ISWI Chapter 154-155 (Patreon)

Chapter 154: The Niece of An Miaoli Arrives?

Upon returning to the Green Cloud Sect's station in Middle Mountain, Ye Chen was met with a degree of reverence from the elders. Initially, everyone had thought it fortunate enough that Ye Chen, with his third-grade spiritual root, had managed to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. Although he had been fierce during the Qi Refining stage, it was assumed his combat effectiveness would be moderate after advancing.

Yet, Ye Chen had managed to defeat opponents above his level, specifically two mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators. Despite relying on various strategies and sustaining severe injuries himself, requiring a month to recuperate, his proven combat prowess was undeniable.

When Yao Xi, informed of Ye Chen's return, hurried over. If it were not for the sect's rules against leaving assignments arbitrarily and her duties in pill refining, Yao Xi would have likely returned to the sect sooner to visit Ye Chen.

"I'm fine now, no need to worry!" Ye Chen reassured a concerned Yao Xi with a smile.

He invited Yao Xi into his room to thoroughly examine his injuries, after which he resumed his assigned duties at the station. Once the week-long cooldown had passed, Ye Chen decided to pass on the sword talisman his master had gifted him to Yao Xi.

Ye Chen felt no qualms about giving it away. Although it was a gift from his master intended to protect him, his interpretation was that making the talisman even more powerful through a gift would align with his master's original intention. Even if his master found out, she wouldn't blame him.

"Reward Blood Sword Talisman: Can be used once to unleash a bloodthirsty sword qi capable of slashing through early-stage Golden Core!"

Disappointed with the reward, Ye Chen had hoped that, with a 30x boost plus a critical hit, it might yield a talisman capable of cutting down a late-stage Golden Core or even a Nascent Soul cultivator. It appeared he had been overly optimistic.

However, this was to be expected. The higher one advanced in cultivation, the more significant the gaps between levels became. The difference between the later stages of Foundation Establishment and the powers of the Golden Core stage was more than just fiftyfold.

Under such circumstances, a talisman that could severely injure someone at the late Foundation Establishment stage, transforming into one that could potentially kill an early-stage Golden Core cultivator through a critical hit, was incredibly fortunate.

With this talisman, Ye Chen would stand a chance even against Golden Core cultivators, leaving little to be unsatisfied with.

In the days that followed, Ye Chen dedicated himself to cultivating at the station. Each day, in addition to his practice, he would also forge pills and occasionally tutor Yao Xi in the art of alchemy, sharing his knowledge and experience.

Whenever there was a need to send someone back to the sect, Ye Chen would volunteer, seizing the opportunity to visit his master and boost their rapport.

In the blink of an eye, another half-year passed.

...

The ruins of the Boundless Demon Sect were vast. Even after being open for over a year, new discoveries were made almost daily, attracting an increasing number of cultivators to Middle Mountain.

In the quiet room at the Green Cloud Sect's station, Ye Chen sat with his eyes tightly shut. His body was engulfed in the blazing Myriad Star Fire, his spiritual power vibrating intensely, producing thunderous sounds that resonated throughout. This bore testament to the formidable nature of Ye Chen's spiritual power.

After an indeterminate period, Ye Chen suddenly opened his eyes, which were deep and profound. His body shook violently as if breaking through some barrier, and at that moment, his spiritual power surged tremendously.

With that breakthrough, Ye Chen advanced to the mid-stage of the Foundation Establishment phase. The flames retracted into his pores, and feeling the immense increase in his spiritual power, he couldn't help but smile. Finally, he had reached the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.

Calculating the time, it had been two years since his initial breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment phase. Advancing a minor realm in two years was, in fact, incredibly fast, enough to evoke envy among many cultivators. After all, it was common for most at the Foundation Establishment stage to take eight to ten years, or even longer, to make such progress.

However, Ye Chen still felt it was too slow! Not out of vanity, but because he genuinely believed so.

Other cultivators had to exhaust themselves gathering resources, which diverted their focus. They had scant access to helpful medicinal pills, while Ye Chen didn't need to worry about earning spirit stones at all.

He started with only the top-grade pills, never lacked any auxiliary medicinal aids, practiced the top-tier Western Empress Scripture, and utilized various treasures that accelerated his cultivation. This level of treatment was likely even beyond what disciples of the most Holy Lands received.

Any cultivator given such advantages would see their cultivation soar as if riding a rocket.

Even with all these advantages, Ye Chen had still taken two full years to advance. It was clear that his spiritual root was the limiting factor. With a third-grade spiritual root, cultivation was exceedingly difficult.

If it was this challenging at the Foundation Establishment phase, he dreaded to think how much more his inferior spiritual root would hinder him at the Golden Core or Nascent Soul stages. A solution was imperative.

Ye Chen planned to visit Divine Will City again soon to see if he could find any treasures that might enhance his spiritual root. Over time, with his accumulated spirit stones and various treasures awarded by the system, his assets had reached the value of at least fifty thousand high-grade spirit stones. Such a sum was unimaginable even for a Golden Core cultivator, highlighting Ye Chen's current wealth.

Thus, should any item capable of enhancing spiritual roots appear, no matter the cost, Ye Chen was confident he could secure it.

...

After stabilizing his cultivation level, Ye Chen left his seclusion. As the doors of the quiet room opened, he saw Yao Xi seated outside. Noticing the movement, Yao Xi opened her eyes and instantly sensed the change in Ye Chen's aura, her face lighting up with delight.

"Junior Brother, have you made a breakthrough?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Ye Chen smiled and nodded modestly, "Indeed, I have succeeded."

"Thank you for guarding me, Senior Sister," he added, acknowledging her support.

Although the station's protective arrays were not as comprehensive as those at the sect, it wasn't overly challenging for enemies to infiltrate. A disturbance during a critical phase of cultivation could have disastrous consequences, which is why Yao Xi had guarded him for half a month outside his chamber.

Now that Ye Chen had advanced beyond Yao Xi in cultivation level, the terms Senior Sister and Junior Brother still rolled off their tongues quite naturally. Ye Chen, in particular, enjoyed this formality.

Yao Xi was overjoyed at Ye Chen's breakthrough, even more so than if it were her own. She was about to offer her congratulations when she suddenly remembered something and furrowed her brows, "The head of the Magic Peak was looking for you three days ago. He said if you broke through, you should visit him."

Ye Chen was puzzled; he had minimal interaction with the head of the Magic Peak. The man was known not to get along with his master, but there hadn't been any overt animosity or trouble directed at Ye Chen from him. Business between them had always been conducted without incident.

Wondering about the sudden summons, Ye Chen felt curious about what it might entail.

Hearing Ye Chen's confusion, Yao Xi explained further, "Three days ago, three direct disciples from the Divine Will Sect arrived at our station. They intended to enter the ruins and mentioned that their team required an alchemist to accompany them. As you know, the Divine Will Sect is a superior sect, and we must assist them when they request help. Initially, the head of the Magic Peak planned for an elder from the Pill Peak to go with them.

"However, one of the Divine Will Sect's female disciples refused and specifically asked for you by name to accompany them. I feel their intentions might not be benign… Perhaps, Junior Brother, you should continue your cultivation in seclusion. After all, no one has seen you come out yet."

Ye Chen's brows furrowed slightly at this information. A female direct disciple from the Divine Will Sect who knew him personally? Who could it be?

It definitely wasn't Yun Qianyue. If she were a direct disciple, she wouldn't be working as a guide at the city gates for spirit stones.

That left only one possibility — the niece of An Miaoli, the 200x female cultivator he knew! Why had she come?

Chapter 155: Soul Nurturing Stone

"Divine Will Sect's direct disciple has mostly come here either to undertake a mission or to seek some treasure! The requirement for a second-grade alchemist indicates that the mission involves concocting certain pills on-site, which are effective only when freshly prepared.

"Interesting. It seems they have some special means to know what lies within the relics of the Boundless Demon Sect. Having upheld its legacy for five thousand years, the Divine Will Sect evidently knows quite a bit about the Boundless Demon Sect."

After a brief contemplation, Ye Chen made his decision.

Let's go and see. The treasures that attract a direct disciple of the Divine Will Sect are certainly not ordinary. Perhaps they could be of use to me as well. If they indeed prove useful, then I shall claim them first, and decide later whether to offer them to An Yuyi or my master. This could be a critical strike. A direct takeoff!

...

After comforting Yao Xi with a few words, Ye Chen immediately flew towards the abode of the Master of Magic Peak. He soon met the Master of Magic Peak.

"Well, Ye Chen, you've arrived. Fellow Daoist An is here as well, you two can talk..."

Upon seeing Ye Chen, a flash of surprise crossed the eyes of the Master of Magic Peak. He spoke with more politeness than usual. Partly because Ye Chen had actually advanced to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. Such a rate of cultivation was frightening. Advancing a minor realm every two years, what a prodigy!

Moreover, it was because Ye Chen was acquainted with the direct disciple of the Divine Will Sect. The Master of Magic Peak had learned over the past few days, that An Yuyi's aunt was a late-stage Golden Core elder of the Divine Will Sect.

A background so formidable it was frightening. Having such connections, Ye Chen compelled the Master of Magic Peak to be courteous.

Ye Chen nodded and stepped into the hall. Inside, three people were leisurely drinking tea. Sitting in the center was An Yuyi.

An Yuyi's youthful and radiant face still carried a hint of immaturity. Her figure was slender and graceful. Her assertive traits remained as dominant as ever.

Ye Chen had thought that after nearly two years without seeing her, she might have matured a bit. It turned out she hadn't changed at all. It seems she truly was born with a perennially youthful. That won't change.

Moreover, An Yuyi's cultivation had also reached the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. This caused Ye Chen a slight pang of envy.

Ye Chen was certain, even with an aunt at the Golden Core stage, An Yuyi's cultivation resources couldn't compare to his own. Yet, she too had broken through within two years, even earlier than himself. This clearly showed the advantages of having a superior spiritual root.

Besides An Yuyi, there were two young male cultivators present, both exuding a vibrant and spirited demeanor. Despite their youth, one was at the late stage and the other at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. Clearly, they were prodigies of the Divine Will Sect.

Upon Ye Chen's entrance, the trio ceased their conversation. The two male cultivators looked at Ye Chen, appraising him.

Ye Chen did not sense any malice. However, he could detect a hint of arrogance in their gaze.

Damn, Divine Will Sect thinks they're something special, huh? Thinking they've come to the countryside visiting my Green Cloud Sect? They are treading a path towards their demise!

Upon seeing Ye Chen, An Yuyi's pretty face broke into a smug smile: "Fellow Daoist Ye, we meet again…"

Ye Chen wasn't surprised that she had uncovered his identity and even sought him out. After all, the Divine Will Sect was a higher sect compared to his Green Cloud Sect. He had not hidden his face last time, so it was only natural for his identity to be discovered.

"Miss An, it's been a long time, and you remain as ethereally beautiful as ever. Our last meeting was rather rushed, and I regret not presenting a proper greeting gift at the time. Please, do not decline this token of respect!"

With these words, Ye Chen presented his gift, opening a jade box and placing it on the table beside An Yuyi. This was, in fact, Ye Chen's primary reason for visiting.

The relics of the Boundless Demon Sect had yielded many treasures. One of the elders from Green Cloud Sect had found a Soul Nurturing Stone. It could be integrated into the forehead to nourish the spirit sense and used to launch various attacks. This item was extremely rare and highly valuable.

The elderly elder didn't have many years left and had focused on nurturing the younger generation of his family. He was inclined to sell it.

Ye Chen had exchanged it for twenty lower-grade Five Elements Pills, and one high-grade Foundation Establishment Pill. He had intentionally refined the pills to be of lower quality, and even aged them with spiritual fire, so their efficacy was only seventy percent that of standard lower-grade pills.

Claimed to have been found in the relics of the Boundless Demon Sect. The high-grade Foundation Establishment Pill had been reclaimed from Yao Xi. The value of the twenty Five Elements Pills clearly did not equate to that of the Soul Nurturing Stone. Even adding the high-grade Foundation Establishment Pill was not enough.

But the thing is, Five Elements Pills had become extinct. Their value entirely depended on the other party's interest in nurturing the next generation. Thus, Ye Chen had easily traded for it.

After obtaining the Soul Nurturing Stone, Ye Chen had initially planned to ask his master if he needed it. If his master didn't need it, he would then offer it to Yao Xi. But now that he had encountered An Yuyi, he decided to present it as a test…

Upon receiving the gift from Ye Chen, An Yuyi's expression turned listless. The reason she was preoccupied with Ye Chen was mainly because during their last encounter, he hadn't paid her any extra attention. Despite her need for the cultivation technique, he insisted on giving it to her aunt. This had left An Yuyi feeling deeply resentful!

Now, seeing Ye Chen shower her with such enthusiasm instead made her feel utterly indifferent. She even regretted wasting these days waiting for Ye Chen to finish his seclusion.

Ye Chen's behavior seemed too opportunistic. The other two direct disciples of the Divine Will Sect couldn't help but smirk. What worthwhile item could a lower sect disciple possibly offer? Perhaps the gift was nothing more than a daily necessity for them!

An Yuyi, always impulsive and indifferent to social niceties, was likely to throw the gift back at Ye Chen. The scene was embarrassingly awkward for all, especially on Ye Chen's behalf.

...

An Yuyi had intended to get straight to the point. Use Ye Chen for her needs and then never see him again.

However, upon glimpsing the green, smooth stone in the jade box, her expression turned to one of surprise. As she picked up the stone and observed the divine patterns on it, her eyes widened in astonishment, turning to Ye Chen, "Is this a Soul Nurturing Stone?"

The two watching disciples, ready to laugh at the spectacle, also raised their eyebrows in shock, "A Soul Nurturing Stone?"

They all stared at the stone in An Yuyi's hand. Considering the natural divine patterns covering it, it indeed was a Soul Nurturing Stone.

Since when did a lower sect disciple become so affluent? A Soul Nurturing Stone as a greeting gift? Is he the beloved son of the Green Cloud Sect's leader?

Both were a bit flabbergasted. Such a spiritual item was worth nearly a hundred high-grade spiritual stones. But that wasn't the main point.

The main thing was that Soul Nurturing Stones are naturally occurring and cannot be synthesized. Thus, purchasing one was not only expensive but also relied on luck.

Due to her cultivation technique, An Yuyi had high requirements for her spirit sense, and she had been wanting a Soul Nurturing Stone for the past two years without success. Unexpectedly, Ye Chen had brought one right to her.

This truly showed Ye Chen as a man who ingratiates himself with those in power, with a deep and calculating mind. Having only met once before, he had managed to find out even this and prepared it especially for her.

An Yuyi disliked such scheming individuals, but the Soul Nurturing Stone was indeed something she needed.

An Yuyi accepted the box and spoke calmly, "Since that's the case, thank you for the greeting gift, Fellow Daoist Ye! Should you have any requests, feel free to speak them..."

Upon hearing her words, Ye Chen inwardly scoffed. What could he possibly need from An Yuyi? Her aunt would be a more suitable candidate.

Yet, seeing An Yuyi accept the Soul Nurturing Stone, Ye Chen still harbored some hope. While not exceedingly valuable, the stone's rarity was its true advantage. It could be significantly beneficial for most at the Foundation Establishment stage, potentially a critical hit.

However, as Ye Chen observed her reaction, he slightly furrowed his brows...

An Yuyi was somewhat disappointing!