ISWI Chapter 126-127

Chapter 126: Ye Chen Was Complained About

Finally, the Green Cloud Sect was in sight. The surviving disciples, having made it through the ordeal, breathed long sighs of relief.

Meanwhile, a sword beam flew across the sky.

Gu Yunyun, her feet atop a flying sword, her red dress fluttering in the wind, clung to her form in a way that was nothing short of breathtaking. She approached the flying boat, and without sparing a glance at the Magic Peak Master, she called out, "Ye Chen, come here, I'll take you back to the Sword Peak!"

The Magic Peak Master glanced at the direction from which Gu Yunyun had flown, cursing inwardly.

Gu Yunyun had definitely never left before. If he had shown even the slightest hint of greed for the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method, he was sure he'd be met with a sword beam.

As for Ye Chen, since he was on the verge of Foundation Establishment, his mood was already great. Seeing his master now made it even better.

Without hesitation, Ye Chen jumped from the edge of the flying boat toward the long sword. But in the next moment, Gu Yunyun's sword beam flashed, and she yanked Ye Chen by the collar, lifting him away.

Ye Chen was buffeted by the wind, feeling particularly aggrieved. His master was being so distant—it was a bit heart-wrenching. He had already said that last time was an accident. Where was the trust between people?

Once he reached Foundation Establishment, he would be much more useful to her. He would work harder and show his master how much filial piety he had. Once he could prove his worth, he was certain his master would open up completely to him.

As Ye Chen was lost in these thoughts, the flying sword sped up, and before he knew it, they had reached a small courtyard.

Gu Yunyun dropped him off and, with a cold expression, spoke, "Ye Chen, I won't mention the spiritual fire or the Foundation Establishment Pills. But if you give away the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method, you will no longer be my disciple. Go find someone else to be your master if you wish!"

Upon hearing this, Ye Chen quickly shook his head. "I will listen to you, master, I absolutely won't give it away! I, Ye Chen, only have one master in this life, and that's you. I only wish to serve by your side, with no other intentions!"

Gu Yunyun's expression remained unchanged as she glanced at him. "With your talent and background, having this opportunity isn't easy. The chance for Foundation Establishment is right before you. If you miss it, you'll waste your whole life. Think carefully about what you do."

With that, she shot off toward the mountaintop. It was clear she was still somewhat unconvinced. But Ye Chen wasn't lying. The Foundation Establishment method he possessed was really meant for himself. After all, the system's feedback couldn't be reused for further rewards.

The Great Five Elements Heaven-Dao Foundation Establishment method, which could awaken two innate divine abilities, was definitely something he had to keep for himself.

After giving Su Yuxuan the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method, Ye Chen didn't rush down the mountain to find Yao Xi, as the system's cooldown period hadn't passed yet.

When the three maidservants saw Ye Chen return, they were all particularly happy. It had been so long since they had all cultivated together. The three women were all unusually proactive. Their enthusiasm caused Ye Chen, whose Dao heart was usually firm, to begin cultivating during the daytime.

Although Ye Chen had already reached the peak of the Qi Refining stage, further cultivation wouldn't improve his cultivation level, it still helped him adjust his state of mind, improve his mood, and prepare for Foundation Establishment.

Thus, Ye Chen immersed himself fully in his practice, diving into the water pool. On the mountaintop, Gu Yunyun, who had just returned, used her spirit sense to check on Ye Chen, wondering if he had gone straight to find Yao Xi after returning. But when the information reached her mind, her mature face flushed slightly.

"Really ridiculous!"

She had just given him the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method, and instead of preparing for Foundation Establishment, he returned and immediately did something like this.

This disciple of hers was hopeless…

However, despite her scorn, Gu Yunyun thought for a moment and realized that she hadn't taken the time to cultivate her heart's state in a while. She felt that she had made some progress recently. It was a good opportunity to test it.

With that in mind, the red dress fluttered as Gu Yunyun sat in the spring pool, settling herself into a meditative state to refine her mind. Ever since she had learned that Ye Chen had brought water into the courtyard, Gu Yunyun had somehow preferred to cultivate in the pool.

Not long after, the still waters of the pool began to ripple slightly. Occasionally, droplets of water splashed up, creating small ripples that spread outward.

...

In the blink of an eye, a week had passed.

Ye Chen was just about to go find Yao Xi to chat and deliver some gifts when Elder Chen from the Internal Affairs Hall arrived first. He was holding a delicate pill bottle in his hand.

"Direct Disciple Ye," Elder Chen began, "Your strength is extraordinary, and you've made great contributions to the sect, bringing back seven disciples. The sect has specially granted you permission not to participate in this year's sect competition and has awarded you a high-grade Foundation Establishment Pill. May you break through to Foundation Establishment soon."

Ye Chen couldn't help but smile upon hearing this. He had been waiting for this high-grade Foundation Establishment Pill, intending to send it out and begin his breakthrough right away. He hadn't expected the sect to send it to him directly.

But after a moment of thought, Ye Chen raised an eyebrow and asked, "This isn't because Fa Zhen and the others complained, is it?"

Upon hearing this, Elder Chen's mouth twitched. It was exactly as Ye Chen had guessed. Ye Chen was simply too strong to be contended with. The most concerning thing was that Ye Chen's talent was considered poor, and no one knew when he would actually make his breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.

That wasn't even the worst part—Ye Chen had gone ahead and given the Foundation Establishment Pill to Yao Xi. Clearly, he was intending for Yao Xi to break through first. This made all the other disciples nervous.

Once Yao Xi broke through, Ye Chen would start earning Foundation Establishment Pills for himself, and the other disciples might have to wait ten years before getting their hands on one.

The sect, unfortunately, had no way to stop this. After all, in the two-thousand-year history of the Green Cloud Sect, there had never been a disciple like Ye Chen. So the sect leader had compromised by sending Ye Chen a Foundation Establishment Pill directly, giving the other direct disciples a chance.

At the same time, the sect had added a new rule. A disciple could receive a maximum of two Foundation Establishment Pills through the sect competition, and if they didn't break through by then, they would no longer receive any rewards, even if they participated again.

Upon hearing the new rule, Ye Chen couldn't help but laugh. It was essentially a rule designed just for him. But it didn't matter.

Ye Chen hadn't planned to wait too long in the Qi Refining stage anyway. Receiving the Foundation Establishment Pill earlier, saving two months, was a good thing for him. It just so happened that today, it was delivered.

So, Ye Chen happily accepted the high-grade Foundation Establishment Pill, bade Elder Chen farewell, and leisurely made his way down the mountain.

Elder Chen watched Ye Chen's retreating figure with a heavy sigh. Having lived for over a hundred years, Elder Chen had never seen anyone like Ye Chen—his talent was poor, yet his combat power was monstrous.

But no matter how strong he was in the Qi Refining stage, what difference did it make? Any Foundation Establishment cultivator could suppress him with a wave of their hand. And with his third-grade spiritual root, the road to breakthrough was incredibly difficult.

Elder Chen honestly hoped Ye Chen would give both the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method and the top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill to Yao Xi. At least then, the sect would gain a solid middle-tier combat force.

...

"Junior Brother, I heard the secret realm was truly dangerous. I'm so glad you're back safe!"

When Yao Xi saw Ye Chen, her eyes lit up with surprise. She quickly invited him in. Then, with her back slightly turned to him, she half-squatted to pour him some sugar water.

Ye Chen, gazing at the round moon hanging in the sky, raised an eyebrow. He couldn't shake the feeling that Yao Xi was doing this on purpose. It seemed like, whenever they were alone together, she always deliberately showcased her advantages, often turning her back to him.

After looking at her for a moment, Ye Chen took out the pill bottle.

"Senior Sister, this is the high-grade Foundation Establishment Pill the sect just gave me."

High-grade Foundation Establishment Pill?

Yao Xi was about to say something, but seeing the smile yet firmness on Ye Chen's face, she knew there was no use in declining.

"Since that's the case, thank you, Junior Brother!"

She said this with a smile before sitting down next to him on a lounge chair. But the chair was small, so they ended up sitting close together, almost overlapping.

"How's your spiritual fire refining going, Senior Sister?" Ye Chen asked, his voice less than steady.

The main reason was that Senior Sister kept shifting in the chair. But with the chair being that small, Ye Chen didn't want to say anything—he just had to go along with it.

Yao Xi laughed and replied, "In about half a month, it will be fully refined!"

Ye Chen calculated the time in his head. It would take about two months, right? If a third-grade spiritual fire took this long, then a seventh-grade one would surely take longer. The system had truly been a big help. It had directly saved him a lot of time.

Chapter 127: Breakthrough!

"System feedback: One hundred top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills!"

This gift, without a doubt, triggered a critical reward. What started as one high-grade Foundation Establishment Pill had turned into one hundred top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills.

Perfect!

Ye Chen thought for a moment. Now, with the addition of these new pills, he had a total of one hundred and thirty top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills. Even with his poor spiritual root, the sheer number would nullify that disadvantage. It was secure now!

He gently wrapped his arm around Yao Xi's slender waist. The curve of her waist only made her full moon figure even more pronounced.

"I've obtained the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method, but I plan to use it for my own breakthrough," Ye Chen said.

Yao Xi immediately smiled. "That's great! Why don't you keep the high-grade Foundation Establishment Pill for your breakthrough? As for me, once I finish refining my spiritual fire and my strength increases, I might be able to secure the top spot this year!"

Yao Xi showed no displeasure about Ye Chen keeping the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method. On the contrary, she was delighted. With Ye Chen's immense combat power, it would be a pity if he didn't break through to Foundation Establishment. She even pulled out the pill bottle again, intending to offer it to Ye Chen.

Ye Chen smiled and gently pushed the pill bottle back toward Yao Xi's clothes. "Senior Sister, don't rush to break through just yet! Wait until after I've broken through, then you can attempt it!"

With one hundred and thirty top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills, Ye Chen likely wouldn't use them all. If he had any left after his breakthrough, he could always give them to Yao Xi.

However, the origins of these top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills were a bit unclear. So, he had to make sure to break through first, and only after Yao Xi used the Heart Command Talisman would he fully trust her.

Although Yao Xi was the most grateful and considerate among the female cultivators he had encountered, Ye Chen knew that appearances could be deceiving.

In his past life, he had seen many women who were devoted and loving when their husbands were thriving, only to turn their backs when they fell on hard times.

Therefore, Ye Chen had to ensure his own breakthrough to Foundation Establishment before handing over any top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills to Yao Xi.

Yao Xi was momentarily taken aback. She had originally planned to refine her spiritual fire and then push forward with her breakthrough. But since Ye Chen had said so, she decided to listen.

Without asking further questions, Yao Xi simply smiled and agreed.

"Junior Brother, are you staying tonight? Can you handle it?"

Yao Xi asked while feeding Ye Chen sugar water, her long eyelashes fluttering with a playful smile. As she spoke, she shifted her position ever so slightly.

Ye Chen had originally planned to decline. But then Yao Xi asked if he could handle it? How could a man not handle it?

Though he knew Yao Xi's feedback qualifications had to be preserved. After all, once he broke through to Foundation Establishment, all his equipment would need to be updated. Yao Xi would most likely break through herself, and she would be the perfect recipient for the gift.

However, Ye Chen could still show Yao Xi that he was capable, all while ensuring her feedback qualifications were unaffected.

With that in mind, Ye Chen leaned in close to Yao Xi's ear and whispered softly.

Yao Xi's face turned a shade of red as she stood up from the lounge chair, her movements graceful as she made her way toward the room.

The door, however, was left slightly ajar. Clearly, she was waiting for her guest to follow.

...

Everything went incredibly smoothly. After teaching Yao Xi the various transformations of the full moon, Ye Chen felt completely refreshed as he returned to Sword Peak.

The moment he arrived, he announced, much to the maidservants' surprise, that he would be going into seclusion to break through to Foundation Establishment. All the items he needed for his breakthrough had already been prepared previously, when he had prepared for Yao Xi. They were all top-tier.

This time, Ye Chen's breakthrough preparations were near perfection. From the Foundation Establishment method to the Foundation Establishment Pills, to all the auxiliary pills, Ye Chen had spared no effort in making everything the best it could be.

Ye Chen had made the decision: this time, he would not emerge until he broke through to Foundation Establishment. Even if it took a year or more, he was determined to solidify this foundation!

After leaving behind the formation plate, Ye Chen sat cross-legged on the stone bed. First, he took out the jade slip containing the Great Five Elements Heaven-Dao Foundation Establishment method and placed it on his forehead.

Once he had comprehended it fully, Ye Chen took out the Heaven-Dao Foundation Establishment spiritual items and placed them on either side of him.

Top-grade Clear Heart Pills, one hundred! Top-grade Ice Clear Pills, one hundred! Top-grade Dragon's Breath Incense, lit around him. Top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills, one hundred and thirty!

After spending some time organizing everything, Ye Chen was finally ready. With everything prepared, he sat upright, steadying himself as he drew Qi into his body. He officially began attempting his breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment!

In the outside world, not many days passed before Yao Xi took the initiative to visit Sword Peak and find Ye Chen. She sought to learn more about the usage of the Full Moon magic tool. However, soon after, she learned of Ye Chen's breakthrough.

Upon hearing that the sect had amended its regulations, Gu Yunyun flew into a fit of rage. This was an act of targeting him!

Ye Chen's talent was undeniable—who could say how many Foundation Establishment Pills it would require? Anyone under thirty could attempt it, yet my disciple is only twenty-one. Why should he be denied?

But as Gu Yunyun prepared to drag Ye Chen to confront the authorities, to see who dared oppose him, she soon discovered that Ye Chen had already begun attempting a breakthrough.

Meanwhile, the Internal Affairs Hall, upon hearing of Gu Yunyun's fury, trembled with anxiety. Elder Chen personally arrived, hoping to have a word with Ye Chen. Yet, he too found nothing.

The news of Ye Chen attempting the Foundation Establishment breakthrough spread quickly throughout the entire Green Cloud Sect. The reactions from the outside world varied.

Undoubtedly, Yao Xi was the one most hopeful for Ye Chen's success. Gu Yunyun, though seemingly indifferent, couldn't stop her spirit sense from flying towards Ye Chen. Lin Ke'er, Lu Jing, and Sun Ruoxin also wished for Ye Chen's breakthrough. After all, even aside from personal feelings, Ye Chen's ascension to Foundation Establishment would elevate their own status significantly.

However, beyond these female cultivators, most others remained skeptical.

Fa Zhen sighed with regret. "If only the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method were mine. With a third-grade spiritual root, attempting Foundation Establishment is harder than ascending to the heavens… to waste it on Ye Chen…"

Li Xiaoyao, Kong Xiangbei, and the others, upon hearing the news, couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

No matter how strong you are, Ye Chen, what does it matter? With a third-grade spiritual root, it would be nearly impossible to establish a Foundation. When we achieve our own breakthroughs, what will your invincible Qi Refining matter? We will make sure you regret it.

The road of cultivation was long, and temporary successes or failures meant little. Those who despised Ye Chen watched with malicious intent, eager for his failure.

...

And so, time passed in the blink of an eye. A month had already gone by.

Within the room, the scent of dragon's saliva incense filled the air.

Ye Chen sat cross-legged, his eyes tightly shut, calm as a still pond. Before him, the two Foundation Establishment spiritual items had vanished without a trace. Despite the silence in the room, there was a constant, thunderous vibration echoing from within Ye Chen's body.

When the rumbling sounds finally ceased, Ye Chen's eyes snapped open. In those tranquil eyes, purple-black flames blazed, erupting forth and scorching the air with a sharp crackling sound.

Ye Chen remained seated cross-legged, but his body slowly lifted. He was floating in midair without relying on any external force.

"This… is what it means to be in the Foundation Establishment stage?"

Ye Chen lowered his gaze to his own hands. He could clearly feel the surging, tidal-like energy within him. Compared to before, it had grown not merely tenfold.

Such immense power made Ye Chen smile, his heart swelling with confidence. Unable to contain himself, he let out a mighty roar that reverberated across the entire Green Cloud Sect!

"I, Ye Chen! The Foundation Establishment is a success!"