ISWI Chapter 128-129 (Patreon)

Chapter 128: Two Divine Abilities

Perhaps it was the benefits brought about by the Myriad Star Body. Or perhaps it was the miraculous nature of the Heaven-Dao Foundation Establishment method. Contrary to Ye Chen's expectation that he might fail several times before succeeding, no such misfortune occurred. He succeeded on the very first attempt, smoothly advancing to Foundation Establishment...

All the Foundation Establishment Pills he had painstakingly prepared seemed almost pointless now—he had been engaging in a battle of wits with the air itself!

However, despite the Heaven-Dao Foundation Establishment method being so potent, Ye Chen couldn't help but wonder—why hadn't there been any divine phenomena accompanying his breakthrough? Where was the grandeur of the scene?

But the moment this thought crossed his mind, Ye Chen chuckled softly. For those in the Qi Refining stage, reaching Foundation Establishment was undoubtedly a momentous achievement. They could rightfully be called Ancestors.

In truth, it was indeed quite an impressive feat. But only within the confines of the Green Cloud Sect. On a grander scale, in the entire world of cultivation, it hardly measured up.

If someone were to break through to Foundation Establishment in the wider world, surely there would be some heavenly phenomenon to mark the event. Otherwise, the Heaven-Dao itself might crumble under the strain.

After a moment of idle musings, Ye Chen quieted his thoughts. He began to reflect upon the greatest surprise of this breakthrough. The Divine Abilities of his talent.

During the breakthrough, Ye Chen had felt it. A mysterious and profound force had fused into his eyes and heart. He hadn't had the energy to investigate it at the time.

Now, however, he could finally take the time to examine what Divine Abilities he had awakened. And as soon as Ye Chen allowed his mind to drift, the two Divine Abilities naturally appeared in his consciousness.

Exquisite Heart: Increases physical regeneration, enhances comprehension, and doubles the power of spells.

Eye of Destruction: The eyes can unleash a divine beam of destruction, obliterating anything in its path!

Feeling the effects and utility of his newly awakened Divine Abilities, Ye Chen furrowed his brows slightly.

The Exquisite Heart was actually quite impressive. The enhancement to his physical regeneration complemented his Myriad Star Body perfectly, vastly improving his survivability. As for the increase in comprehension, that too proved to be invaluable. After all, not every spell cast would trigger a critical strike and manifest a phantom image.

Moreover, with higher comprehension, learning anything became significantly faster. Lastly, the doubling of his spell power was a marvelous addition. His combat strength was already formidable, and the spells he had learned were all top-tier. Now, with his perfect breakthrough and a significant surge in attributes, their power would only become more terrifying. With the boost from Exquisite Heart, his strength would increase even further.

Ye Chen felt that, even when facing a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, he could probably wipe them out with a single gesture.

As for the late-stage Foundation Establishment? Someone as monstrous as his Master would likely still be beyond his reach. But against an average late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator? Ye Chen was certain he would have no fear. Thus, Exquisite Heart was certainly worthwhile.

However, the Eye of Destruction felt a bit underwhelming. Ye Chen didn't lack for offensive spells. Compared to attack-type Divine Abilities, Ye Chen found himself far more interested in auxiliary talents like Exquisite Heart.

An offensive Divine Ability could only add to his strength. But a complementary auxiliary Divine Ability could elevate his overall combat prowess across the board.

"Indeed, those Divine Abilities awakened after birth are never as impressive as innate ones. Look at how terrifying their vertical pupils are! I wonder if I can gift this thing away and get something even more powerful in return?"

Ye Chen wasn't particularly satisfied with the Eye of Destruction that had appeared in his Divine Ability "blind box." He even started to contemplate whether he could pass it off as a gift. But clearly, that wouldn't work.

Not to mention anything else, even if he gave away his own eyes to a female cultivator, the gift would only be effective if the recipient could actually benefit from it to trigger a reward.

But the problem was, which female cultivator would be twisted enough to want his eyes? So, relying on the system to make his Divine Abilities stronger seemed hopeless.

Having them was certainly better than not. Ye Chen comforted himself with that thought.

Ye Chen's mighty roar echoed across the entire Green Cloud Sect.

"Ye Chen has broken through to Foundation Establishment?"

Yao Xi, who had just fully refined the spiritual fire and was attempting alchemy, heard the sound and, with a slight tremor of her hand, a burnt smell emanated from the furnace. Clearly, her alchemy attempt had failed. But Yao Xi didn't care in the slightest. She immediately dashed toward Sword Peak.

At the peak of Sword Peak, Gu Yunyun's eyes lit up in that very moment. Meanwhile, many elders of the Green Cloud Sect, hearing the sound, smiled knowingly. They brought gifts and made their way to Sword Peak. This mighty shout symbolized the arrival of a new Fellow Daoist among them. The only exception was Elder Kong Xiangli of Talisman Peak, his expression darkened.

A third-grade spiritual root breaking through to Foundation Establishment? What an incredible stroke of fortune this required!

Thinking back to the last time Ye Chen had humiliated him, attacking Talisman Peak with Gu Yunyun in the dead of night, Kong Xiangli's eyes flickered with uncertainty, his rage simmering beneath the surface.

...

When Ye Chen finally emerged from his seclusion, Sword Peak, which had always been a place of calm, was abuzz with activity. It wasn't just the various elders of the sect arriving with congratulatory gifts. Even the elderly sect master had personally come.

Normally, when a Green Cloud Sect cultivator broke through to Foundation Establishment, such a gathering of people was rare. But Ye Chen, with his third-grade spiritual root, was an anomaly. Such a breakthrough was almost unheard of in Green Cloud Sect. After all, a third-grade spiritual root didn't even grant one entry into the sect.

Furthermore, Ye Chen was also Gu Yunyun's disciple. Gu Yunyun was likely to be the next sect master. Naturally, everyone was eager to show their support. The cultivation world wasn't just about fighting and killing; personal connections and courtesies were equally essential.

"Excellent, the cultivation world is in turmoil! War is likely to break out in Middle Mountain as well! It is a joyful occasion that Green Cloud Sect can gain another genius at such a time! You are a disciple of Sword Peak, so accept this high-grade magic treasure, the Purple Green Sword, as a congratulatory gift!"

The sect master, with a satisfied smile, presented the heavy gift. The magic weapon was the kind of artifact typically used by cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage, making it particularly expensive.

High-grade magic treasures were generally only affordable and usable by cultivators at the late Foundation Establishment stage. After all, each cultivation stage came with its own set of expenses. Most people, even if they could eventually afford one, would not be able to purchase it for quite some time.

Ye Chen's eyes lit up, and without hesitation, he accepted the gift with gratitude, his joy evident. Turning around, he decided to give it to Yao Xi.

The sect master gave Ye Chen one last scrutinizing glance before leaving with a smile. Then, the elders came forward, offering their congratulations. Even those in the mid Foundation Establishment stage treated Ye Chen with extraordinary politeness.

It was clear they acknowledged his status. The visitors remained throughout the afternoon, until finally, the last of them departed. His master, Gu Yunyun, had basked in the flattery all afternoon and was content as she left.

The three maidservants, bubbling with excitement, began tidying up the room where Ye Chen had broken through.

Meanwhile, Yao Xi stood before Ye Chen, her eyes gleaming with joy. "Congratulations, Junior Brother, on your breakthrough to Foundation Establishment!"

She glanced at the three maidservants and, in a lowered voice, asked, "Junior Brother, would you like to come to my place and celebrate?"

Ye Chen froze at her words. However, when he saw Yao Xi's somewhat uncomfortable expression, he immediately understood. He smiled warmly. "No rush. We should wait until Senior Sister has broken through, and then we can celebrate properly! Senior Sister, this is a Heart Command Talisman…"

By all accounts, once a cultivator reached the Foundation Establishment stage, they were considered seniors to those still in the Qi Refining stage, like Yao Xi and Fa Zhen, who would be expected to address Ye Chen as 'Senior'. Yet, Ye Chen still preferred calling her Senior Sister and being called Junior Brother.

After briefly explaining the effects of the Heart Command Talisman, Yao Xi did not hesitate, pressing it to her forehead. As the talisman activated, Ye Chen could feel a subtle bond forming between them. A smile appeared on his face as he took out a pill bottle and handed it to Yao Xi.

When Yao Xi, confused, peered inside the bottle, her eyes widened, and she stood up straight in shock! Top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills? And ten of them, no less? This…

Ye Chen chuckled softly and shook his head. "Don't ask, and don't tell anyone about this. Focus on your cultivation, and break through to Foundation Establishment as soon as possible!"

Yao Xi's face was filled with hesitation. "This... it's too precious!"

A single top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill couldn't be found anywhere in Green Cloud Sect.

Ye Chen's lips curled into a smile. "No matter how precious these pills are, they're nothing compared to Senior Sister's Full Moon. The feeling from that night is the most precious gift in the world to me!"

Yao Xi's face flushed, but instead of feeling shy, she boldly spoke up. "When I break through to Foundation Establishment, I'll give Junior Brother a gift even more precious than the Full Moon…"

Ye Chen burst into hearty laughter, agreeing readily. After sending her off with another gift that might trigger a reward, Ye Chen began to ponder the sect master's words—about the potential outbreak of war in Middle Mountain!

Chapter 129: Spiritual Stones Can Solve Anything

By the time Yao Xi had left, Ye Chen was already preparing to make a trip to Green Cloud City to procure a batch of items he would need for Foundation Establishment.

After all, once a cultivator reached Foundation Establishment, they had to replace everything—from medicinal pills to magic treasures, and even cultivation techniques.

Yao Xi had gone off to break through, and with the top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills and her natural talent, success would be almost guaranteed.

Ye Chen had prepared everything in advance and was ready to present her with a gift once she succeeded. It would also give him a chance to search for a suitable gift for his master. It was a perfect plan.

However, just as Ye Chen was about to leave, Elder Chen arrived once again.

"Fellow Daoist Ye, what are your plans moving forward?" Elder Chen asked.

"After you breakthrough to Foundation Establishment, you can either choose to become an elder or continue as a disciple. The benefits of becoming an elder are obvious—you would manage sect affairs and receive remuneration.

"But if you choose to remain a disciple, you can focus entirely on your cultivation. The sect will provide three high-grade spiritual stones per year, which is equivalent to the remuneration of an elder, and you will also receive the necessary medicinal resources for cultivation.

"However, you would be obligated to serve the sect. If the sect goes to war or has extermination missions, disciples will be the first ones sent out. Refusal is not an option."

After Ye Chen's breakthrough to Foundation Establishment, Elder Chen had switched to addressing him with a more respectful title.

Ye Chen considered the offer for a moment. Becoming an elder seemed like the best choice. After all, being in charge of sect affairs came with a salary and a high degree of power. In Green Cloud Sect's territory, it was a massive entity.

Regardless of the responsibilities one took on, having power would certainly bring with it both perks and privileges. In terms of accumulating resources, becoming an elder was indeed the most advantageous option.

However, the downside was the need to divide attention. But Ye Chen had the System, so he would never be short on resources. There was simply no need to become an elder. Remaining a disciple would allow him more freedom. Though he would be sent on missions, that was entirely normal. The sect wasn't a charity, after all.

"I choose to remain a disciple and cultivate on Sword Peak!" Ye Chen decisively made his decision.

Elder Chen was somewhat surprised by Ye Chen's choice, but did not try to persuade him further. He continued speaking, shifting to the main topic: "Next, we need to discuss Foundation Establishment cultivation methods. The sect has three mid-tier Black-grade Foundation Establishment methods available. Fellow Daoist Ye may go to the Scripture Pavilion anytime to review them and select the one that best suits your needs. As for the resources, the Internal Affairs Hall will deliver them tomorrow."

Cultivation methods in the cultivation world were classified into four major grades: Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow. Each major grade was further divided into three sub-grades: upper, middle, and lower tier. Every realm had its corresponding cultivation method.

The only exception was the Qi Refining stage's method. Because, regardless of whether one cultivated the orthodox or demonic path, the method used was the Dao Scripture Qi Refining chapter.

This was the highest-level Qi Refining method in the entire cultivation world. It was said that, during the ancient times, humanity was weak and constantly oppressed. Seeing this, a great being could not bear to watch and spread the Dao Scripture Qi Refining chapter throughout the entire cultivation world, making it widely accessible. Thus, anyone could cultivate Qi Refining. It was this that gradually ushered humanity into the era of cultivation.

Ye Chen certainly needed a Foundation Establishment method. But mid-tier Black-grade? He felt it was beneath him. The more powerful a cultivation method, the greater the power and benefits it provided. And they often possessed various mystical traits.

With his system, Ye Chen had to aim for the best. Moreover, the methods provided by the sect were accessible to Yao Xi as well. He wouldn't be able to get any rewards from them.

"Elder Chen, are there only mid-tier Black-grade methods available in the sect? Is there nothing better?" Ye Chen asked.

Upon hearing this, Elder Chen immediately shook his head. "Fellow Daoist Ye, the mid-tier Black-grade method is already quite powerful! Most Foundation Establishment cultivators from wandering cultivators outside the sect only have yellow-tier middle or upper-grade methods."

Cultivation methods in the cultivation world were divided into two categories. One was freely circulated, available to all. The other was encrypted and could only be used by one individual. These methods could not be passed on to others.

Green Cloud Sect could afford better methods, but the problem was that such a method could not be shared with disciples. It could only be used by one person. Once it was used, it was gone.

For the sect, a one-time-use method was virtually useless. Moreover, the mid-tier Black-grade method was already a dream cultivation method for most wandering cultivators.

Green Cloud Sect was not poorly treated, but to Ye Chen, the mid-tier Black-grade method was far from sufficient. A cultivation method determined the upper limit of a cultivator's potential.

If one could cultivate the best methods at every stage, their combat power would undoubtedly surpass all expectations. There would also be countless other benefits, with endless rewards to reap.

So Ye Chen asked directly, "Elder Chen, where can I acquire a better cultivation method?"

Elder Chen sighed deeply. "Green Cloud City definitely won't have anything of that caliber. However, there may be a chance in Divine Will City."

"But those methods are extremely expensive. An upper-tier Black-grade method would cost at least a hundred high-grade spiritual stones. Do you understand what that means?

"Even as an elder of Green Cloud Sect, my annual remuneration is only three high-grade spiritual stones. Including other random sources of income, I'm lucky if I have five in total.

"Acquiring a upper-tier Black-grade method would require twenty years of living without eating or drinking. But even then, twenty years wouldn't be enough to afford it.

"After all, you can't spend twenty years without cultivating, without buying medicinal pills, or without purchasing magic tools. While a Foundation Establishment cultivator earns more, they also spend much more."

With this, Elder Chen seemed to want to dissuade Ye Chen, warning him that it wasn't worth the effort. The mid-tier Black-grade method was not unusable after all.

Upon hearing Elder Chen's words, Ye Chen's eyes lit up. Green Cloud City was a bit too low-level and would be difficult to fulfill his needs. But Divine Will City was definitely reliable.

Divine Will Sect was the leading sect above Green Cloud Sect, Misty Sect, and the other five major sects. Every year, each of these sects had to send resources to Divine Will Sect.

The reason for this was simple: Divine Will Sect possessed a Nascent Soul Ancestor and over ten Golden Core cultivators.

As for Foundation Establishment cultivators? There were even more of them! In Divine Will Sect, a Foundation Establishment cultivator wouldn't even qualify to become an elder; they could only be a deacon at most. The power of Divine Will Sect was evident from this. It was only natural that Divine Will City was far more prosperous and capable of providing an abundant supply of items required for Foundation Establishment.

As for the issue of spiritual stones? There was nothing to worry about there.

For Ye Chen, as long as it could be solved with spiritual stones, it wasn't really a problem at all. At present, he had five hundred high-grade spiritual stones in his possession. He was wealthier than he could have imagined. And this was without actively seeking to accumulate spiritual stones.

After all, with the system's explosive rates and occasional critical hits, even a reckless spender would find themselves soaring in wealth. Even if his spiritual stones ran low, he could always sell one or two top-tier Foundation Establishment Pills.

Though these pills were rare, they weren't nonexistent. They were just hard to come by. With a little preparation, he could easily sell a couple without raising any trouble.

But the Five Elements Pills were a different story. They were genuine, one-of-a-kind pills, and their value was unimaginable. If anyone discovered that Ye Chen could refine Five Elements Pills, he could forget about returning home. He'd be locked in a pill refining chamber and ruthlessly exploited by powerful figures.

In any case, Ye Chen quickly made up his mind. During Yao Xi's seclusion, he would head to Divine Will City to procure the necessary cultivation methods and magic treasures.

Once he returned, he'd give the items to Yao Xi to enhance their strength. And along the way, he could see the sights and maybe meet some stunning beauties in Divine Will City! Perhaps he could find a bit of excitement to elevate his own… multiplier effect.