ISWI Chapter 348-350

Chapter 348: Dugu Wooden Sword!

"I'll be leaving for a while," Ye Chen said to Mo Yuzhu before flying toward An Yuyi's cave abode.

Among all of Ascension Peak, only An Yuyi practiced swordsmanship and wielded sword-based spiritual artifacts. It had been a long time since he'd seen his master, so naturally, he wanted to prepare a gift for her. Since she had joined the Sword Sect, what better gift than an exceptional sword?

In the blink of an eye, Ye Chen arrived at An Yuyi's cave abode. After sending out a wisp of spiritual sense, the abode's restrictions parted, and An Yuyi, with her lovely face and striking figure, greeted him with delight. "Senior Brother, I was just about to look for you! My spiritual sense has been refined to its peak, and I'm ready to break through to the Nascent Soul stage."

She pulled him inside, clinging to his arm in excitement. Perhaps because her breakthrough was imminent, An Yuyi couldn't contain her joy, fidgeting with uncontainable energy.

Ye Chen smiled. "I figured as much. That's why I prepared a top-grade spiritual treasure-level flying sword for you. I carefully selected it from the Artifact Peak's treasury. Once you break through to Nascent Soul and refine it, your combat strength will soar."

As he spoke, he retrieved a violet-cyan flying sword from his storage bracelet. "This is the Violet-Cyan Flying Sword, crafted from two rare meteorite stones discovered by the Artifact Peak Master. Their durability rivals immortal gold. The Peak Master, thrilled by the find, personally forged them into this spiritual treasure-level flying sword. Its power far surpasses ordinary top-grade treasures."

An Yuyi's face lit up as she gazed at the sword, its violet and cyan hues blending like vibrant, otherworldly flowers. The sharp aura it exuded told her this was no ordinary weapon. But what warmed her heart most was Ye Chen's thoughtfulness, knowing she was nearing a breakthrough and preparing such a treasure in advance.

"Muah! Senior Brother, you're the best! I love you so much!" Overcome with emotion, An Yuyi planted a kiss on him.

Ye Chen chuckled, handing her the Violet-Cyan Flying Sword. "If you like it, take good care of it."

An Yuyi accepted it with a beaming smile, brimming with joy.

At that moment, a system prompt sounded in Ye Chen's mind.

"Congratulations, Host, on successfully gifting an item…"

"Gift: Violet-Cyan Flying Sword!"

"Processing feedback…"

"Two hundred times feedback in progress."

"Detected that the host's gift has triggered a critical reward!"

"Feedback: Extreme Dao Weapon: Dugu Wooden Sword!"

"Dugu Wooden Sword: When Dugu Qiubai broke through to the Mahayana stage and entered the realm where all things could be swords, he abandoned his mysterious iron heavy sword. Instead, he took a branch from an ancient mulberry tree and crafted an ordinary wooden sword. With this sword, he walked the path to immortality, challenging countless powerhouses. Upon achieving immortality, the wooden sword, tempered through endless battles, ascended into an Extreme Dao Weapon, infused with Dugu Qiubai's profound swordsmanship insights from the Mahayana stage to his immortal ascension."

Ye Chen's eyes widened. He hadn't paid much attention at first, but this was extraordinary. A top-grade spiritual treasure had triggered an Extreme Dao Weapon? Was An Yuyi's potential that potent now? The description also revealed Dugu Qiubai's fearsome prowess—ascending to immortality with a mere wooden sword, which, bearing his sword intent, had transformed into an Extreme Dao Weapon. Utterly remarkable.

A smile spread across Ye Chen's face. His master was currently in the Sword Sect, founded by Dugu Qiubai himself, and had received his inheritance. What could be a more fitting reunion gift than this Dugu Wooden Sword?

Seeing Ye Chen's joy, An Yuyi's happiness deepened. A thought struck her, and her cheeks flushed as she leaned close to his ear, whispering, "Senior Brother, has your Nether Poison flared up? Aunt is in seclusion, but I can handle it alone. I've mastered her detoxifying technique perfectly."

Ye Chen's gaze lingered on An Yuyi's blushing face and her striking figure, stirring his heart. There was no rush to leave. Detoxifying once before departing wouldn't hurt, especially since An Yuyi wasn't exaggerating. Since arriving at the Holy Land, she and her aunt had assisted him with detoxification multiple times, and An Yuyi's skill now rivaled An Miaoli's.

"In that case, I'll trouble you, Yuyi," Ye Chen said.

An Yuyi didn't respond with words. Instead, she deftly began channeling a secret technique. But soon, Ye Chen sensed something amiss. What was she doing?

An Yuyi flashed a sly, fox-like grin. "I read in a book that this method is the most effective for detoxification…" She moved swiftly downward.

Ye Chen could have easily dodged, but faced with her earnest devotion, how could he refuse? The system's voice echoed in his mind.

"Congratulations, An Yuyi has become the Host's dao companion…"

"An Yuyi's original multiplier: 200 times!"

"Dao companion bonus: 400 times!"

In that moment, An Yuyi felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. Noticing a trace of hesitation in Ye Chen's eyes—perhaps concern for her aunt—she gently closed his eyelids and whispered in his ear, "Uncle, don't open your eyes… I'm my aunt…"

At that moment, An Yuyi felt her path to immortality grow ever more complete.

The day after, Ye Chen gently patted An Yuyi's head, urging her to cultivate diligently and break through to the Nascent Soul stage soon. Then, he summoned his skyship and soared toward the Sword Sect's location, cutting through the air.

An Yuyi's face glowed with satisfaction. This was to spur her aunt into action. An Miaoli had been too hesitant, moving far too slowly. Ascension Peak was filled with female cultivators, each with exceptional talent, beauty, and figures. Just a week ago, a peak master's daughter had joined. The competition was intense, and An Yuyi knew she had to act fast.

She flew to her aunt's cave abode, using her token to enter. An Miaoli had just finished cultivating. She greeted her niece with a smile, but her expression froze when she sensed An Yuyi's aura. Surprise flickered in her eyes.

An Yuyi nodded earnestly, their understanding unspoken. An Miaoli's expression grew complex. With An Yuyi now Ye Chen's dao companion in truth, what reason did she have to continue helping him detoxify? This…

But before she could dwell on it, An Yuyi leaned in with a worried look. "Aunt, the female cultivators at Ascension Peak are all eyeing Senior Brother like hawks. He seems to favor Mo Yuzhu. And that He Qiu—he's planning to teach her the True Phoenix Treasure Technique and even pass down an immortal scripture!

"Then there's that eerie Fang Yuan, the one who uses Gu techniques. Senior Brother's so interested in Gu Dao, he even asked what special cultivation resources she needs. The competition's too fierce—I can't handle it alone. Aunt, you have to help me!"

An Miaoli froze, shaking her head sternly. "This is improper!"

An Yuyi pouted, her expression pitiful. "I don't have a choice! There are just too many female cultivators in the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land. Aunt, you love me most—please help me!"

Seeing her niece's aggrieved look, An Miaoli's brow, marked by a red mole, flickered. She let out a sigh. An Yuyi was her dearest family. If she didn't support her, who would? Though it defied propriety, there was a reason for it. As long as her conscience was clear, that was enough.

Chapter 349: Open the Door!

An Yuyi had long seen through her aunt's conflicted attitude. She decided to take the initiative, giving An Miaoli a nudge. It was clear to her that Ye Chen wasn't someone she could claim exclusively. So why not include her aunt?

An Miaoli had once patiently taught her the art of detoxification; now, it was An Yuyi's turn to guide her aunt on how to enrich her own path. This, she thought, must be the gratitude and repayment her aunt had always preached.

After chatting a bit, An Yuyi's expression shifted. "Aunt, I need to go into seclusion…"

Thanks to the Star Pool, her cultivation had long reached the peak of the Golden Core stage. But her rapid progress had left her foundation unstable, so she had been suppressing and refining it while honing her spiritual sense. In recent days, she had achieved perfection, and the intense impact from earlier had broken through the barrier to the Nascent Soul stage. Her cultivation could no longer be restrained—she was ready to break through. With that, she rushed back to her cave abode.

Meanwhile, at Ascension Peak, Mo Yuzhu had also reached perfection in her cultivation. She had been reluctant to enter seclusion earlier, but with the Holy Son leaving for a time, she chose to retreat and break through to the Nascent Soul stage.

Li Feihuang, who had reached the peak of the Golden Core stage back in the Great Chu Dynasty through an infusion of imperial qi, was also now at perfection, preparing for her own Nascent Soul breakthrough.

But a grievance gnawed at her. Despite her time at Ascension Peak, Ye Chen had never spoken a single word to her. When they crossed paths, it was as if she didn't exist. He had showered gifts on every female cultivator at the peak—except her. The neglect filled her with simmering resentment.

It was the Great Chu Ancestor who had imposed those conditions, not her. She had only agreed to them to protect Ye Chen, to shield him from the ancestor's wrath over the Champion King's death. How was she to know Ye Chen could overpower the ancestor? He had kept his strength hidden, yet somehow, she was the one who seemed at fault.

What had she done wrong?

The more Li Feihuang thought about it, the angrier she became. She had been about to return to her cave abode for seclusion, but now, unable to hold back, she flew straight to the Holy Son Hall.

"Ye Chen, why are you treating me like this? You're clearly powerful, yet you hid it from me all along! Tell me, what did I ever do wrong? If you're so capable of ignoring me, then open the door!"

Her red hair fluttered as she threw caution to the wind, heedless of Ye Chen's status as Holy Son. Her outburst naturally drew the attention of others nearby.

He Qiu, watching Li Feihuang's outburst, hurriedly called out, "Senior Sister Li, I know you're upset, but please calm down! The Holy Son isn't in the Holy Land right now—he's gone to find his master. If you have something to say, wait until he returns!"

Li Feihuang froze. Ye Chen wasn't even here? Her anger cooled instantly, replaced by a flush of embarrassment as she recalled her heated words. She gave He Qiu an awkward smile before quickly floating away.

After venting, Li Feihuang felt a weight lift from her chest, her gloom dissipating. She resolved not to bottle things up anymore—she'd confront Ye Chen directly when the time came. With her mind clear, she strode into her cave abode, ready to break through to the Nascent Soul stage.

He Qiu, having witnessed the spectacle, shook her head. She, too, was preparing to break through to the Golden Core stage. Having consumed the Glazed Purification Water, she was brimming with confidence in forming her core.

The Sword Sect was far from the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land. Even with the speed of Ye Chen's skyship, reaching the sect within a month would be challenging. But as a Holy Son, Ye Chen had the vast resources of the Holy Land at his disposal, its influence spanning the Great Yan Continent. His travel plans were swiftly arranged, utilizing teleportation arrays in various immortal cities to cut down travel time.

At last, Ye Chen's figure emerged from a teleportation array in a large immortal city. A local Heavenly Evolution Pavilion steward was already waiting, bowing deeply upon seeing Ye Chen and Elder Mo.

"Greetings, Holy Son and Elder. The Sword Sect's affiliated immortal city is too small to have a teleportation array, so we could only bring you here. It's still some distance from the Sword Sect, but with the Holy Son's speed, you should reach it within half a day."

The steward spoke respectfully, indicating the correct direction. Around them, countless cultivators noticed Ye Chen's yin-yang fish robe, faintly glowing with golden light, and their eyes widened in awe. Just yesterday, a legacy disciple from the Heavenly Intention Holy Land had arrived, stirring a commotion. Now, a Holy Son from the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land? Was some treasure about to emerge in this city?

Ye Chen paid no heed to the reverent stares. With a calm nod, he floated off in the direction indicated.

Half a day later, Ye Chen's gaze fell upon a towering mountain peak, piercing the clouds like a giant sword, radiating a fierce sword intent. Surrounding the Sword Sect's peak was a vast plain, its details obscured from afar, likely due to the sect's protective grand array. The thought of soon reuniting with his master brought a smile to Ye Chen's lips, and he quickened his pace.

At that moment, a resonant bell tolled from within the Sword Sect, faintly reaching Ye Chen's ears. He raised an eyebrow as Elder Mo's voice sounded beside him. "I once visited the Sword Sect for a ceremony. This bell signals a major event—likely the sect leader's competition is about to begin in the arena."

Ye Chen's heart raced. He couldn't let his master face the arena alone. He had planned to announce his identity at the sect's gate and enter formally, but there was no time for that now. Instantly, golden wings sprouted from his back, shimmering with radiant light, while a divine Kun Peng form materialized above his head. His speed surged several-fold, akin to teleportation, as he charged toward the Sword Sect.

The protective array flared with divine light upon sensing his presence, but couldn't halt him for even a moment. In the blink of an eye, Ye Chen breached the sect's defenses, flying straight toward the central peak. With his Kun Peng Wings and the complete Kun Peng Treasure Technique, his speed approached the legendary realm where no array could impede him.

In the void behind, Elder Mo's mouth twitched. He lacked such prowess. Charging in like that would cause an uproar, possibly making the Sword Sect think the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land was attacking.

"Youngsters and their fiery tempers," he muttered, but he wasn't worried. No one in the Sword Sect would dare harm their Holy Son. Unhurried, he drifted leisurely toward the sect's gate.

Atop the Sword Sect's main peak, a vast plaza, as if sliced flat, sprawled across the summit. Disciples and elders gathered, their eyes fixed on the central arena. Two figures stood upon it: a man and a woman.

The woman, clad in black, had a striking figure and a beautiful face, but her narrow eyes and thin lips lent her a sharp, almost harsh demeanor. She was Dugu Yue. As the bell's echo faded, she spoke coldly, "Gu Yunyun, are you still not showing yourself?"

At that moment, a red-clad figure approached, riding a sword through the air. As Gu Yunyun drew near, even those who had seen her before couldn't help but be captivated by her stunning presence.

Chapter 350: I Don't Want Him to Misunderstand!

Gu Yunyun arrived, gliding in on her sword and landing calmly on the arena. Her red dress fluttered, accentuating her flawless figure, while her stunning face radiated an ethereal beauty. The impending sect leader's battle, tied to immense stakes, was something no cultivator could ignore. Yet Gu Yunyun stood there, serene and unruffled, as if facing a mere friendly spar rather than a critical contest.

Her composure outshone Dugu Yue by far, captivating the onlookers. Jealousy flashed in Dugu Yue's narrow eyes as she glared at Gu Yunyun. "Gu Yunyun, the sect leader's position is beyond your reach."

Gu Yunyun gently gripped her jade sword, nodding calmly. "Perhaps, but it's what the Supreme Elder intended for me."

Dugu Yue's anger flared. "And the sword intent in your body—that belongs to my Dugu family!"

Gu Yunyun nodded again, her voice steady. "True, but the Supreme Elder gave it to me."

Her tranquil tone, devoid of any ripple, drove Dugu Yue to the brink of fury. Her chest heaved as she glared. "What's the use of your sharp tongue? I'll personally reclaim that seal soon enough. My great-grandmother's legacy belongs to me alone."

Gu Yunyun's expression remained impassive. The Sword Sect had long been plagued by internal strife. The Dugu family viewed the sect as their own, treating it as an extension of their clan to ensure unity. But some elders believed the sect should not be dominated by one family, as it stifled vitality. This discord between the family faction and the sect faction fueled endless conflict, giving rise to the bizarre rule allowing dao companions in the sect leader's contest.

The Dugu Supreme Elder, though part of the family, supported the sect faction. In his final act, he chose Gu Yunyun as his successor, defying his own kin. While he lived, the Dugu family dared not act. But after his death, they schemed, tacitly supporting Dugu Yue's resentment and pushing Gu Yunyun into the arena.

Gu Yunyun knew she couldn't escape this conflict, but she was unafraid. She gazed steadily at Dugu Yue. "If you want the Supreme Elder's sword intent, then fight me. Defeat me, and it's yours."

Dugu Yue sneered. "Where's your dao companion? Call him up here!"

Gu Yunyun's red dress fluttered as she gazed at the clear sky. A figure surfaced unbidden in her mind—that midnight kiss, that audacious touch. If she had to choose a dao companion, it would likely be her disciple, wouldn't it?

She wondered what level Ye Chen had reached now. If he knew his master had broken through to the Nascent Soul stage, he'd probably be shocked. Surely, he wouldn't dare entertain those bold thoughts about her anymore, right? A faint warmth spread in her heart at the thought, but she shook her head. "I have no dao companion. I'll face this alone."

At that moment, the man beside Dugu Yue let out a faint chuckle. This was Ying Tianjing, a legacy disciple of the Heavenly Intention Holy Land, where ranks descended from Holy Son to legacy disciples to direct disciples.

As the younger brother of the Heavenly Intention Holy Son, Ying Tianjing's gaze lingered on Gu Yunyun, a flicker of awe in his eyes. The cultivation world was filled with beautiful female cultivators, but few matched Gu Yunyun's striking figure. What set her apart was her reserved yet sharp aura, both captivating and unapproachable—a rare quality. She might even rival the goddess soon to emerge from the Heavenly Desire Sect. If he could bring her back to the Holy Land for his brother, he'd surely be pleased.

Ying Tianjing's greedy stare didn't go unnoticed by Dugu Yue. Her dissatisfaction deepened, a glint of killing intent flashing in her narrow eyes. Reclaiming the seal would severely injure Gu Yunyun, but with a ruthless hand, she could reduce her to a cripple. Dugu Yue had made her choice.

She snapped, "How long are you going to stall?"

Gu Yunyun remained silent, her expression calm. Her jade sword hovered before her, radiating boundless sword qi.

But at that moment, a resolute, magnetic voice rang out. "Fellow Daoist Gu, I'm here to help you!"

The crowd in the plaza erupted in murmurs. Elder Lin Qian strode forward, a black sword above his head casting endless dark light. Sword intent surged from him, roiling in the sky. Drawing every eye, he smiled at Gu Yunyun, undaunted by the Dugu family's displeasure, Dugu Yue's threats, or Ying Tianjing's cold gaze. He stepped boldly toward the arena to stand by her side.

Dugu Yue sneered. "So you do have a man. Why pretend otherwise?"

Ying Tianjing cast a cold glance at Lin Qian, his eyes brimming with disdain and cruelty. Lin Qian, however, ignored them both.

But Gu Yunyun turned, her brow furrowed. "Thank you for your kindness, Elder Lin, but I don't need your help."

Lin Qian smiled. "This battle is inherently unfair. I brought you into the sect, so how can I stand by while you face injustice?"

He stepped forward, ready to ascend the arena. But in the next moment, his expression shifted. A surge of fierce sword intent erupted from Gu Yunyun, directed at him, prickling his skin.

Her expression was stern, her voice icy. "This is a battle for dao companions, Elder Lin. You are not my dao companion. If word spreads, what becomes of my reputation? So, no thank you."

Lin Qian hadn't expected such firm rejection. She stood no chance alone against her opponents. Bitterness welled in his heart, but he persisted. "We're cultivators—why care about others' gossip? I only want to help you with a clear conscience."

In that moment, Lin Qian's humility was palpable. As a promising elder of the Sword Sect, destined for the Deity Transformation stage and perhaps even the Unity Realm, he now stood humbled, unable to even offer aid. The crowd murmured in astonishment, and his junior sister bit her lip, her eyes filled with heartache.

But Gu Yunyun's expression didn't soften. "My heart belongs to another. If word spreads, he might misunderstand. That would leave my conscience uneasy."

Her words struck Lin Qian like a blow. His vibrant sword qi wilted, and his tall frame seemed to deflate, his eyes clouded with complex emotions.

Gu Yunyun remained calm, without a trace of guilt. She had made her stance clear long ago, but Lin Qian had persisted. Now, she had to reject him outright.

In her life, her disciple was enough. She needed no one else. If she lost this battle and the seal was taken, her vitality would be severely damaged, her path to immortality severed. If that happened, she would return to the Green Cloud Sect and spend her remaining years by her disciple's side. As for other women in his life? She no longer cared. She'd simply pretend not to know.