ISWI Chapter 118-119

Chapter 118: Three Types of Foundation Establishment

Ye Chen had been cultivating for an entire month. Every night, purple-black flames would emerge from his body, creeping out of his pores like tendrils. Combined with the starry energy, this strange force continuously tempered Ye Chen's physical body in a unique way.

Finally, on the last day, Ye Chen's tightly shut eyes suddenly snapped open. In his pitch-black gaze, flames surged wildly, as if capable of burning through everything. The flames that had covered his body dissipated completely, revealing a nearly renewed physique.

Ye Chen's once fair skin now carried a hint of bronze, and his entire being radiated with strength and vibrant life force. His aura skyrocketed as well. From the early stage of Qi Refining, he surged directly to the peak of Qi Refining, achieving the perfect completion of the ninth layer. The sensation of this all-encompassing power increase caused Ye Chen to involuntarily let out a groan.

The benefits of the Myriad Star Body were truly immense. Not only did it enhance his recovery and vitality, but even his meridians had grown more resilient during this transformation. He could now endure even greater flows of spiritual power, speeding up his cultivation process.

At this moment, Ye Chen's essence, energy, and spirit had reached their zenith. He felt that he no longer needed to wait for the sect's grand competition this year. He could attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage now.

"Greetings, Senior Gu..."

The voices of Lin Ke'er, Lu Jing, and the others could be heard from outside the door.

The master had arrived?

Ye Chen immediately got up and swiftly exited the room. Sure enough, he saw his master's graceful figure. There, standing with her back to him, was his master, clad in a red robe, admiring the water pool in the courtyard. Her figure remained as commanding as ever. Even with her back to him, the outline of her form was undeniable.

It was truly astonishing. But then, thinking about how he was so close to breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage, and how soon he would be able to show his filial devotion to his master, Ye Chen couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The long-held filial heart he had would finally be poured out.

"When did you dig this pool?"

Gu Yunyun turned around, her expression somewhat awkward.

Ye Chen: ???

Since when had his master cared about such trivial matters?

However, Ye Chen quickly responded, "Master, the spiritual spring here on Sword Peak is of excellent quality, rich in spirit Qi. Soaking in it can relax the flesh and blood, and sometimes it even has a fragrant aroma at night..."

"To just admire it would be a waste," he added with a smile. "How about I also dig a pool for you, to show my filial piety?"

Upon hearing this and recalling what had transpired during the night, Gu Yunyun's expression grew even more awkward. She didn't wish to continue this conversation. Instead, she turned her gaze to Ye Chen, and her eyes immediately lit up.

Ye Chen had changed significantly from before. He now carried a sharp, almost unyielding energy. If she had to describe it, he finally had a hint of the aura of a true prodigy.

In the past, even though Ye Chen had claimed first place in the sect's competition, aside from his pleasing appearance, he had been completely ordinary. Nothing about him stood out, and it was hard to imagine a promising future for him. She couldn't quite pinpoint what had happened to him.

One Qi Refining cultivator had taken all the starry energy from the entire sect for a month. And yet, he had undergone such a drastic transformation. But Gu Yunyun didn't probe deeper. Instead, she felt a sense of satisfaction. It was a good thing that Ye Chen had improved. It was worth it for her to silently bear the brunt of the criticism for a month.

"Pack up. I will send you to Middle Mountain soon..."

Gu Yunyun's voice was calm as she spoke directly.

Ye Chen froze for a moment upon hearing this.

"To Middle Mountain? What for?"

Noticing Ye Chen's confusion, Gu Yunyun's red lips parted lightly.

"Green Cloud Sect and Misty Sect, as they stand now, were once part of a top-tier sect in ancient times. Later, that sect perished, but it left behind many relics and secret realms. Take the Middle Mountain Secret Realm you visited last time, for example.

"Ten years ago, a previously undiscovered secret realm opened, accessible only to Qi Refining cultivators. Both sides sent many disciples inside, about a hundred or so. A month later, only one person came out alive, and he had gone mad...

"But he claimed that within, there was an Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method! For the next ten years, the secret realm never reappeared. Until three days ago. I hadn't planned on sending you, since my expectations for you were not high—getting to Foundation Establishment would have been considered a success. But since you've exceeded my expectations and made it this far, go ahead and try your luck! If you can acquire the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method, your future might hold even greater possibilities!"

Gu Yunyun's tone was simple and direct. If Ye Chen had still been the same useless disciple from before, there would have been no need to risk such a dangerous secret realm. But since Ye Chen had surprised her and seemed to truly have a chance at Foundation Establishment, it was worth the risk to pursue the Earth-Dao method.

Ye Chen, upon hearing his master's explanation, was stunned.

Foundation Establishment came in three forms. Ordinary Foundation Establishment, Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment, and Heaven-Dao Foundation Establishment. Each Foundation Establishment method was vastly different, with the post-breakthrough foundational values varying tremendously.

It was said that after the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment, one's battle power would be at least five times that of an ordinary Foundation Establishment. Moreover, the chances of breaking through to Golden Core in the future would be significantly higher.

Heaven-Dao Foundation Establishment was even more remarkable. Not only were its foundational values high, making its battle power terrifying, but the chances of forming a higher grade Golden Core were even greater. Most importantly, one could awaken a unique talent or divine ability during the breakthrough process. The value of such a method was unimaginable.

Ye Chen had never considered this before. Because this Foundation Establishment method was simply something that could not be sought—it was a rare chance, to be encountered but never pursued.

Yet, here it was, right before him. If there was truly an Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method in that secret realm, and if he could obtain it and offer it as a gift, the rewards would be tremendous. Heaven-Dao Foundation Establishment would no longer be a dream. Once he reached the Heaven-Dao Foundation Establishment, his future cultivation journey would be far smoother.

"Do you want to go?" Gu Yunyun spoke calmly.

Without hesitation, Ye Chen nodded. Of course, he wanted to go. The secret realm did indeed sound dangerous. But with his current strength, and now the Myriad Star Body at his side, even if there was a Foundation Establishment cultivator hiding inside, Ye Chen believed he still had a chance. He was willing to take the risk. After all, what if this was his opportunity to turn things around? With Heaven-Dao Foundation Establishment so close, he had to consider whether this was truly his only chance. How could he possibly let it slip by?

Ye Chen's decisiveness made Gu Yunyun smile with approval. Immediately, the green flying sword rose into the air. Gu Yunyun stepped onto the sword, her voice calling to Ye Chen.

"The flying boat is too slow to catch up. Let's use the flying sword!"

Ye Chen didn't hesitate for a moment and boarded the sword. The flying sword was just big enough, and standing on it, Ye Chen was nearly pressed against his master.

The sword surged upward. As it shot into the sky, Ye Chen, for the first time on a flying sword, stumbled and nearly fell off. He quickly grabbed onto his master's slender waist.

Gu Yunyun had initially paid no mind. A sword cultivator of her caliber wouldn't be concerned with such trivial matters. Besides, it was her own disciple.

However, the harsh winds at high altitude and Gu Yunyun's speed were far too intense. The flying sword was not a flying boat, and it naturally swayed with the wind.

After Ye Chen had bumped into her a few times, Gu Yunyun couldn't take it any longer. She coldly halted the flying sword and said, "Switch positions. You stand in front!"

Ye Chen felt a bit helpless. He didn't intend to do anything reckless; he just wanted to show his filial devotion now. It was just that the flying sword was too bumpy, and the wind was too fierce. Obediently standing in front, the wind came at him even harder...

Above them, strange beasts soared through the sky. Suddenly, a second-tier giant eagle extended its claws from the clouds and swooped toward them.

Ye Chen instinctively took a step back. But in the next moment, he was flung off the flying sword. As he flew through the air, his mind raced, wondering how his master had managed to throw him like that. A flash of sword light cut through the sky, and the giant eagle howled in pain, blood raining down.

As Ye Chen plummeted toward the ground, a delicate hand reached out and grasped his collar. With his master there, Ye Chen wasn't in the least bit worried. The first person in the Green Cloud Sect under the Golden Core stage wasn't a title given lightly.

Thus, Ye Chen remained calm, still relishing the springy sensation from being tossed. But just as he was smiling, Gu Yunyun's cold voice rang out, sending a shiver through him.

"Ye Chen, are you feeling proud?"

Chapter 119: Method of the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment

The Middle Mountain Range was vast. Atop one of the towering peaks, two groups had already gathered. The number of people was considerable. There were easily over a hundred individuals present. After all, the allure of the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method was irresistible to cultivators. Anyone who had confidence in their strength had signed up and come running.

"In half an hour, the secret realm will briefly open for a hundred breaths. You all know how valuable the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method is. Once obtained, your future holds the potential for Golden Core. Su Yuxuan, your talent is the greatest, and you are the most likely to obtain the Foundation Establishment method. If you succeed, don't rush to break through inside. Come out first and return to the sect. With the sect's help, your future will be even brighter."

Listening to this Foundation Establishment stage elder's words, Su Yuxuan sneered coldly in her heart. If it's really brought back, will it even be for me to use? But on her face, she wore a sweet, obedient smile and nodded as if agreeing.

Su Yuxuan's attention, however, remained fixed on the Green Cloud Sect disciples on the other side of the mountain. The Green Cloud Sect had also been led by an elder at the late Foundation Establishment stage, and their numbers were significant. But as she scanned the crowd, she failed to spot Ye Chen. With Ye Chen's strength, he shouldn't have missed this.

Could it be that he was already in the process of breaking through to Foundation Establishment and thus missed this opportunity? Such a pity!

However, it didn't matter. Once she obtained the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method, her strength would grow immensely. At that time, she would certainly have plenty of chances to torment Ye Chen.

At this moment, the secret realm began to stir. The attention of the crowd immediately sharpened.

At that moment, a sharp sword energy suddenly soared from the horizon. Every cultivator present felt their hairs stand on end as the terrifying force radiated through the air.

The late-stage Foundation Establishment elder from the Misty Sect immediately summoned a blood-colored defensive spell, bracing for the attack.

In the entire Green Cloud Sect and Misty Sect, only one person could unleash such a terrifying force—Gu Yunyun.

Sure enough, in the next instant, the sword light stopped. Standing atop the flying sword was a stunning woman in a red robe, her beauty almost unreal. But what drew even more attention was the person she was holding by the collar.

Gu Yunyun's cold voice rang out: "If you can't get the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method, don't bother coming back!"

As her words fell, she casually tossed the person aside and flew off.

The Misty Sect elder, still on high alert, was completely ignored by Gu Yunyun. Her arrogance, or rather, her complete disregard, irritated the Misty Sect elder, yet at the same time, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of relief. After all, Gu Yunyun was truly terrifying.

...

Gu Yunyun had left. The person who had been discarded, Ye Chen, became the center of everyone's attention.

Ye Chen's lips twitched. He wasn't trying to show off nor was he pleased by the situation. But no matter how he tried to explain, his master refused to acknowledge him. She hadn't let him stand on the flying sword this time, but instead, had carried him through the skies. He almost ended up being blown to a fool by the fierce wind along the way... But at least they had made it here.

Feeling the gazes around him, Ye Chen mostly ignored them. It wasn't until he saw Su Yuxuan that a genuine smile appeared on his face.

Su Yuxuan bit her lip lightly. Dangerous light flickered in her eyes. But then, she sweetly smiled and said, "Senior Brother, it's good to see you again!"

Ye Chen felt the same way. With the fifty-fold multiplier in effect, Heaven-Dao Foundation Establishment was practically guaranteed. The two of them looked at each other with an almost suspiciously intimate expression, causing both the elders and peak masters to frown.

At this moment, a strange aura rose. The secret realm had opened!

"After you, Senior Brother…"

Su Yuxuan wanted to witness Ye Chen enter the secret realm with her own eyes.

Ye Chen wasn't polite and entered first. His figure flickered and disappeared.

With a smile on her face, Su Yuxuan followed closely behind.

The gate of the secret realm soon began to waver. It looked like it could close at any moment.

The disciples from both sects hurriedly entered the secret realm, afraid of missing out on such a great opportunity.

...

A flash of white light passed before Ye Chen's eyes. The next moment, he found himself at the base of a mountain.

Ye Chen looked around, noticing that this secret realm was far smaller than the last one. The size was roughly that of a giant mountain. Paths led up to the summit in various directions.

At the top of the mountain, there were different kinds of buildings and houses. Though weathered by time and bearing the scars of past battles, it was clear that this place had once been grand and majestic.

After walking a few steps up the mountain, Ye Chen spotted a headless corpse lying by the roadside. The body had already dried up.

However, the clothes on the body seemed strangely familiar to Ye Chen. Flipping the body over, he saw three cloud patterns on the chest.

A direct disciple!

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, his guard up. He continued walking toward the summit at a steady pace. Since he knew nothing about the situation, there was no need to rush. He would make decisions only after understanding what was really happening. Besides, where had that little demoness, Su Yuxuan, gone?

...

The disciples from both sects had been scattered to different locations within the secret realm. One Misty Sect direct disciple entered a grand hall.

The hall was in chaos. Four or five corpses lay scattered within. The disciple carefully searched the area, quickly finding a notebook on one of the bodies.

"Got it..."

"This is the Foundation Establishment land of the Extreme Dao Demon Sect. The Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method is located in the main hall at the summit. Only with enough cultivator blood can the main hall at the peak be opened and the Foundation Establishment method obtained..."

"As long as the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method remains inside, no one will be able to leave; they will be trapped here for life..."

"The secret realm is in a frenzy, with even fellow disciples beginning to kill each other!"

"..."

The notes ended here. The Misty Sect direct disciple's eyes brightened. So that's how it works. As long as enough people die, the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method will appear. The previous group hadn't been large enough. Only about forty to fifty disciples had come.

That's why the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method hadn't been triggered. But this time, with over two hundred people, it would definitely be enough! Whoever mastered this information first would gain a huge advantage. But at that moment, a graceful figure appeared at the entrance of the hall.

"Senior Brother, what did you discover? Can you show it to me?"

The familiar voice caused the Misty Sect disciple to stiffen. Who else could it be but Su Yuxuan?

The disciple nervously threw the notebook towards her. "Su Yuxuan, we can cooperate. Together, we can easily kill everyone in this secret realm..."

Su Yuxuan took the book, scanned it briefly, and smiled. So, to obtain the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method, need death? That's easy enough. Killing was what I excelled at."

"How about it? Want to cooperate?"

The direct disciple, holding the Hundred Souls Banner, spoke seriously.

Su Yuxuan continued smiling sweetly, but the words that came from her mouth were icy cold: "What level are you? Do you really think you're worthy to cooperate with me?"

The direct disciple's expression shifted in surprise.

In the next moment, the sounds of combat echoed through the hall. But it didn't last long. The sounds quickly died down, replaced by wails of agony. When the door of the hall opened again, Su Yuxuan, barefoot, skipped out, bouncing happily.

"Senior Brother Ye, where did you go?"

Inside the hall, the dead Misty Sect's direct disciple had a look of deep unwillingness on his face. Blood flowed endlessly from his body. As soon as it touched the ground, it was absorbed. By the time his body turned to a dry corpse, there was not a single trace of blood left on the ground.

This scene was unfolding in every corner of the secret realm. Many disciples, piecing together various clues, figured out how to trigger the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method. And so, the restraint that had previously kept the factions from fighting was completely ignited.

The killing within the secret realm began. As more and more people died, a strange blood-colored mist gradually appeared, shrouding the entire giant mountain!