ISWI Chapter 113-114 (Patreon)

Chapter 113: I Might Have Been Too Confident!

Fa Zhen arrived swiftly and departed just as quickly, as if he had never been there at all. Neither Ye Chen nor Su Yuxuan seemed to notice his presence.

"Senior Brother, all the good things along the way, you picked up first. This spiritual fire, it should be mine, right?" Su Yuxuan said, smiling sweetly as she approached Ye Chen.

Ye Chen shook his head, speaking earnestly, "I can give it to you, and then you can take it. If I don't give it to you, you can't just take it!"

Ye Chen hadn't yet decided who to give the spiritual fire to. Even if he were to give it to Su Yuxuan, he would need to possess it first.

A dangerous gleam flickered in Su Yuxuan's eyes.

"Giggle, Senior Brother, you really are domineering. It's truly a pity you're not with our Misty Sect. But, with your strength, aren't you pretending a bit too much?"

After playing these many days, Su Yuxuan's smile faded, and she grew tired of the game. Auras burst forth behind her instantaneously. Streams of blood-red light shot from the auras like a torrential downpour, aiming directly at Ye Chen.

Su Yuxuan was confident. In just three years, she had reached the ninth level of Qi Refining and swept through her sect. There was hardly anyone in her level who could match her. She had even killed a certain Foundation Establishment elder's beloved grandson, and when the elder attacked in a rage, he couldn't defeat her. Though she was gravely injured, the elder also sustained minor injuries.

Su Yuxuan was even confident that, at the cost of her own life, she could severely injure or even kill that Foundation Establishment elder. Being able to trade one for one with a Foundation Establishment cultivator during the Qi Refining phase, she was undoubtedly unrivaled among her peers.

Thus, even though she knew that Ye Chen was the top disciple and the premier successor of Green Cloud Sect, Su Yuxuan was confident she could kill him with a flick of her wrist. To her, Ye Chen was just a slightly interesting person she had met in this dull secret realm. She had been pretending all along, and Ye Chen had actually believed her.

How laughable!

…

Ye Chen immediately executed the Heaven-Destroying Hand. A massive purple-golden palm shot forward, meeting the blood rain Su Yuxuan had unleashed.

To his surprise, however, the Heaven-Destroying Hand, which had never failed him before, disintegrated on contact with the blood rain! The moment the golden palm touched the blood, it was riddled with countless tiny holes, then dissipated entirely.

Ye Chen frowned. This demonic sect's techniques were indeed strange; her blood rain carried a bizarre corrosive power. Under normal circumstances, Ye Chen's Heaven-Destroying Hand could hold its own even against the fiercest sword cultivators—he had once bested Li Xiaoyao with it.

Ye Chen activated the Majestic Heavenly Dragon Shield, summoning a golden barrier. Although Su Yuxuan's techniques were peculiar, Ye Chen observed that her blood rain had already halved in quantity after corroding the Heaven-Destroying Hand. Confident, he believed the Majestic Heavenly Dragon Shield would surely withstand the attack.

Yet once again, Ye Chen was taken aback. As soon as the blood rain struck the shield, it vanished without a trace, as though sinking into the sea, leaving no corrosive mark behind.

Su Yuxuan's expression changed slightly, though she still smiled. "I didn't expect my dear senior brother to know the bald donkey's techniques. Are you planning to become a monk?"

Ye Chen pondered for a moment. "Majestic Heavenly Dragon, strike!"

Raising his hand toward Su Yuxuan, Ye Chen transformed the golden barrier around him into a golden dragon that charged at her. Su Yuxuan's expression shifted. She quickly transformed into a streak of blood and darted aside, narrowly evading the attack. The golden dragon, finding its target out of reach, roared angrily as it circled the sky, unwilling to give up.

Seeing this, Su Yuxuan laughed. This Buddhist technique had a clear flaw. Ye Chen sighed. The Majestic Heavenly Dragon Shield was primarily a defensive technique. While it did have some offensive capabilities, the dragon could not stray far from its caster.

Even so, Ye Chen remained undeterred. Over the past two years, he had never casually given out the spells he bestowed upon female cultivators. Each one was carefully chosen to complement his own abilities, cover his weaknesses, and adapt to various opponents. In addition to the Majestic Heavenly Dragon Shield, he had other Buddhist techniques.

Su Yuxuan's eyes glinted. It didn't matter if Ye Chen knew a Buddhist spell. If she could exhaust his spiritual energy, she would have him at her mercy. "Senior brother, let me try another move on you."

As she spoke, blood pooled at her feet, gradually covering the entire area until it formed a vast blood pool. The pool emitted eerie howls, as though vengeful spirits were ready to burst forth at any moment.

Ye Chen watched the bloody water and smiled faintly. "Such obstinance. Have you not heard the phrase: 'The sea of suffering is boundless, turn back and find the shore'?"

A golden wheel of light appeared behind him, radiating an infinite glow. The Buddha's light illuminated everything. The moment it touched the blood pool, the blood evaporated like snow under the spring sun. The wailing of the ghosts turned into shrieks before fading entirely.

Furious, Su Yuxuan stomped her foot. Why did Ye Chen know so many Buddhist techniques? She hadn't heard of any Buddhist sects in the Eastern Domain.

"Senior brother, I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now," Su Yuxuan announced, knowing she was no match for him. Confident in her speed, she turned into a streak of blood and darted into the distance.

Coincidentally, Ye Chen also had faith in his speed. Seeing her flee, he transformed into a streak of azure light and gave chase. Watching Ye Chen close in from behind, Su Yuxuan hastily threw out two talismans, hoping to buy herself some time. The talismans turned into two blood spirits, clawing their way toward Ye Chen.

Ye Chen smiled faintly, his speed increasing. A golden cord began to form at his fingertips, quickly extending toward Su Yuxuan. The Blood Souls stood no chance against the Golden Light Rope; they evaporated upon contact.

As the Golden Light Rope approached her, Su Yuxuan frantically cast spell after spell, but each was effortlessly deflected by its radiant light. Finally, the rope caught her by the ankle, binding her tightly in an instant.

Looking at the subdued Su Yuxuan, Ye Chen nodded in satisfaction. Moreover, he specifically chose the Tortoise Shell Binding. He used this method with Buddhist techniques, would the Buddha be upset with him? But the Buddha probably wouldn't mind such small matters, would he?

...

Too restraining. Truly, far too restraining. Since entering the world of cultivation, Su Yuxuan had never fought such a stifling battle. She felt as though she was not facing a disciple of the Green Cloud Sect. But rather a damn Buddhist monk.

The variety of spells Ye Chen commanded was truly vast. Most importantly, he seemed to have mastered each technique to perfection. What kind of monster was this?

During the Qi Refining phase, everyone else was busy cultivating; who had the time to master so many techniques so thoroughly? How extraordinary must Ye Chen's comprehension be to achieve this?

As the battle continued, Su Yuxuan's confidence was thoroughly shattered. She had once believed herself unbeatable below the Foundation Establishment stage. Now, she felt she had been rather arrogant before.

Su Yuxuan lay on the ground, somewhat incredulous that she had been reduced to a prisoner so swiftly.

"How is your Buddhist magic so powerful? We don't have any Buddhist forces in the Eastern Domain, do we?"

Despite being captured, Su Yuxuan was calm enough to inquire.

Ye Chen admired his handiwork for a moment before retrieving a specially prepared jade box, designed to contain the spiritual fire. Such boxes were expensive; one cost fifty medium-grade spirit stones. He casually responded, "Taught by Buddha himself!"

Refining spiritual fire was risky, but merely containing it was straightforward.

Efficiently, Ye Chen secured the spiritual fire within the box. Turning back, he saw Su Yuxuan rolling her eyes, clearly finding his answer absurd.

But Ye Chen was not lying; indeed, several apparitions of Buddha had appeared to teach him these techniques during his training. Otherwise, with his own comprehension skills, how could he possibly have mastered so many spells?

Su Yuxuan was about to say something more when both simultaneously turned their heads towards the cave entrance. A head slowly peered in. But as the newcomer saw the situation inside the cavern, his eyes widened in shock.

Ye Chen stood there holding the special jade box, while the demoness Su Yuxuan was bound on the ground by golden ropes. The manner in which the ropes were tied seemed particularly odd.

Fa Zhen hadn't gone far initially. Hearing the commotion of their battle, he had stopped, hoping perhaps both would end up weakening each other. Now seeing the outcome, he was astonished that Ye Chen had managed to defeat Su Yuxuan.

Su Yuxuan was a dominant figure within the demonic sects, definitely not weak. If Ye Chen had beaten her, could he possibly be at his last gasp of strength? This thought made Fa Zhen itch to make a move.

Ye Chen, spotting him, couldn't help but laugh. He reopened the jade box to show the leaping spiritual fire inside and deliberately coughed a couple of times. If Fa Zhen really entertained the idea of stealing it, it would be a perfect opportunity to give him another thrashing.

The Magic Peak lineage had marked false information on the map, wasting much of Ye Chen's time. They deserved a beating! Moreover, his master had always disliked the Magic Peak lineage. Recording another beatdown with the Water Mirror Technique would surely please his master.

Unfortunately for Fa Zhen, while not the strongest, his perception was quite sharp.

"I just heard the sound of the fight and thought to come over to help direct disciple Ye. Since you have already handled it, I'll be leaving first!"

As his words fell, Fa Zhen, sensing that Ye Chen was fishing for an opportunity, took off running again.

Ye Chen merely raised an eyebrow. He could run now, but not forever.

At this year's sect competition, I'll have another chance to deal with him. Once I break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, I'll take on his master as well.

Turning back, Ye Chen noticed Su Yuxuan watching him.

"Senior Brother, the way I'm tied up is uncomfortable; my thighs hurt... Let me go, I can do whatever you want."

Her words, paired with her innocent yet seductive expression and the restless shaking of her feet, were indeed veins throbbing.

However, Ye Chen didn't react at all. After all, how could a woman like Su Yuxuan simply admit defeat? One lapse in vigilance and the tables could turn.

Ye Chen wasn't about to let his guard down and give her a chance. Moreover, Ye Chen still had an important decision to make! And that was: who should receive the spiritual fire?

"Su Yuxuan, do you know how to refine pills or craft weapons?"

Su Yuxuan looked puzzled but shook her head without hesitation. She had only been cultivating for three years; where would she find the time to learn these arts?

Ye Chen nodded and continued: "What were you planning to do with the spiritual fire you tried to take from me?"

Su Yuxuan responded straightforwardly: "I was going to sell it to those elders, of course. The Green Stone Fire conflicts with my Blood Spiritual Root; unless I can find a rare flame like the Bone Spirit Cold Fire, it's useless to me. But spiritual fire is rare, and even a third-grade one could definitely be exchanged for a Thousand Souls Human Emperor Banner with a mid-stage Foundation Establishment main soul!

"You know, Senior Brother, I've only been cultivating for three years, and I don't have time to refine these magic tools, so I momentarily grew greedy. Senior Brother, I realize my mistake now; I was too vain! From now on, I'll only take what Senior Brother gives me. I absolutely won't dare to take what you don't give. Senior Brother, please let me go..."

Su Yuxuan's plea was pitiful. But Ye Chen remained unmoved. After hearing Su Yuxuan's words, he made up his mind…

Chapter 114: Spirit Turtle Blood Pill

Over the years, Ye Chen had grown increasingly adept at understanding the rules of the system. If there was a chance to trigger a critical hit, he would always opt for it. While Yao Xi and Su Yuxuan were separated by a mere twenty-fold difference, Su Yuxuan neither knew how to refine pills nor craft weapons. Moreover, she had no use for them personally. It was very unlikely she would trigger a critical hit.

And Yao Xi? An alchemist could definitely use spiritual fire. Having recently failed a breakthrough, her need for spiritual fire was even greater. Gifting it to Yao Xi would surely trigger a critical hit. The choice was obvious.

Not to mention that Fa Zhen had seen him acquire the spiritual fire. Failing to bring it back to the sect would be difficult to explain. If he were to be treated as a traitor, Ye Chen would be troublesome.

Ye Chen secured the box containing the spiritual fire. He looked Su Yuxuan up and down.

Meeting Ye Chen's gaze, Su Yuxuan smiled coyly, "If Senior Brother decides not to kill me, you might as well let me go! I truly realize my mistake… and I will make up for my previous errors to compensate you!"

As she spoke, she stuck out her pink tongue and lightly licked her lips, making her look even more enticing. One's imagination could easily run wild.

However, Ye Chen remained unmoved. He glanced at the time; the system's cooldown would end tomorrow. With a fifty-fold return in sight, it would be a waste not to use it.

With that thought, Ye Chen took out his recent gains.

"You can choose one item per week, and tomorrow it's time again, so I'll let you choose in advance!"

Su Yuxuan's eyes brimmed with confusion.

You've already captured and bound me like this, and now you're talking about choosing rewards? Are you out of your mind? Just touch me, will you?

Su Yuxuan, beautiful and exceptionally talented, had always been the object of desire within the Misty Sect, with even some elders coveting her, wishing to turn her into a cauldron for their cultivation.

Therefore, Su Yuxuan had cultivated a secret technique that could instantly drain all the spiritual power from someone if they indeed tried anything against her. At that point, she would ensure Ye Chen neither lived in peace nor died in comfort.

Su Yuxuan bit her lip, then smiled coquettishly, "Senior Brother is truly honorable, a real paragon of virtue as expected from a righteous sect, truly keeping his promises! I'll take that spirit turtle then! Senior Brother, the ropes are chafing me terribly; maybe you should check if they've broken the skin?"

Su Yuxuan continued her seductive tactics. However, Ye Chen seemed not to hear her last remark. He picked up the spirit turtle and examined it.

"This Mystical Spirit Turtle, its blood is particularly rich in vital energy. It does suit your spiritual root. But are you planning to refine it directly? It seems the absorption rate wouldn't be very high. I know of a formula for Spirit Turtle Blood Pills. If you take it as a pill after I refine it, the effects will be at least twice as good as direct refining. How about it, shall I refine it into a pill for you?"

Su Yuxuan was dumbfounded. She increasingly felt that Ye Chen was more bizarre than any of the elders back at her sect. What exactly are you doing? Why suddenly decide to make pills? Is this some new form of torment? Are you planning to throw me into the pill furnace?

Seeing no opposition from Su Yuxuan, Ye Chen took out a top-grade pill furnace from his storage ring. He tossed in some spirit stones to power the spiritual fire. He was actually starting to make pills.

Ye Chen was not joking. Giving away the spirit turtle as is was just providing a basic resource. But refining it into a pill and then giving it away could increase its value by at least tenfold. Why sell raw materials when finished products are much more profitable?

Since the gift could only be delivered tomorrow, he figured he might as well make the most of the time and maximize the benefits.

…

As Su Yuxuan watched Ye Chen ignite the fire, prepare the herbs, and dissect the spirit turtle, her expression was filled with question marks. Was Ye Chen really going to make pills? What on earth was going on?

Even though Su Yuxuan had secretly read books in her sect about the numerous ways male cultivators tormented female cultivators—over a thousand methods described—none matched the experience she was undergoing now.

Su Yuxuan firmly believed that Ye Chen must have designs on her. Even before entering the secret realm, he had looked at her with keen interest. Throughout their time together, he often glanced at her delicate feet and face. Thus, having captured her, he surely wouldn't miss the opportunity to take advantage of her.

But why would he start making pills now? Could it be… a setup?

Suddenly, it dawned on Su Yuxuan. This was a new tactic some male cultivators in her sect had summarized: capturing female cultivators and letting them know what they were in for… But initially keeping their distance... The female cultivators, during the wait, would become fearful or endlessly imagine what was to come…

It had to be this!

At this realization, Su Yuxuan truly began to panic. Such demonic tactics… Was Ye Chen really not an undercover agent sent by her own Misty Sect?

From then on, no matter what Su Yuxuan said, Ye Chen completely ignored her, focusing solely on refining the pills to ensure their quality was the highest possible. This, in turn, would enhance the value of the fifty-fold feedback he anticipated.

Seeing Ye Chen disregard her entirely only heightened her anxiety, the ropes themselves were tied uncomfortably, making her feel uneasy. Her mind couldn't help but wander to when Ye Chen would make his move. How he would make his move? What parts of her he would use?

The more she thought about it, the more uncomfortable she felt. The more uncomfortable she felt, the more she couldn't help but think. Having only cultivated for three years, Su Yuxuan's mental fortitude was somewhat lacking. She found herself trapped in a bizarre cycle of apprehension and speculation…

…

The Spirit Turtle Blood Pills were indeed a complex concoction to prepare. As a top-tier first-grade pill, they naturally consumed more time and effort. By the next morning, the fragrant aroma of the pills filled the entire cavern.

Ye Chen gently opened the pill furnace and was immediately delighted as ten high-grade Spirit Turtle Blood Pills landed in his hand. Each pill was suffused with rich blood vitality, perfect for cultivators over the age of thirty. Just one would replenish the deficiencies brought on by age, greatly enhancing the chances of a breakthrough. The only regret was that this was his first attempt, so none of the pills had reached the top grade. Otherwise, the effects would have been even better.

"Su Yuxuan, you..." Ye Chen turned, intending to give her the pills. However, when he looked back, he saw Su Yuxuan lying on the ground, her eyes rolled back, with saliva and sweat dripping from her smooth chin. Her body trembled slightly...

Hmm? He had simply been making pills—what was going on here? If it were anyone else, this would certainly be an unattractive sight. But Su Yuxuan's beauty added an unusual charm to the scene.

Though Ye Chen wasn't the type to indulge in such things. He waved his hand in front of her, "What's going on with you? Are you alright? Still alive? I didn't plan on killing you. Are you activating some secret technique to commit suicide? No need for that, really!"

The system cooldown had ended.

Ye Chen used his Emperor's Qi Viewing Technique to check Su Yuxuan. Her body was fine, though her spirit seemed a little worn down. It was probably due to her genius pride; now that she was a prisoner, she couldn't accept it.

Ye Chen cast a few defensive spells on himself, then nonchalantly waved his hand. The ropes that bound her instantly dissolved.

Su Yuxuan, who had been lost in her thoughts, snapped back to reality and saw that the ropes had disappeared. Though her spiritual power was still sealed, she could break free anytime. However, she didn't. She was hoping Ye Chen would lower his guard so she could make a move.

She looked at him warily. Ye Chen's methods were truly insidious. What was he up to now?

Ye Chen casually tossed the ten freshly made Spirit Turtle Blood Pills into the air toward Su Yuxuan.

"I told you, these are for you! Eat them soon for the best effect! Well, the secret realm time is almost up, I'm leaving now."

With that, Ye Chen turned and started walking away.

Su Yuxuan narrowed her eyes, watching Ye Chen's back. She was sure he was just trying to trick her again and torment her. The two sects were enemies. Ye Chen had coveted her from the start. There was no way he would let her go so easily. But to her surprise, Ye Chen seemed to genuinely be leaving. Within a moment, he was already at one of the exits of the cavern.

Su Yuxuan breathed a sigh of relief. Despite the murderous intent burning inside her, wishing she could turn Ye Chen to ash for tormenting her, his strength and tactics had made even the usually fearless Su Yuxuan feel unsettled. But the next moment, she grew wary again.

Ye Chen stopped, turned around, and said, "Su Yuxuan, I look forward to our next meeting!" And with that, he completely left.

Su Yuxuan bit her lip. At that moment, she understood why Ye Chen had spared her. It was because he wanted her to remain trapped in fear, tormenting herself. And then, when the time was right, he would take everything from her.

So arrogant. So utterly arrogant.

Su Yuxuan clenched her fists, resolved. Next time, she would repay the humiliation Ye Chen had given her a hundredfold. She glanced at the pill bottle on the ground. She thought of kicking it away, but after a moment of hesitation, she picked it up instead. She sniffed it gently, and her eyes instantly lit up!