ISWI Chapter 230-232

Chapter 230: Seclusion! Breakthrough!

"Young Master, why not call Ke'er back?" Lu Jing said the next morning, serving Ye Chen a meticulously prepared breakfast while putting in a good word for Lin Ke'er. "I can't keep up with you alone. When Ke'er visited me a while back, she was crying her eyes out, begging to return to your side."

When the other two maids had been sent away, leaving her alone, Lu Jing had been thrilled to have Ye Chen to herself. But his stamina was overwhelming. She was struggling. That morning, she'd downed several cups of water just to feel normal again, and it was clear Ye Chen hadn't been fully satisfied either.

So, she figured it was best to bring Lin Ke'er and the others back. Sure, Ke'er sometimes pushed her to hurry up or used tricks to cut her turn short, but that didn't matter. As long as Ye Chen was happy, he'd come back more often.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow but nodded. "It's a small matter—handle it as you see fit. Just make sure to cultivate diligently afterward."

Green Cloud Sect's market was small, its business modest. Sending a trusted disciple to manage things was enough. The sect would eventually belong to his master, which meant, indirectly, it was his. No need to worry.

Lu Jing shook her head. "My spirit root is too poor. Reaching Foundation Establishment was already a stroke of luck, all thanks to your favor and the treasures you've given me. I don't dare hope for higher realms. I've taken an appearance-preserving pill, so serving you for three hundred years is enough for me."

Lu Jing knew the value of contentment. Living in a major sect like Green Cloud, with even elders treating her respectfully when she went out, was a life she'd never dared dream of before.

Ye Chen felt a twinge of admiration for her simple satisfaction. She spoke the truth. With a fourth-grade spirit root, breaking through to Foundation Establishment was a fluke. Even with various elixirs, her cultivation speed would never be impressive.

Ye Chen gave a light smile and pulled out an Azure Hill Jade Bamboo Core, handing it to Lu Jing. "Three hundred years isn't enough. Stay by my side always."

Lu Jing held the Azure Hill Jade Bamboo Core, feeling its vibrant life force pulse through it, her eyes wide with confusion. She had no idea what it was.

"This might elevate your spirit root to Earth-grade," Ye Chen explained casually. "Even if it doesn't reach that level, it'll at least become an attribute spirit root."

Lu Jing's eyes widened in shock.

"Go refine it," he added. Lu Jing's unassuming, contented attitude genuinely pleased him. He wasn't stingy.

As Ye Chen drifted away, Lu Jing stared at the Thunderbane Bamboo Core, her heart swelling with one thought: following Young Master was the best decision she'd ever made.

Cultivation was effortless, resources were never lacking, and now, even a legendary treasure that could enhance her spirit root was casually bestowed upon her. Even an attribute spirit root was precious enough to breeze into a sect like Divine Will and possibly become a direct disciple.

A Golden Core breakthrough wasn't out of reach. Such a priceless treasure, and Young Master had given it to her without a second thought. Staying by his side was, without doubt, the wisest choice of her life.

...

After leaving the courtyard, Ye Chen glanced up. His master was still in seclusion. He flew toward Pill Peak, but mid-air, a graceful figure approached—his Senior Sister.

"Junior Brother, you're back?" Yao Xi's face lit up with joy upon seeing him.

Ye Chen didn't hold back, wrapping an arm around her as they flew to Pill Peak. Yao Xi's courtyard was expansive, filled with blooming flowers and herbs, a breathtaking scene alive with fluttering spiritual bees and butterflies.

"Want some nectar water, Junior Brother?" Yao Xi asked, turning to mix a drink with hundred-flower honey. "It's refreshing and even clears your eyes."

As she bent over, her figure—already as full and radiant as a harvest moon—curved even more enticingly. Ye Chen chuckled. Ever since his Senior Sister had noticed something, she'd taken to doing things with her back to him. Did she think he was that kind of guy?

Pulling her into his arms, he felt no resistance, but Yao Xi shot him a resentful look. "If you're going to be like that again, Junior Brother, don't touch me."

Even her good-natured patience was wearing thin from his antics.

Ye Chen grinned, pulling out a jade box containing an Azure Hill Jade Bamboo Core and handing it to Yao Xi. "Use this, and I won't be like that anymore."

Yao Xi's face flushed. Her Junior Brother was getting worse by the day. Making her use something for that? She wasn't interested in the slightest! She'd heard Divine Will City had shops run by the Heavenly Desire Sect, full of risqué items. Was this something he'd bought there? Blushing, she cautiously opened the box. Her eyes widened in shock—not at some strange garment or odd prop, but at a bamboo core radiating vibrant green life.

"This is an Azure Hill Jade Bamboo Core," Ye Chen explained. "It can enhance your aptitude, potentially up to an Earth Spirit Root, depending on luck. Once your aptitude improves, Senior Sister, you can break through to mid-Foundation Establishment soon, then use the Glazed Purification Water to reach the late stage. I planned to fulfill your 'grudge' after you formed your core, but since you're so eager, I'll take care of it after I come out of seclusion."

Yao Xi huffed, "I'm not eager!" Her heart raced at the Azure Hill Jade Bamboo Core's potential, but his next words startled her. "Junior Brother, you're going into seclusion to form your core already?"

Ye Chen nodded with a smile. "Yes, so hurry and refine this Azure Hill Jade Bamboo Core to catch up to my cultivation."

His words stirred memories in Yao Xi. When they first met, he was only at the seventh layer of Qi Refining. In the blink of an eye, he was on the verge of Golden Core. Her heart swelled with joy and a touch of awe. But she also realized how far behind she'd fallen. This precious treasure was likely his way of helping her close that gap.

"Are you going into seclusion now?" she asked.

Ye Chen nodded. "Yes, it's time."

With his master still in seclusion, he'd proceed with his breakthrough. Yao Xi shifted closer. "Can you wait a bit, Junior Brother, and give me a chance to thank you properly?"

How could Ye Chen refuse such a grateful Senior Sister? He leaned back comfortably in a rocking chair, letting it sway gently.

...

Hours later, Ye Chen left Yao Xi's courtyard, refreshed and invigorated. He returned to his own, where Lu Jing was already in seclusion, refining the Azure Hill Jade Bamboo Core.

After sending a message, he entered his seclusion chamber, set up an array disc, and sat on a jade marrow bed. With great care, he retrieved a jade vial containing the Ancestral Dragon Blood from his storage bracelet. He poured it out, letting the blood, etched with divine patterns, hover in the void before him.

The chamber filled with a terrifying dragon's might, faint roars echoing. Ye Chen closed his eyes calmly and began the process of forming his Golden Core.

...

At the sect's gate, the old sect leader smiled upon hearing of Ye Chen's seclusion. Two Golden Cores in the sect—no, three. The Green Cloud Sect was truly flourishing under his watch!

But glancing at his fishing rod, motionless for days, he frowned. "Not a single bite? I've been chumming the water for days!" Muttering, he tossed another handful of spiritual pills into the pool.

Chapter 231: Gu Yunyun Emerges from Seclusion

Ye Chen entered seclusion to break through to the Golden Core stage, sparking a wave of discussion within the Green Cloud Sect. The elders were dumbfounded. Who could have imagined that Ye Chen, once dismissed as the most useless simp among the direct disciples, would now be on the verge of forming his core?

Compare that to the geniuses who once rivaled him. Li Xiaoyao failed to obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill, botched his breakthrough, and returned to his hometown in disgrace. Fa Zhen managed to reach Foundation Establishment, but lingered at the early stage, utterly unremarkable. The two were no longer in the same league as Ye Chen, who had surpassed many elders and was now poised to form his core. The contrast left everyone in awe.

...

"Noon already, Sect Leader? Back from fishing early today?" an elder called out, spotting the Old Sect Master strolling through the sect's main square.

The Old Sect Master held up a single fish in his right hand. "Too many fish today—got bored and quit early."

The elder nodded, tossing out a casual compliment about the Sect Master's skill before turning to leave. The sect had recently claimed several new resource points, stretching their manpower thin and keeping everyone busy.

But the Old Sect Master raised his hand, cutting in. "You asking about this fish? Twelve pounds, seven ounces—a proper white-scaled fish. Even in the Heavenly Pool, there aren't many like it. Not the biggest I've caught, though."

The elder's lips twitched.

When did I ask about the fish's size?

Before he could respond, the Sect Master's head snapped toward Sword Peak. Spiritual Qi was gathering there, swirling into a vortex like a dragon.

His face lit up with excitement. Tossing the fish into his storage ring, he sped toward Sword Peak. The elders in the sect froze, startled. This was the sign of a core-forming breakthrough. Was Gu Yunyun about to form her Golden Core? Dropping their tasks, the elders rushed to witness it.

Hours passed. The massive spiritual Qi vortex was devoured entirely, and a terrifying aura swept through Green Cloud Sect.

Her core was formed!

The Old Sect Master sensed the aura—freshly broken through yet already surpassing his own—and his face lit up with even greater joy.

At the peak of Sword Peak, the array that had sealed Gu Yunyun for a year finally parted. Clad in a red dress, her figure flawless, Gu Yunyun emerged from seclusion with an ethereal grace. Her presence was like an unsheathed immortal sword, so sharp it stung the eyes of the gathered elders, some nearly tearing up. A mere glance from her felt like it could slice their skin.

"Greetings, Senior," the elders said in unison, bowing respectfully. In the cultivation world, those with higher cultivation were revered as seniors.

Gu Yunyun nodded calmly.

The Old Sect Master waved them off with a smile. "Yunyun just broke through and hasn't fully stabilized her aura. You all may leave."

The elders bowed again and hurriedly departed.

Once they were gone, the Old Sect Master turned to Gu Yunyun, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "A ninth-grade Golden Core?"

Gu Yunyun nodded.

"No wonder it took so long!" he exclaimed. "A ninth-grade Golden Core! Green Cloud Sect finally has one. With this, we have hope of becoming a Nascent Soul sect!"

His laughter rang with unrestrained delight.

Gu Yunyun, seeing his joy, allowed a faint smile to grace her lips. Though the Old Sect Master's talent and strength were modest, his lifelong dedication to Green Cloud Sect was unquestionable. He never shirked anything that benefited the sect, earning her deep respect.

What she didn't mention was that her prolonged seclusion wasn't just due to forming a ninth-grade Golden Core. She had awakened a portion of the Sword Peng's innate Divine Ability and inheritance. While the Sword Peng wasn't among the Vicious Ten and lacked their treasure techniques, its innate abilities and inheritance were nearly as formidable, rivaling even the Vicious Ten' prowess.

Her successful breakthrough filled her with quiet joy, but Ye Chen's absence puzzled her. By all rights, he should've been the first to greet her. Was he away? Extending her newly enhanced spiritual sense, now vastly amplified by her Golden Core, she scanned his courtyard and froze in surprise.

The Old Sect Master noticed and chuckled. "Ye Chen waited for you to emerge for a long time, but you never did. He was disappointed every time. A while back, I urged him to go into seclusion himself."

Gu Yunyun's emotions swirled—complex, tinged with worry. Her disciple was about to break through to Golden Core too? She wondered if he'd prepared adequate core-forming treasures. He'd given her the precious Sword Peng Bone, but could she find something even better for him? With him already in seclusion, such thoughts were moot.

Having just broken through, Gu Yunyun needed time to master her surging power. She settled near Sword Peak rather than atop it, wary of disturbing Ye Chen's breakthrough.

As days passed, she occasionally recalled the night before her seclusion, when she'd visited Ye Chen's courtyard. He'd been bold. Though she still harbored reservations about a master-disciple bond turning romantic, the memory of his tender gaze, as if she were a priceless treasure, softened her heart. She couldn't bring herself to refuse him.

She decided that once Ye Chen emerged from seclusion, having formed his Golden Core, she'd dissolve their master-disciple relationship. The saying went, "A master for a day is a father for life," and ending the title might feel like self-deception, but it sounded better.

During this time, she noticed Ye Chen's two maids, Lu Jing and Lin Ke'er, visiting the foot of Sword Peak daily, eagerly checking for signs of his breakthrough. Gu Yunyun was familiar with them, often hearing their voices.

Lu Jing was gentle, her voice soft, sometimes muffled as if shy to speak too loudly. Lin Ke'er, more cunning, deliberately raised her voice. As for Sun Ruoxin, whose normal tone differed starkly from her cultivation state, she was curiously absent.

Gu Yunyun had long known of Ye Chen's maids and often listened to their chatter. They'd been with him longer than she had and were devoted to him. While she minded other women, she chose to turn a blind eye. But if Ye Chen ever expected her to share space with his maids, that was a line she wouldn't cross.

...

In those days, besides the maids, Yao Xi from Pill Peak frequently visited to check on Ye Chen's seclusion. On the day of Gu Yunyun's breakthrough, she'd sensed Yao Xi reach mid-Foundation Establishment.

A week later, Yao Xi broke through to late Foundation Establishment, nearing perfection. Such rapid progress stunned the sect's elders, but Gu Yunyun wasn't surprised. Yao Xi's skin glowed like moonlight, a telltale sign of consuming Glazed Purification Water—undoubtedly a gift from Ye Chen.

Glazed Purification Water was precious, given only to those Ye Chen cherished. Yao Xi had been with him longer, the source of his "simp" reputation. So, Gu Yunyun chose to ignore it. Though she longed for a devoted Dao companion, these women were part of his past. Just as Ye Chen gave everything for her, she could make concessions. As long as he didn't bring them before her, she remained calm.

A few days later, a letter addressed to Ye Chen arrived at Green Cloud Sect. With him in seclusion and Sword Peak sealed to outsiders, it was delivered to Gu Yunyun. She picked it up, her phoenix eyes narrowing as she read the sender's name on the envelope.

Chapter 232: Too Many, Far Too Many!

"Personal to Ye Chen!"

"This letter is sealed with a blood curse. If an outsider dares to open it, the curse will bind them, and upon my return, I'll send your entire clan to my soul banner…"

"Senior Brother, there's a recording stone inside. You'll definitely be delighted when you see it."

Below was a vivid lip print, followed by the character "Su."

The entire letter was sealed with a secret technique, unbreakable by anyone below Golden Core. Gu Yunyun could easily slice through it with a single thread of sword intent, but she didn't. She merely gazed at the envelope in silence.

This letter was likely from Su Yuxuan of the former Misty Sect. The tone alone suggested her relationship with Ye Chen was far from ordinary.

Gu Yunyun's lips pressed together lightly, her eyelashes fluttering. It was hard to accept. But then she sighed. Back then, to quell Ye Chen's inappropriate feelings, she had been the one to send him to guard Middle Mountain. She'd sensed something between him and Su Yuxuan even then and had quietly approved. Having pushed them together, how could she now feel resentful?

So be it.

She had no intention of reading the letter's contents. She'd simply pass it to Ye Chen when he emerged from seclusion. And she'd make things clear: what happened before, she could pretend not to know. Just keep it out of her sight. But going forward, there could be no more.

For Gu Yunyun, raised by her master with deeply traditional values, setting aside the master-disciple taboo and accepting a Dao companion with other women was already a significant compromise.

...

Two months later, Gu Yunyun had fully mastered her surging power, her cultivation now perfectly refined. Her gaze no longer cut like a blade, nor did it threaten to injure others with a mere glance.

As she contemplated, the sect's bell tolled seven times, signaling the arrival of an honored guest. Gu Yunyun, naturally aloof and disinclined toward socializing, made no move to respond. But soon, the Old Sect Master arrived at her temporary residence, accompanied by a female cultivator.

Gu Yunyun frowned slightly but stepped forward. Her eyes flickered with a trace of admiration upon seeing the woman. She was mature, with a tall, graceful figure and subtle curves, a red mole on her brow enhancing her ethereal, dreamlike beauty. Her cultivation was profound, almost unfathomable.

"This is our Green Cloud Sect's newly ascended Golden Core cultivator, Gu Yunyun, and the next Sect Master," the Old Sect Master introduced with a beaming smile. "And this is Divine Will Sect's Grand Elder, An Miaoli."

Green Cloud Sect was truly on the rise. Even a grand elder from Divine Will Sect was an acquaintance of Ye Chen. She'd come to see him, but with him in seclusion, she decided to visit Gu Yunyun, his master, since she was already here—a chance to build familiarity.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Gu," An Miaoli said politely, offering a smile. "A small gift to congratulate you on your Golden Core breakthrough." She was quietly astonished by Gu Yunyun's flawless presence and striking figure—a sword cultivator of such caliber was truly unexpected.

Gu Yunyun thanked her softly and accepted the gift. "Thank you, Fellow Daoist An. May I ask the purpose of your visit?"

An Miaoli's misty eyes hesitated, her response delayed. With Yuyi in seclusion for her own Golden Core breakthrough, An Miaoli had been cultivating alone, delving into the Eternal Cosmos Sutra fragment with great benefit. Yet her heart remained unsettled. After much hesitation, she'd come to thank Ye Chen—and perhaps for other reasons she hadn't fully clarified to herself. Her arrival was somewhat impulsive.

Now, standing in Green Cloud Sect, faced with Ye Chen's master and her direct question, An Miaoli felt an unexpected flush of shyness. "Ye Chen has greatly aided my niece's cultivation," she explained. "I came to express my gratitude to Fellow Daoist Ye. Since he's not here, I'll leave it at that. Please, Fellow Daoist Gu, pass this to him."

She produced another item—a set of insights from a third-grade perfected artifact refiner of Divine Will Sect. Knowing she couldn't match the value of Ye Chen's Eternal Cosmos Sutra gift, she recalled his interest in the six cultivation arts. Using sect contributions and a personal favor, she'd acquired these insights from the Artifact Peak's master for him.

Gu Yunyun's gaze was deep and steady as she looked at An Miaoli. "What is the relationship between you and my disciple, Fellow Daoist An?"

An Miaoli froze, caught off guard.

What relationship? Your disciple's in love with me.

But she couldn't say that. She quickly explained, "My niece has feelings for Fellow Daoist Ye, and he's saved her life before. If they were to end up together, I suppose I'd be his elder as well…" Her voice faltered, tinged with an unexpected guilt.

Gu Yunyun didn't press further. She accepted the gift An Miaoli brought for Ye Chen and thanked her on his behalf.

An Miaoli had intended to linger, perhaps chat about Ye Chen to learn more about him. But Gu Yunyun's question left her uneasy, sapping her desire to stay. She bid farewell to both. The Old Sect Master tried to persuade her to stay, but seeing her resolve, he escorted her out of the sect.

Gu Yunyun stood in place, mountain winds stirring her dark hair and red dress, her eyes complex as she watched An Miaoli's retreating figure. Her sword cultivator's intuition told her this Divine Will Sect Grand Elder's relationship with Ye Chen was far from ordinary. Yet, An Miaoli likely hadn't lied—her niece probably shared a close bond with Ye Chen too. And this might only be the tip of the iceberg.

Gu Yunyun could ignore the other women. But this… it was too much. It wasn't what she wanted. She asked herself: even if she set aside the master-disciple taboo and chose to be with Ye Chen, could she accept a growing number of women? No. As a sword cultivator, her sword heart was resolute. She knew herself too well.

Gazing at Ye Chen's seclusion chamber, Gu Yunyun's figure soon vanished, leaving only a soft sigh filled with regret.

...

The next morning, the Old Sect Master sat gleefully by the pool, fishing rod in hand, hoping for another big catch. At his age, cultivation was a waste of time. Better to enjoy his final days watching over the Green Cloud Sect he'd protected all his life.

As he mused, a fish tugged at his line. His eyes lit up, and he yanked the rod, feeling resistance. Peering into the water, he spotted a massive silver shadow. "A Silver Dragon Fish, at least two hundred pounds!" he exclaimed, brimming with excitement.

Refusing to use spells—fishing was about the thrill, not efficiency—he relied on skill, battling the fish with growing success. But just then, a voice came from behind. "Sect Leader, I'm leaving the sect to travel for a while…"

Startled, the Old Sect Master's grip slipped, and his fishing rod flew out of his hands.