ISWI Chapter 152-153 (Patreon)

Chapter 152: Seizing the Opportunity to Return to the Sect

Who knows if the sinister, dark-misted Human Emperor Banner, after delivering a critical hit, could transform into one radiating majestic purple energy. But one must always have dreams.

Transforming into Homelander, Ye Chen leveled the great hall to the ground, obliterating all traces to prevent anyone from discovering the remnants of the Heavy Pupils.

After wrapping up everything, Ye Chen casually rose to his feet and flew towards the exit of the ruins.

As for where Su Yuxuan went? Ye Chen naturally couldn't be bothered to look for her. Why should he?

Regarding Su Yuxuan's immediate decision to flee and her concealment of the Extreme Dao Blood Pupils' ability to break seals, Ye Chen wasn't surprised in the slightest. If he genuinely believed that a demoness would stick with him through thick and thin, and accompany him for life, then he'd be a fool.

To Ye Chen, Su Yuxuan was merely a means to gain rewards and bring some fleeting joy.

Exiting the ruins was quick. It took only three days to emerge.

Upon seeing the light of day, Ye Chen glanced in the direction of his sect, threw out his flying boat, and sped towards it. Technically, he didn't need to return to the sect for this matter. Reporting to the master of the Magic Peak at his local station would suffice, as the message would quickly reach the sect.

However, this matter pertained to his master's safety. He obviously needed to return personally.

Thus, it wasn't just about this time. Whenever possible, he should make more frequent visits in the future. After all, Yao Xi's thirtyfold boost was fine for daily use. But for real wealth, he had to rely on his master!

…

In the depths of the ruins, Su Yuxuan concealed her aura, lying in ambush on a path she knew the two elders who had previously pursued her would likely revisit. These elders had been exploring this area and were likely to return to continue their search.

"Now this can be considered as avenging you," Su Yuxuan thought with a mix of emotions. Ever since her family was tragically killed and her brother was used in a soul-refining ritual, her heart had been encased in concrete, focused solely on revenge.

But Ye Chen had given her genuine Foundation Establishment techniques, his own eyes, and even when she ran away, he showed no sign of retaliation. She didn't see any betrayal, anger, sadness, or despair on his face—only a serene smile of contentment.

What did this mean?

Ye Chen must have known she wouldn't stay; he must have anticipated her escape. Yet, he still chose to give her his eyes, listened to promises he knew were empty, and continued the charade with her, handing over his only chance at survival so casually.

Even on his last day, knowing his end was near, he gave her a bottle of pills. Then, without a second thought, he stayed behind to draw the enemies' attention, buying her time to escape.

Ye Chen had truly loved her. Perhaps all his previous teasing was just because he loved her too much and couldn't help but jest. Yet, he always maintained his boundaries, never overstepping them forcibly.

Holding the warm pill bottle, Su Yuxuan could still feel Ye Chen's intense love radiating from it. She felt guilty. But she had no choice; she needed to survive.

However, Su Yuxuan couldn't remain indifferent to Ye Chen's death. Having experienced such profound love, even her sealed heart warmed up a bit. She would ensure that the four responsible for Ye Chen's death would join him in burial. Their families, their disciples—none would escape. All would go down to accompany Ye Chen in the afterlife.

After waiting for a week without any sign of the two elders, Su Yuxuan grew impatient. Disguising herself, she headed towards the Inner Hall of the Boundless Demon Sect where they had last been. Upon arriving, she found the Inner Hall completely razed to the ground, leaving no trace behind.

However, with her special Blood Spirit Root, Su Yuxuan could still smell the lingering scent of blood. The fate of Ye Chen was clear without words.

With a deep look at the ruins and a heart boiling with murderous intent, Su Yuxuan turned and left decisively...

...

The sect had its own rules. Elders and disciples working abroad must report to the External Affairs Hall upon their unexpected return to the sect. Failure to provide a valid reason could lead to punishment.

The master of the External Affairs Hall was taken aback as he watched Ye Chen return so suddenly. However, when Ye Chen revealed his reasons, unleashing Kong Xiangli's soul along with the recorded images of the Water Mirror Technique, the master of the hall was utterly shocked.

A mid-stage Foundation Establishment elder was actually a traitor within the Misty Sect. How many sect secrets had been leaked? Even mysterious attacks on several elders now had an explanation. Not to mention the plot to ambush and kill Gu Yunyun.

Everyone knew Gu Yunyun's importance to the sect. Should she perish, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the Green Cloud Sect's legacy might end within thirty years.

Ye Chen's return for such a critical matter was more than justified. The External Affairs elder swiftly escorted Ye Chen towards the Sect Leader's Peak.

Soon, all the elders were summoned. Ye Chen was asked to replay the Water Mirror Technique and display Kong Xiangli's soul again.

Of course, the sect would not simply take Ye Chen's word for all this. They also contacted their outpost in Middle Mountain.

The officer there reported that Kong Xiangli was supposed to be in seclusion. But after several unanswered calls and a forced entry, they found his chamber empty. Kong Xiangli had secretly left. Everything was self-evident.

"Send the Enforcement Hall to deal with the Kong family. Ye Chen, you have performed a great service by rooting out a traitor and preventing further losses for our Green Cloud Sect. Well done! What would you ask of us as a reward?"

The Sect Leader spoke directly, looking at Ye Chen with admiration. The elders gazed at Ye Chen with a mix of awe.

Kong Xiangli was no weakling, not to mention the other, Black Soul Elder. Both were mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, yet Ye Chen, a mere early-stage cultivator, had single-handedly defeated them both. Although Ye Chen glossed over the details of his victory, his prowess was evident.

Ye Chen, speaking with integrity, said, "As a part of this sect, these were my duties. Especially as they concerned the safety of my master. What reward would I ask for? If the Sect Leader insists on rewarding me, then please allow me to recuperate in the sect for a month. After such a battle, I am indeed in need of some rest."

Ye Chen, having performed such an illustrious service, asked merely for some time to recover.

The Sect Leader laughed heartily, "Of course, a month of recuperation is only right! But the rewards you deserve must not be overlooked. Later, they will be distributed based on your contributions. Whatever you need, you can exchange for it at the sect's treasury!"

Ye Chen smiled, "Thank you, Sect Leader!"

He glanced around; his master had not attended the gathering.

After confirming that the Kong family had been dealt with by the Enforcement Hall, Ye Chen felt relieved and took his leave, flying directly towards Sword Peak. Having the opportunity to stay at the sect for a month, he could properly devote time to his master, and reap rewards from his master's generosity...

It had been exactly one week since he had last given Su Yuxuan the medicinal pills. The cooldown had just passed.

Charge!

Ye Chen didn't even return to his own courtyard. He rushed immediately to his master's quarters.

"Master, I'm back. I've brought you a gift!"

Meanwhile, in the courtyard, the usual sound of flowing water had stopped.

Gu Yunyun had been feeling somewhat listless lately, especially during the unnervingly quiet nights, which she found somewhat unsettling. Her mind was always wandering.

Hearing Ye Chen's voice, Gu Yunyun's eyes widened in surprise.

Why had Ye Chen returned?

Chapter 153: The Picturesque Master

Gu Yunyun, clad in a red dress, was as breathtakingly beautiful as ever. Her long hair, slightly damp, cascaded down her back. The phrase "a beauty that could topple cities and states" was aptly suited for her. Her allure matched that of An Miaoli, whose 200x boost had no advantage over Gu Yunyun except perhaps in spiritual root and talent.

Ye Chen could sense a certain coolness from his master regarding his return, which made him reflective. Indeed, long separations could diminish affections. He resolved that more frequent visits were essential to foster their bond.

"Master, this is the top-grade Meridian Cleansing Pill I've refined! It can purify all impurities within one's spiritual power, enhancing its purity, which is greatly beneficial for your breakthrough to the Golden Core stage! I just returned today, and I brought it especially for you!"

Ye Chen presented the pill he had prepared in advance.

Gu Yunyun looked at Ye Chen. More than half a year had passed since their last meeting, and Ye Chen himself had undergone many changes. His eyes, in particular, shone brilliantly, increasingly bearing the demeanor of a prodigious figure.

"You are thoughtful. However, the sect's duties are pressing. I've heard the situation in Middle Mountain is intense; you should return there soon."

Gu Yunyun spoke calmly.

Ye Chen nodded, "I've sustained some injuries, and the Sect Leader has allowed me a month to recuperate here in the sect. After that, I will leave."

Gu Yunyun's eyes narrowed slightly—Ye Chen was injured? Who dared to harm her disciple?

She wanted to inquire further. But recalling Ye Chen's sometimes impure filial piety, she ultimately said evenly, "In that case, you should focus on healing properly."

Though the master was unusually aloof, seeing her accept the medicinal pill and receiving positive feedback from the system, Ye Chen couldn't help but smile.

...

After Ye Chen departed, Gu Yunyun watched his retreating figure and sighed softly. Despite her apparent coldness, Ye Chen's happiness at seeing her was undeniable. It had been half a year since they last met, and even though she had sent Yao Xi to him, it had not dampened Ye Chen's inappropriate affections.

Gu Yunyun rose gracefully and departed to inquire about how exactly Ye Chen had been injured. As a master, she felt compelled to seek justice for her disciple.

Soon, Gu Yunyun learned the full story.

"Kong Xiangli was a traitor from the Misty Sect? Collaborating with Black Soul Elder to assassinate Ye Chen, in hopes of luring me out?"

Gu Yunyun's voice was cold and sharp, her eyes filled with frost.

The External Affairs elder sensed Gu Yunyun's anger and quickly interjected, "Kong Xiangli and Black Soul Elder are dead! And the Kong family has been dealt with. Please do not venture out. Your primary task now is to focus on your cultivation and break through to the Golden Core stage. The Misty Sect does not want our Green Cloud Sect to produce another Golden Core. If you leave the mountain, you will surely face an attack. Therefore, the Sect Leader has ordered that you must not leave the mountain until you reach the Golden Core stage."

Regret stirred in Gu Yunyun's heart. So, Ye Chen was injured because of her. And upon learning that the Misty Sect planned to assassinate her, he had hurried back to the sect to report. Even when the Sect Leader wanted to reward him, Ye Chen only requested to stay in the Green Cloud Sect for a month, just to see her more. Yet, she had treated him so coldly...

Even though Ye Chen seemed indifferent to her attitude, it must have hurt him deeply. But... Ye Chen, her disciple, had developed feelings for her that he shouldn't have. What should she do with Ye Chen?

Gu Yunyun returned to Sword Peak, her mind in turmoil. She thought about seeing Ye Chen but hesitated. Sitting quietly by the pond, her stunningly beautiful face lost in thought, a gentle breeze stirred the peach blossoms from the nearby tree.

They fell upon Gu Yunyun's dark hair. For a moment, it was like a scene from a poem.

...

Unaware of his master's turmoil, Ye Chen returned to his own courtyard, where his long-absent maids immediately flocked to him. Thanks to the top-tier medicinal pills he had left behind, Lin Ke'er, Lu Jing, and the others had all broken through to the ninth level of Qi Refinement.

Lin Ke'er, in particular, was so eager to progress that she was nearing the peak of Qi Refinement. She could attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment phase in another year or so.

Ye Chen, who always rewarded and punished fairly, gave Lin Ke'er the first opportunity to cultivate alongside him. Thus, the following week was spent in earnest cultivation at Sword Peak until he went up the mountain again to present gifts.

This time, Ye Chen noticed a significant improvement in his master's demeanor. She was no longer as cold as before but invited him to sit in the courtyard, watching the spring's flow and smelling the fragrance of peach blossoms, asking about his ordeal.

Ye Chen internally smiled, realizing that his master's previous aloofness was indeed due to his prolonged absence. It seemed necessary to visit more frequently in the future to maintain their bond.

Ye Chen deliberately made his story sound more perilous. He described how he battled Kong Xiangli and Black Soul Elder for three days, fighting and fleeing until he found an opportunity to counter-attack and then immediately returning to the sect to report.

Hearing Ye Chen's tale, Gu Yunyun's beautiful face showed even more complexity.

...

However, happy times are always fleeting. The month flew by quickly, and on the last day, Ye Chen came to offer gifts and say goodbye.

"Master, these are top-grade Essence Clarity Pills. I reckon the ones I gave you last time are nearly used up, so I'm bringing you more," Ye Chen said, clearly reluctant to leave. "I'm off to Middle Mountain again. Here's to hoping for your early breakthrough to the Golden Core."

Even though a non-critical feedback from his master was immensely valuable, the thought of spending a few years by her side could equate his wealth to that of a holy land. Leaving now was, of course, regrettable.

Feeling Ye Chen's emotions, Gu Yunyun sighed internally. She did not refuse Ye Chen's kindness. Instead, she gently raised her hand, and a sword talisman flew towards Ye Chen.

"This talisman contains one of my sword intents, capable of severely injuring someone at the later stages of the Foundation Establishment... Take it with you," Gu Yunyun said, presenting the talisman to Ye Chen.

This was her preparation for him over the month, reflecting her hesitance about sending Ye Chen to Middle Mountain. Despite knowing that being her direct disciple could endanger him, she ultimately resolved that cultivators grow fastest through combat.

Ye Chen had shown considerable growth upon returning from the Boundless Demon Sect's ruins half a year ago. Although rumors suggested Ye Chen was not a third-grade spiritual root but a genius, Gu Yunyun knew his talents best.

Breaking through the Foundation Establishment had been challenging enough; advancing to Golden Core would be even tougher without the right opportunities.

If Ye Chen was fortunate in Middle Mountain, he might find his chance to break through to Golden Core. Thus, sending him away from the Green Cloud Sect was for his own good...

Of course, Gu Yunyun did not want Ye Chen to face another attack. Thus, she spent a full half month imbuing her own sword intent into a talisman to protect Ye Chen.

Gu Yunyun was confident that any cultivator at the late stage of Foundation Establishment would be severely injured by her sword talisman. With this safeguard, Ye Chen would have a significant protective ace up his sleeve, and she could feel somewhat more at ease.

...

Looking at the sword talisman, Ye Chen's eyes sparkled. He treasured it immediately, securing it close to his heart. Indeed, his master was stern on the outside but warm on the inside.

A talisman capable of severely injuring a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator was exceedingly precious. Another gift that potent could potentially threaten even a Golden Core cultivator.

Watching Ye Chen cherish the talisman as if it were a priceless treasure, Gu Yunyun worried that he might hesitate to use it when crucial, simply because it was a gift from her.

She spoke earnestly, "Ye Chen, the path of immortality is ruthless; do not dwell on romantic attachments. For cultivators, aside from eternal life, everything else can be forsaken. So, never fixate on the notion of affection! Do you understand?"

While Gu Yunyun could not be explicit, she hoped to enlighten Ye Chen. She wished for him not to be hopelessly devoted to her any longer.

Hearing this, Ye Chen thought his master was referring to his previous obsessions and nodded with a smile, "Master, rest assured, I am not fixated on affection, my sole focus is on attaining longevity!"

Gu Yunyun sighed internally at Ye Chen's easy response. If only Ye Chen could truly understand what she meant...