ISWI Chapter 142-143

Chapter 142: The Ruins Open!

"Why has Senior Sister also been sent to Middle Mountain?"

Upon Yao Xi's arrival at the base, Ye Chen embraced her with the enthusiasm of a long-awaited rain, holding her slender waist.

Seeing Ye Chen as soon as she arrived, Yao Xi's eyes curved into smile. Feeling the warmth of Ye Chen's chest, she spoke with a laugh, "The External Affairs Hall suddenly notified me. They said the ruins are about to open, and the Misty Sect excels in using poisons. Having an alchemist here means that if any elder or disciple gets injured, I can concoct the right medicine. And thanks to the Green Stone Fire and the insights you gave me, I am now a second-grade alchemist. So, I was sent here!"

Ye Chen frowned slightly. Frankly, the reason seemed a bit far-fetched. But no matter the reason, if the sect commands, you must obey. The sect functions like this, nurturing its disciples and elders daily, providing basic elixirs, techniques, and knowledge of cultivation.

But when it counts, you also have to stand up. While enjoying the benefits, you must also fulfill your duties.

So, Ye Chen didn't think further; having Yao Xi here was a good thing for him. A guaranteed thirty-fold reward each week. Though it didn't match his master's hundredfold. It was still a tremendous gain.

As for Su Yuxuan, who also offered a fifty-fold reward and was in Middle Mountain, Ye Chen certainly couldn't sneak out to meet Su Yuxuan. If the elders saw that, he would definitely be branded a traitor by the sect. Risking such a scandal for an extra twenty-fold feedback was completely unnecessary.

Thus, after Yao Xi's arrival, Ye Chen's days became even more pleasurable. Daily, he consumed top-tier cultivation elixirs and various other top-tier enhancement elixirs. He focused on cultivation during the day, and at night, he and Yao Xi would enjoy the moon and share insights. He presented her with a gift weekly, accumulating resources.

While his days were comfortable, his wealth continued to grow. His cultivation also advanced by leaps and bounds. Life couldn't be more splendid.

However, three weeks later, on a clear morning, Middle Mountain erupted with a thunderous roar. Cheers from cultivators echoed from all directions. The array that sealed the entrance to the Boundless Demon Sect ruins had finally failed. Even more entrances were discovered.

Cultivators from all around immediately rushed in, fearing they would be too late to claim the treasures. The elders of both the Green Cloud Sect and the Misty Sect ceased their conflicts. With the entrances open, there was nothing left to fight over. There would be time enough to battle over treasures inside.

However, an unexpected event occurred on the very same day. The ruins of the Boundless Demon Sect were infested with Blood Souls. The Blood Souls were formidable, almost all at the ninth level of Qi Refining, presenting a difficult challenge even for sect disciples. And even more so for the influx of scattered cultivators.

Thus, the casualties were heavy on that day. A large number of Qi Refining scattered cultivators fled in panic. It was rumored that some cultivators had even spotted the traces of a Foundation Establishment stage Blood Fiend, instilling even greater fear.

Yet, within the peril, there were indeed colossal opportunities. One Qi Refining stage nine scattered cultivator found three top-quality Foundation Establishment pills in a grand hall within the ruins and was immediately killed on the spot.

A sect disciple discovered an ancient, lost pill formula that could enhance the essence blood of those at the Qi Refining stage. It was of significant value, and upon returning to the base, the disciple immediately exchanged it for a massive amount of contribution points. Another found a complete set of high-quality magical tool-grade underwear in a dried-up pool...

Every piece of news like this turned the eyes of cultivators red with greed. As the saying goes, fortune favors the bold. Although many scattered cultivators fled, this also drew even more cultivators to the site.

For a time, the Middle Mountain mountain range became the most bustling place among the two sects. And the late-stage Foundation Establishment powerhouses from both sects had also arrived...

Half a month after the opening of the ruins, elders, along with their disciples, started emerging from the depths, returning to the base to rest. They shared the treasures they had gathered within the ruins. Ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators would be tempted by such tales.

However, Ye Chen appeared indifferent. The elders' gains did not surpass what he earned from a single gift-giving session. How could he possibly be moved?

Yao Xi reacted similarly, mainly because Ye Chen had spoiled her expectations. Top-grade magical tools and elixirs were nothing new to her. Thus, she genuinely had no envy for the elders' hauls.

"Fellow Daoist Ye, the treasures of the Boundless Demon Sect ruins are plentiful, and I too have reaped great rewards! But it seems inappropriate to keep you guarding the base with such treasures at hand. Conveniently, Elder Li and Elder Ming are injured and need at least a month to recover, so they can stay here. Why don't you also take a look?"

Kong Xiangli, perhaps having lowered his guard completely now, approached Ye Chen with a friendly demeanor.

Ye Chen, hearing this, smiled and shook his head: "There's no need, I shall remain here to guard this place, allowing the two elders to recuperate in peace..."

Ye Chen wasn't keen on entering. Unless there were rare treasures that couldn't be bought with spirit stones, such as a spirit fire, only then might Ye Chen show some interest. But if it was just about magical tools and treasures, then Ye Chen really saw no need to waste his time.

Hearing this, Kong Xiangli furrowed his brows. He hadn't expected Ye Chen to be utterly unmoved after hearing about the others' gains. Opportunities were clearly within reach, and few cultivators could remain indifferent. Yet Ye Chen decisively refused without hesitation. That Ye Chen had reached this point with a third-grade spirit root, indeed had something unique about him.

Kong Xiangli just smiled at Ye Chen and said no more.

Another half-month passed.

When a loose cultivator discovered a bottle of Five Elements Pills within the ruins, the fervor among cultivators for the ruins escalated even further.

Upon hearing this news, Ye Chen's interest was piqued. Five Elements Pills found in the ruins? That was excellent news. He should take this opportunity to enter the ruins himself and "cleanse" his own Five Elements Pills, claiming they were discovered there. This way, he could legitimately sell them later.

Given their rarity, the Five Elements Pills were now even more valuable than Foundation Establishment Pills. It was definitely worth a trip for Ye Chen.

Consequently, Ye Chen approached the current head of the sect's affairs, the Master of Magic Peak. He requested a reassignment to visit the ruins.

The Magic Peak Master agreed straightforwardly and assigned him a task: "Our first-controlled entrance recently became the haunt of an early-stage Foundation Establishment Blood Fiend, which has settled in one of the great halls, resulting in the death of four disciples. The other elders are currently unavailable, so the task falls to you! Depart tomorrow!"

Hearing this, Ye Chen nodded. As a mid-level combatant in the sect, entering the ruins meant not just thinking of himself. He would have various responsibilities. This was perfectly normal.

When Yao Xi learned that Ye Chen was about to enter the ruins, she became worried and immediately wanted to join him.

As they delved deeper, the number of Foundation Establishment stage Blood Fiends in the ruins increased. And due to the treasures, the ferocity among the cultivators within also escalated. Even within their own Green Cloud Sect, an elder had fallen.

But Ye Chen directly refused. Yao Xi was too weak. With his own strength, unless a Golden Core opponent appeared, he was virtually invincible. Bringing Yao Xi would only complicate matters.

Yao Xi wanted to protest, but Ye Chen gently wrapped an arm around her slender waist, "Come to my place tonight. But you've been losing control more and more lately. Are you feeling unwell?"

At his words, Yao Xi's face flushed red, and she gritted her teeth at Ye Chen. How could Ye Chen have the nerve to say that? It was all his fault. After all, it's one thing to open a path, but quite another to leave it untouched.

Seeing Yao Xi's embarrassed fury, Ye Chen couldn't help but be filled with mirth!

...

The next day, Ye Chen left the base and headed towards the ruins.

Kong Xiangli, who had returned to the base to heal, watched Ye Chen's departing figure with narrowed eyes. A smirk briefly played across his lips before his expression returned to one of calm. He greeted everyone and then entered a meditation chamber to begin his healing...

Chapter 143: Stop Fighting...

The first entrance controlled by the Green Cloud Sect was not far from the base. Ye Chen only flew for half an hour before reaching it. The entrance was a vast cave.

A sect official guarded the exterior, who immediately bowed upon seeing Ye Chen arrive, "Greetings, Direct Disciple Ye..."

Ye Chen nodded with a smile and floated into the cave. Inside, the cave was exceedingly dark; those at the Qi Refining stage needed to use illumination talismans to explore. Of course, for someone at the Foundation Establishment stage, the darkness was no impediment.

However, if not for the need to "launder" the origin of the Five Elements Pills, Ye Chen really wouldn't bother visiting such a place. Not to mention the discomfort and the perpetual darkness, the opportunities here were mediocre at best.

They were even inferior to what Ye Chen could earn from alchemy. Not to mention that he also had the system. After walking for about five minutes, the cave expanded.

Ye Chen arrived at a grotto. Faintly, he could already see a cluster of buildings. Clearly, he had entered the ruins.

Due to the Boundless Demon Sect being buried under the mountain, the interior height was only about thirty meters, and many areas were obscured and divided by rock, twisting and turning. It was impossible to see everything at a glance; exploration had to be done slowly.

Ye Chen pulled out the map of the currently explored areas by the Green Cloud Sect and checked his mission location. He still had to go deeper. Along the way, he occasionally encountered other disciples from the Green Cloud Sect.

Sometimes, Blood Souls would suddenly emerge. However, such Qi Refining stage Blood Souls posed no challenge for Ye Chen, who didn't even need to pause his stride. A mere glance was enough to obliterate them.

Thus, under the awe-struck gazes of the disciples, Ye Chen followed the map deeper into the ruins. He didn't rush, nor was he reckless. Despite his strength, the Boundless Demon Sect was once a top-tier sect with a God Transformation stage powerhouse.

Who knew if a Golden Core stage spirit might appear? Thus, caution was paramount. The ruins of the Boundless Demon Sect were vast, and flying was restricted.

It took Ye Chen five full days to reach the location marked on the map. By then, encounters with Green Cloud Sect disciples had become scarce.

As Ye Chen approached the grand hall designated by his mission, he could hear roaring sounds emanating from within. The array that once protected this hall had failed, and upon pushing open the doors, Ye Chen saw a Blood Fiend shrouded in a mist of blood, its crimson eyes glaring directly at him. The Blood Fiend charged at him with inconceivable speed, roaring as it approached.

Both Blood Souls and Blood Fiends were products of the Boundless Demon Sect, allegedly crafted from the souls of enemies. Previously controlled by arrays, they served as attendants within the Boundless Demon Sect.

However, with the arrays now defunct, these Blood Souls and Fiends had gone rogue. They attacked cultivators, draining them dry into mummies. After absorbing a cultivator's essence and blood, they could become even stronger. Many Blood Souls had evolved into Blood Fiends thanks to unsuspecting scattered cultivators who served as easy prey. This had made the ruins increasingly dangerous.

Facing the charging Blood Fiend, Ye Chen remained calm, merely lifting his hand from afar. In the next moment, a giant hand formed behind the Blood Fiend, emanating a majestic purplish-gold light.

The hand crashed down, capturing the Blood Fiend within its grasp, a radiant holy light illuminating the area. The Blood Fiend struggled wildly within the giant hand, to no avail...

In the blink of an eye, it was purified and vanished without a trace, leaving behind only a crimson crystal on the ground.

Ye Chen picked up the crystal. Blood Fiends, upon death, left behind Blood Crystals. These were valuable materials for practicing Blood Dao Divine Abilities and techniques.

Ye Chen stored the crystal safely, thinking he might give it to Su Yuxuan if he encountered her. Reflecting on the past year since the last inheritance secret realm, where he had given Su Yuxuan a genuine Foundation Establishment technique, Ye Chen wondered about her current strength.

After casually dealing with the Blood Fiend and fulfilling his sect mission, Ye Chen continued deeper into the ruins. Since he was already here, he decided to stay a few more days. If he could find a Five Elements Pill, even better.

Observing an aged Five Elements Pill would allow him to better age his newly acquired ones, ensuring they didn't give away their true origin. So, two more days swiftly passed.

As Ye Chen delved deeper into the ruins, he encountered an increasing number of Blood Fiends. He even encountered two more Blood Fiends, but they caused him no trouble and were easily dispatched.

Another two days went by.

Ye Chen had now entered the core area of the Boundless Demon Sect. He even came across a building named the Scripture Pavilion.

However, as Ye Chen approached, he discovered that the array protecting it had long been ineffective. There were also signs that others had already entered. Upon opening the doors, it was as he suspected.

The place was completely empty; it was unclear whether it had been devoid of scriptures from the start or if someone had already taken everything.

Standing on the third-floor balcony of the Scripture Pavilion, Ye Chen surveyed his surroundings, contemplating whether it was time to return. But in the next moment, his expression subtly changed.

Sounds of combat echoed from afar, at least four or five kilometers away. The sounds of magical force clashing were distinctly audible.

Simultaneously, a voice carried over: "If there are any Green Cloud Sect elders nearby, come quickly to assist me in slaying this demon. Disciples should leave immediately."

A Green Cloud Sect elder was calling for help.

Ordinarily, Ye Chen would be expected to assist. However, Ye Chen recognized the voice. It was Kong Xiangli!

Ye Chen remembered that when he had left the sect base, Kong Xiangli was there too. He hadn't expected to encounter him again inside the ruins. A smile curled up on Ye Chen's lips, and he stood still, making no move to react.

Lately, Kong Xiangli had indeed been making amicable gestures towards him. It seemed as if previous conflicts were no longer of any concern.

However, Kong Xiangli's encouragement for Ye Chen to enter the ruins had made him somewhat cautious. And now, on his very first venture into the ruins, to run into Kong Xiangli seemed too coincidental.

Thus, Ye Chen pretended not to hear and continued gazing at the scenery from the balcony of the Scripture Pavilion, acting as if he was oblivious to the call.

But Ye Chen did not move. The sounds of battle, however, were drawing nearer. Soon, two figures locked in combat appeared within Ye Chen's line of sight.

One glance confirmed it was indeed Kong Xiangli. His opponent was an old man with white hair and beard, wielding a banner emitting dense black smoke, known as the Human Emperor Banner.

Both were mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, and their battle was fiercely intense. Spells flew chaotically, colliding with loud, rumbling noises. Both combatants' faces were noticeably pale.

Kong Xiangli, upon spotting Ye Chen, immediately brightened up: "Fellow Daoist Ye, come quickly and assist me. This man is the Black Soul Elder from the Misty Sect. He has just sacrificed four of our disciples and we have been battling for several hours. He is surely at the end of his strength. Defeating him would be a great contribution to our sect!"

Kong Xiangli pleaded for support.

The Black Soul Elder, seeing that Kong Xiangli had reinforcement, showed a look of panic on his face and attempted to flee. However, Kong Xiangli blocked his escape.

Yet, Ye Chen, lounging on the balcony of the Scripture Pavilion, looked down at the two with a visibly amused expression.

The moment the two appeared, Ye Chen had used the Emperor's Qi Viewing Technique to scan them. Both were brimming with magical power and vitality, showing no signs of injury whatsoever.

Fighting for hours and ending up like this, are you dancing?

"Fellow Daoist Ye, the Green Cloud Sect has rules—we must not stand by and watch fellow disciples die without helping..." Kong Xiangli, feigning exhaustion, shouted loudly.

Ye Chen, smiling cheerfully, replied: "Stop it, you two shouldn't fight anymore. The way you're fighting, you won't kill anyone like that."