. Her spiritual root was only discovered at the age of twenty, after which she joined the sect. Astonishingly, within just three short years, she rose from a mere mortal to the ninth level of Qi Refining, defeating all direct disciples of her generation. The Sect Master of the Misty Sect has even made an exception by personally accepting her as his direct disciple."

Hearing this, the disciples heading toward the Secret Realm exclaimed in amazement. To reach the ninth level of Qi Refining from mortality within three years, her talent was truly monstrous.

Yet, Ye Chen's eyes lit up with keen interest. A female cultivator with extraordinary talent and a top-grade spiritual root. This was exactly the perfect template for a high-multiplier female cultivator!

"Is this Su Yuxuan beautiful?"

This was a crucial detail. If practicing demonic techniques had turned her into some hideous creature, that simply wouldn't do. After all, his system valued beauty above all else.

Upon hearing Ye Chen's question, the elder's lips twitched slightly. This was the enemy sect's female cultivator. Instead of worrying about possibly being outmatched, Ye Chen actually asked whether she was beautiful?

Recalling recent rumors involving this direct disciple—A renowned golden couple within the sect had their relationship disrupted by Ye Chen, leading them to quarrel incessantly and threaten breakup daily.

The elder rubbed his temples, feeling a throbbing headache coming on. "I don't really know, but she should be rather attractive. But you must remember clearly, Ye Chen—our sect and the Misty Demon Sect are sworn enemies, locked in eternal conflict. Currently, this is merely a temporary truce. The two of you would absolutely not be suitable! If you allow yourself to be seduced by her, it would constitute severe treason against the sect. Even the Peak Master himself would hunt you down relentlessly, to the bitter end."

The elder expressed deep worry over Ye Chen's possible reaction, hurriedly emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He feared that Ye Chen might indeed be tempted by this female demon cultivator. If it had been any other disciple, he wouldn't be this concerned. After all, what normal person would betray their sect merely because they were charmed by an enemy female cultivator?

Yet this direct disciple was different. Whenever a beautiful woman appeared, he completely lost his self-control. Nor was he particularly devoted; he fell in love easily and frequently. If he truly fell under the spell of a demonic beauty and betrayed the sect, even the elder himself would inevitably suffer the consequences.

The elder's earnest warnings, filled with stern seriousness, along with the peculiar gazes from the other disciples, left Ye Chen feeling rather helpless. Would he really betray the sect just for a woman? Was he that kind of man? He had merely been curious—nothing more.

Forget it, he'd stop asking. He'd see her clearly enough once they arrived at the Secret Realm. Once the system activated, everything would become crystal clear…

…

"Direct Disciple Ye, After entering the Middle Mountain Secret Realm, could you perhaps yield the spiritual fire to me? With my unique Fire Spiritual Root, the spiritual fire would provide extraordinary benefits—it's incredibly important to me. If Direct Disciple Ye can aid me, my Master will surely offer substantial compensation. Additionally, I would owe you a personal favor, and you may request anything of me."

As they approached the Secret Realm, Fa Zhen quietly approached Ye Chen, whispering his request.

Ye Chen glanced at him regretfully. This young man was undeniably handsome. He had a refined presence. And possessed a fire spiritual root. His only flaw, unfortunately, was that he was male. Had he been a woman, Ye Chen was sure his multiplier would have been quite significant.

Ye Chen sympathetically patted Fa Zhen on the shoulder, shaking his head with a sigh. "If you were a woman, I would certainly agree! What a pity you're a man… Keep dreaming!"

Ye Chen's blunt words left Fa Zhen's lips twitching involuntarily. For the first time in his life, he felt the sharp sting of discrimination simply for being a man.

At this moment, the flying ship landed atop the mountain. The Middle Mountain Secret Realm had officially been reached.

"Jie jie jie! Old man Deng, I thought your Green Cloud Sect was too timid, afraid of sacrificing your disciples, and wouldn't dare come."

Dozens of people already waited at the mountain peak. An elderly man in blood-red robes, his entire bearing eerily sinister, sneered coldly.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, about to remark sarcastically whether demon sects were incapable of normal laughter.

Just then, a familiar voice rang abruptly inside his head.

"System match detected."

"Su Yuxuan: Fiftyfold!"

Ye Chen's eyes immediately widened in astonishment.

Fiftyfold? A full twentyfold higher than Yao Xi!

Ye Chen's gaze brightened instantly, quickly scanning through the Misty Sect's gathered disciples. Soon, his eyes settled on a female cultivator leaning idly against a large tree, casually examining her nails in boredom. She wore an elegant white gown that delicately traced her alluring figure down to her slender calves. Her flawless, jade-like feet were bare, exquisitely sculpted, enticing one to gently caress them in admiration.

Though Ye Chen wasn't someone with a particular fondness for feet, even he had to objectively admit that these small feet alone easily deserved a twentyfold rating. Perhaps sensing Ye Chen's gaze upon her, the young woman slowly lifted her head, returning Ye Chen's stare with a sweet, charming smile.

Ye Chen reciprocated with a warm smile of his own. She had a delicate, petite face that radiated an innocent charm. Yet what truly drew Ye Chen's attention were her lips. In his previous life, many women underwent procedures to enhance the fullness of their lips, attempting to cultivate a more seductive appearance. Yet such artificially enhanced lips often appeared unnatural and awkward.

However, this female cultivator before him possessed naturally luscious lips, far surpassing most others in fullness, yet entirely natural in appearance. Her innate purity combined effortlessly with her sumptuous lips, creating an enticing blend of innocence and irresistible sensuality, truly worthy of a demoness of the demonic sect; the simultaneous aura of purity and allure was genuinely extraordinary. A fiftyfold multiplier was definitely not undeserved.

In short, at the very first glance of Su Yuxuan, Ye Chen knew for certain this trip to the Secret Realm had been absolutely worthwhile…