ISWI Chapter 191-192 (Patreon)

Chapter 191: More Surprises?

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

During this time, Ye Chen focused on refining the Human Emperor Banner. Once the refining was completed, he worked on consolidating his spells and Divine Abilities. He was preparing for his future breakthrough to the Golden Core stage.

Suddenly, Ye Chen raised an eyebrow and opened his eyes. He saw Su Yuxuan beside him, now awake. The mischievous, pure, and alluring little demoness now radiated a sense of holiness. Her skin emitted a faint glow. It was an incredibly surreal feeling.

And as Ye Chen sensed Su Yuxuan's aura, he realized that she had already reached the peak of Foundation Establishment. Her rapidly growing power filled Su Yuxuan with immense joy. Her greatest obsession had always been to grow stronger.

Previously, it would have taken at least several years, maybe even a decade, to break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage. But now, in just half a month, she had broken through to the peak of Foundation Establishment.

She was just one step away from forming a Golden Core. Once she obtained the spiritual objects needed to form the Golden Core, she could break through to the Golden Core stage. Then, she would be able to kill her Master and free her family's souls. How could Su Yuxuan not be ecstatic?

"Thank you, Senior Brother Ye!"

Su Yuxuan stood up, her delicate little feet hovering in the air as she thanked Ye Chen.

To be honest, even now, Su Yuxuan still found it somewhat unbelievable. Ye Chen had really come specifically to gift her the Glazed Purification Water.

Though she had always known that Ye Chen liked her, the fact that he had given her such a precious treasure as the Glazed Purification Water touched her deeply. Her heart swelled with quiet gratitude. Once she avenged her family and destroyed Misty Sect, being with Ye Chen didn't seem bad at all.

However, the unfortunate truth was that after she avenged her family, she probably wouldn't have many years left to live. But Ye Chen cared so much for her. Even if it was just a few years of companionship, it would be enough to repay his kindness.

The little demoness, Su Yuxuan, wasn't ungrateful—she simply had more pressing matters to attend to. Ye Chen had given her the Foundation Establishment technique, pills, her eyes, and now even traveled far to bring her the Glazed Purification Water. She remembered all these kindnesses clearly.

"Words of thanks are nothing. How about something more practical?" Ye Chen said with a smiling gaze.

The holy aura brought on by the Glazed Purification Water enhanced the little demoness's demeanor, giving her an entirely new level of grace. Especially her little feet, which sparkled with a faint glow. It seemed as though they were delicate and soft to the extreme.

Su Yuxuan immediately pouted. If Ye Chen had made such a request before giving her the Glazed Purification Water, she might have reluctantly agreed. But now that she had already used it, he could forget about it. She raised her leg, preparing to leave.

Having broken through to the peak of Foundation Establishment, Su Yuxuan now had a great deal of confidence in her own strength. She believed she could now match Ye Chen in a test of strength. And even if she couldn't defeat him, escaping would still be easy.

However, the next moment, Su Yuxuan's little foot stopped. It wasn't because Ye Chen made a move. Instead, Ye Chen took an ancient jade out of his storage ring.

Feeling the thick murderous aura and sword intent contained within the jade, Su Yuxuan's foot froze in place. A Golden Core spiritual object. Ye Chen actually had a Golden Core spiritual object, and it was filled with a dense, deathly aura. It was undoubtedly a high-quality spiritual object.

As for the sword intent, although it was of no use to her, it wasn't a problem. This spiritual object was simply perfect for her. With this ancient jade, could it be that Ye Chen was going to give it to her?

The thought made Su Yuxuan's heart race again.

Seeing the desire in Su Yuxuan's eyes, Ye Chen immediately smiled and said, "Su Yuxuan, do you want the spiritual object?"

Su Yuxuan nodded enthusiastically, like a little chick pecking at grains.

Ye Chen smiled, not saying anything more, but he very plainly glanced at Su Yuxuan's little feet. Everything was left unsaid.

Su Yuxuan silently ground her teeth in frustration. No wonder Ye Chen had been so quick to give her the Glazed Purification Water before. It turned out he had been waiting for her here. She really needed this Golden Core spiritual object. With it, she could break through to the Golden Core stage within a year.

However, the sticky feeling that wouldn't wash away still made her a bit reluctant. She turned her big eyes and said, "I've crushed a lot of enemies' skulls underfoot before, brother, will you mind?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Chen immediately remembered the scene from half a month ago. To be honest, he was a little repulsed, but it was also somewhat thrilling. After all, Su Yuxuan's little feet were truly perfect, and their shape was beautiful to the extreme. Only those who had experienced it could understand just how perfect they were.

After a brief hesitation, Ye Chen nodded, "I do mind a bit, but forget it! Let's just go somewhere else!"

Saying this, Ye Chen looked at Su Yuxuan's little face.

When Su Yuxuan heard the first part, her lips curled into a mischievous smile. But the next moment, when she realized Ye Chen was staring at her face, her smile immediately dropped.

Oh no…

Su Yuxuan quickly forced a smile and leaned closer. "Brother Ye, actually, the blood didn't even touch. I also use cleaning spells several times a day. As cultivators, we shouldn't care about such little details."

Ye Chen didn't respond. Instead, he put the ancient jade away and casually reclined on the lounge chair he had taken from his storage ring, looking up at the hall above.

Su Yuxuan was getting angry. "Brother Ye, now that we're both at the peak of Foundation Establishment, do you really think I'm no match for you…?"

The next moment, terrifying blood spiritual energy erupted. The entire hall seemed to turn into a sea of blood.

However, Ye Chen didn't even lift his head. A massive gold hand appeared with a resounding crash. Feeling the terrifying destructive aura within it, the sea of blood instantly vanished.

Su Yuxuan's beautiful face was filled with a smile. "Brother, I was just joking…"

With that, she actively approached and squatted right in front of Ye Chen!

After a long while, Ye Chen stood up, feeling thoroughly satisfied.

"Good work deserves a reward."

Ye Chen took out the ancient jade and handed it to Su Yuxuan. At this moment, Su Yuxuan only felt a bit overwhelmed. She kept using cleaning spells on her little feet. In her heart, she cursed Ye Chen for being so contradictory. He said he disliked it, but in the end, he used it anyway.

However, when she looked at the ancient jade that was handed to her, her eyes immediately brightened with excitement. She grasped the jade in her hands, feeling its abundant spiritual energy.

Su Yuxuan felt that all her previous hardships had been worth it. With this ancient jade, she was sure to break through to the Golden Core stage. Such a treasure was entirely a matter of opportunity. It was priceless. To think that she had obtained it so easily.

Ye Chen had indeed bullied her, but Su Yuxuan also knew that Ye Chen genuinely wanted to help her. Otherwise, based on the treasures Ye Chen had given her, what kind of female cultivator couldn't he find? He could even do much more. Even female direct disciples of the Divine Will Sect would probably be moved. Yet Ye Chen had given it to her so easily.

Looking at Ye Chen's face, which was full of a charming smile, Su Yuxuan's expression became complicated. There was a mix of love and hatred in her gaze. For a moment, she didn't know what to say.

At the same time, the system's prompt sounded in Ye Chen's mind.

Chapter 192: Senior Brother, Can You Handle This?!

"Gift successfully delivered..."

"50 times feedback in progress."

"Detected that the gift given by the host is for..."

"Critical strike feedback triggered."

"Feedback: The Bone of the Sword Peng!"

"Sword Peng: An ancient vicious beast, born with sword Qi. Each feather is as valuable as a supreme treasure. The sword Qi is unparalleled, and a mature Sword Peng can fight against divine beasts without falling behind..."

"Sword Peng's Bone: Can be used as the core spiritual object for forming a Golden Core. The Golden Core will definitely be Nine-Rank, with a chance to awaken the Sword Dao Divine Ability and possibly inherit the Sword Peng's core Divine Ability."

Looking at the description, Ye Chen's eyes lit up. The bone of an ancient vicious beast. And it was from the Sword Peng, a beast capable of fighting divine beasts. Using this as a core would guarantee a nine-turn Golden Core, with a possibility of awakening the Sword Peng's core Divine Ability. This feedback was ridiculously powerful. It was perfect for his Master.

Ye Chen had to admit that his system was truly impressive. It could adjust the feedback direction according to his needs. With this, the system's usefulness would far exceed what he had originally imagined. A single piece of ancient jade had led to such a powerful spiritual object. What kind of treasures could he get if he found even more precious spiritual objects to give to female cultivators with higher feedback multipliers?

Ye Chen could hardly even imagine. In any case, getting the most suitable spiritual object for his Master made Ye Chen feel good. His gaze toward Su Yuxuan also held a touch of appreciation.

Though this little demoness was hard to tame, no matter how much he fed her, she never seemed satisfied. And now, considering the current feedback multiplier, it seemed a bit low. But still, the little demoness could trigger critical strikes, which was far better than An Yuyi.

Moreover, the little demoness's feet were truly exceptional. To this day, Ye Chen had yet to see any female cultivator with more beautiful feet than hers.

Of course, Ye Chen wasn't fond of feet. He simply felt that the little demoness had a grateful heart and could trigger critical strikes. So, in the future, if there was anything that could enhance her spiritual roots or physique, he would definitely give it to her to boost her multiplier.

Ye Chen felt thoroughly satisfied. He had enjoyed himself. The gift was given. The feedback had been received.

With everything in place, Ye Chen decided it was time to return home.

However, Su Yuxuan hesitated, standing still. Now that she had the Golden Core spiritual object in hand, the chance to take revenge by forming the Golden Core seemed so close. But to face someone like her Master…

Even though Su Yuxuan had made countless preparations, she still couldn't guarantee that she would succeed in her revenge. If she failed, she would lose everything, including her life. So, as she looked at Ye Chen, she rare showed hesitation.

Ye Chen had helped her so much. This farewell might be the last time they saw each other. Before she left, she should give Ye Chen the thing he desired most. It would be her way of repaying him.

After all, ever since she met her Master, her life had been cast into darkness. It was only from Ye Chen that she had felt even a bit of warmth. She didn't want to leave Ye Chen with regrets. Nor did she want to have regrets herself.

Su Yuxuan spoke softly, "Senior Brother, is this all that satisfies you? You wouldn't be incapable, would you?"

Ye Chen had originally planned to wave her off and leave. But upon hearing this, his eyes immediately widened. What man could stand being told he was incapable? Without hesitation, Ye Chen turned and walked back to Su Yuxuan's side. He grabbed her little foot.

Su Yuxuan smiled. This time, it was truly repayment. She wasn't going to use any secret technique to drain Ye Chen. However, Su Yuxuan's expression soon changed...

Half an hour later, Ye Chen floated away, leaving Su Yuxuan standing there with a slightly swollen stomach and a confused look on her face. She felt that ever since she started her cultivation journey, she had never been this full. It was truly absurd…

In the end, Ye Chen hadn't given her the chance to make up for any regrets. He had simply proved just how capable he was. As for Su Yuxuan's more unreasonable demands, Ye Chen had left her with a single line: "Only those who reach the Golden Core stage have the right to be my woman."

And then he floated away.

Su Yuxuan couldn't make sense of it at first, but then she smiled. Ye Chen couldn't possibly know that once she reached the Golden Core, she would seek revenge, could he? Perhaps that was why he had used this method to encourage her to keep fighting to stay alive?

With that thought, a rare warmth appeared in Su Yuxuan's cold eyes. Ye Chen truly cared for her. But unfortunately, even if she survived facing her Master, she wouldn't have many years left to live. Three years to reach perfection in Qi Refining, another three years to reach the peak of Foundation Establishment. Such a rapid cultivation speed would undoubtedly come at a great cost. And that cost was her lifespan.

Originally, Su Yuxuan hadn't cared whether she lived or died. If her Master killed her, it would all be over. But now, Su Yuxuan found that she hoped to survive. Once she avenged her family, she would repay everything to Ye Chen. And during the process, she could secretly use some secret methods to scare Ye Chen a little. She would consider it a payback for all the bullying she had endured from him these past few years.

With that thought, Su Yuxuan smiled brightly. Then, with a light skip in her step, she bounced out of the hall. She wouldn't return to the sect, to avoid being discovered by her Master. She would find a place to adjust her condition.

Secretly breakthrough, and when the time came, she would definitely give her Master a big surprise.

Just as she exited the hall, she ran into a Misty Sect elder. The elder was quite young, at the mid Foundation Establishment stage.

Looking at Su Yuxuan's beautiful face, he couldn't help but be a bit moved, and he invited, "Fellow Daoist Su, would you like to explore the ruins with me?"

Hearing this, Su Yuxuan smiled even more happily. "Sure!"

However, before the elder could feel pleased, Su Yuxuan immediately made her move. A sea of blood exploded, surrounding the elder. In an instant, the elder was reduced to nothing but a pile of white bones amidst his agonized screams.

"Your blood will do just fine to accompany me while I explore the ruins!"

Su Yuxuan skipped over to him. She had originally intended to kick the elder's head off with her little foot. But then she remembered the promise Ye Chen had made her swear.

Su Yuxuan's raised foot paused, and she put it down again.

Forget it... if it's not necessary, then never mind! When I reach the Golden Core stage, and if Ye Chen is still at the Foundation Establishment stage, it'll be my turn to rule. Isn't he fond of feet? By then, I'll make him lick them a hundred times!

With that thought, Su Yuxuan turned around and leisurely made her way to the deepest part of the ruins. When she emerged again, she would undoubtedly be a Golden Core cultivator.

...

As for Ye Chen, after leaving the ruins and passing through the Middle Mountain outpost, he discussed with Senior Sister once again the appearance of the Full Moon under different angles and varying forces.

Two days later, he returned to Green Cloud Sect. He arrived at Sword Peak.

"Master, I'm back!" Ye Chen greeted with a smile.

The courtyard door slowly opened on its own. Stepping inside, he noticed the purple wind chime hanging on the tree, its pleasant sound occasionally filling the air.

Gu Yunyun stood beneath the tree, radiating a faint glow, her beauty beyond belief. As Ye Chen drew closer, he could even smell a faint lotus fragrance, which made him feel at ease and refreshed. This was the effect after using the Glazed Purification Water. Su Yuxuan had experienced the same effect earlier.

"You're back!" Gu Yunyun said softly. "If you didn't manage to get a better spiritual object, it's alright. Spiritual objects are rare and must rely on fate!"

Ye Chen had been gone for less than a month, so Gu Yunyun assumed that his trip hadn't gone smoothly. She spoke gently.

Hearing this, Ye Chen smiled and replied, "I didn't fail you. Master, take a look at this spiritual object, and let me know if it suits you."

Gu Yunyun was slightly taken aback. Had Ye Chen really used the ancient jade to exchange for a better spiritual object? What could it be?

With curiosity, Gu Yunyun took the jade box from Ye Chen's hand and slowly opened the lid.

The next moment, accompanied by the cry of a peng, an extremely terrifying sword intent surged into the sky. The sheer intensity of the sword intent made Gu Yunyun's stunning phoenix eyes reveal a look of disbelief...