ISWI Chapter 189-190

Chapter 189: Ancient Jade

Breaking through to the Golden Core stage could be done without spiritual objects, but this method would result in a low success rate. Moreover, the Golden Core formed in such a way would most likely be of low quality, generally only the lower three ranks.

Alternatively, spiritual objects could be used to form the core of the Golden Core. Not only would this increase the rank of the Golden Core, but it would also increase the chances of awakening the Golden Core's Divine Ability, greatly enhancing the cultivator's combat power.

Such spiritual objects also proved to be very beneficial for breakthroughs to the Nascent Soul stage. These spiritual objects could be divided into two types. One type could serve as the core of the Golden Core. The other type, such as the Blue Sea Essence or Glazed Purification Water, were auxiliary objects that improved the chances and quality of the breakthrough.

At this moment, Ye Chen was inquiring whether his Master had prepared the core spiritual object. Upon hearing his question, Gu Yunyun nodded.

"In the sect's treasury, there is an ancient jade obtained from an ancient sword cultivation sect, which is infused with the murderous aura of countless sword cultivators. This jade absorbed the sword aura from countless ancient battlefields and has undergone some miraculous changes.

"Although this ancient jade isn't a top-tier treasure, for me, it is the most suitable as the core spiritual object for forming my Golden Core. Using this jade, I might be able to form a top three rank Golden Core. And with the Blue Sea Essence and Glazed Purification Water, I suspect I can at least form an eight-turn Golden Core. If I gain some insight, I might awaken a Sword Dao Divine Ability and reach the nine-turn Golden Core. The chances are pretty good..."

Gu Yunyun didn't hide anything from Ye Chen, speaking directly without reservation. The reason Gu Yunyun had delayed her breakthrough was that she had been waiting for a more suitable spiritual object. The sect had been negotiating with a certain faction.

However, because they couldn't meet the other party's demands, the negotiations had failed. This had caused Gu Yunyun some hesitation. But now that she had the Blue Sea Essence and Glazed Purification Water, there was no need to hesitate anymore.

Ye Chen, upon hearing this, frowned. "Only the possibility of a nine-turn Golden Core? That chance is too low, isn't it?"

Gu Yunyun was stunned. Not satisfied with the possibility of a nine-turn Golden Core? Did he understand how rare a nine-turn Golden Core was?

Even in Divine Will Sect, only the Phoenix Blood spiritual object could guarantee the formation of a nine-turn Golden Core. The vast majority of Divine Will Sect's elders only managed to form four or five-turn Golden Cores. For wandering cultivators, families, or lower-tier sects, even a Mid-Rank Golden Core was a matter of luck.

For example, the sect's old sect master had only managed a five-turn Golden Core. A nine-turn Golden Core, or even just the possibility of one, was already an unimaginable rarity. Once such a thing appeared in the outside world, it would definitely cause a bloodbath. Even Nascent Soul stage powerhouses might intervene to seize it. With such a rare chance, Ye Chen was actually dissatisfied?

Gu Yunyun felt as though she was sinking into a state of self-doubt.

...

Ye Chen, of course, wasn't just boasting. He truly felt that the chances were too low. How could his Master, Gu Yunyun, only have the possibility of a nine-turn Golden Core? If others found out, they might think Ye Chen lacked filial piety. This was absolutely unacceptable.

After thinking for a moment, Ye Chen immediately came up with a plan.

"Master, the quality of this ancient jade is indeed a bit low. I suggest that you hold off on breaking through for now. Give me the ancient jade. I have a channel, and maybe I can get something better."

Ye Chen spoke directly.

Upon hearing this, Gu Yunyun widened her eyes. The ancient jade, with the potential to form a top-three rank Golden Core, was already incredibly precious. Yet Ye Chen claimed that he had a way to exchange it for something better?

If anyone else had said this, Gu Yunyun would have never believed it. She would have thought they were treating her like a fool, trying to deceive her out of her spiritual objects. But when Ye Chen said this, Gu Yunyun didn't doubt him in the slightest.

After all, although Ye Chen's filial piety wasn't entirely pure, his feelings for her were real. A hundred pieces of ancient jade couldn't even compare to a single bottle of Glazed Purification Water.

Ye Chen had given her the Glazed Purification Water without hesitation. How could he possibly try to deceive her for the ancient jade?

However, Gu Yunyun was reluctant. She already owed Ye Chen so much. And though she didn't understand how Ye Chen could acquire a better spiritual object, she knew that this was a massive favor, and once used, it would be gone.

Gu Yunyun would much rather Ye Chen keep this favor for himself. As a Master, accepting the Blue Sea Essence and Glazed Purification Water from her disciple already made her feel guilty. If she now asked her disciple to help with the core spiritual object, then who would the Master even be?

Without hesitation, Gu Yunyun shook her head. "No need! This ancient jade is perfect for me! For a cultivator, a better object isn't always the most suitable. The most important thing is that it suits me."

However, Ye Chen immediately shook his head in return. "That just means it's not good enough. The truly good objects should be suitable for everyone."

It was like when An Miaoli exchanged cultivation techniques with him at the auction. She swapped a high-level Earth-grade technique for a mid-level Earth-grade one. But in essence, it was still An Miaoli's technique that wasn't good enough. If An Miaoli had an immortal scripture, there wouldn't even be a question of suitability.

Gu Yunyun listened to Ye Chen's words and immediately fell silent. Of course, there were better spiritual objects for forming a Golden Core than the ancient jade for her. But the problem was, they were not that easy to obtain.

Why did her disciple have to be so irritating when he spoke?

Gu Yunyun took a deep breath, waved her hand, and said, "Since you have the opportunity to get something better, then you should keep it for yourself. This is an immense favor. I already have the possibility of a nine-turn. If you can get a better core, wouldn't that be even better?"

She still didn't want to take it.

However, upon hearing her words, Ye Chen smiled and said, "Master, you're overthinking it. Not only do I not need to owe anyone a favor for this, but they'll also be thanking me for it!"

???

Gu Yunyun was completely unconvinced now. But Ye Chen extended his hand. "Master, just give me the ancient jade. It's just a matter of breaking through a month or two later. If I can't handle it, you can take the jade back and break through then."

Gu Yunyun still wanted to say something. But seeing Ye Chen with a hurt expression on his face, she paused.

"Master, you don't doubt me, do you? Are you worried I'll take your jade and run away? We've been Master and disciple for so many years, you wouldn't think that of me, right?"

Hearing Ye Chen say this, Gu Yunyun couldn't bring herself to refuse anymore. She knew exactly what Ye Chen was doing—he was provoking her. Her stunning phoenix eyes rolled at Ye Chen for the rare occasion, and with a gentle flick of her hand, she tossed the ancient jade to him.

Ye Chen immediately smiled as he caught the ancient jade. He examined it carefully, noticing the sharp sword intent hidden within the white jade, along with a massive amount of murderous aura mixed with sword energy.

While this item was suitable for his Master, it came with both advantages and risks. If the murderous aura wasn't completely refined during the breakthrough, it could pose hidden dangers.

Indeed, it needed to be exchanged for something better. As for Ye Chen's method of exchanging spiritual objects—he'd do it by offering gifts. The system was very intelligent and would provide gifts based on his needs.

This ancient jade was something Ye Chen hoped the system could exchange for something better for his Master. The system would most likely provide something useful for her.

Of course, if the feedback wasn't suitable for his Master, he could simply exchange it back and let her continue using the ancient jade. In any case, it was definitely worth trying…

As for who to ask for the feedback? The few Peak Masters in Green Cloud Sect who were at the late Foundation Establishment stage were all men. Besides his Master, there wasn't a woman among them, making them obviously unsuitable. His Senior Sister was still at the early Foundation Establishment stage. Sending a Golden Core spiritual object would be useless.

So Ye Chen would have to look outside. He wondered how the little demoness, Su Yuxuan, was doing with her cultivation. If she had reached the middle Foundation Establishment stage, he could send her a bottle of Glazed Purification Water to help raise her cultivation. Then he could give her the ancient jade. That would be perfect.

If she hadn't reached that level yet, he could always go to Divine Will City and look for female cultivators at the late Foundation Establishment stage who lacked a Golden Core spiritual object. In any case, seeking a better Golden Core spiritual object was difficult for most cultivators. But for Ye Chen, it was surprisingly easy.

Chapter 190: Promise Me

With the ancient jade in hand, Ye Chen left without a second thought. First, he would help his Master break through.

As for himself? Ye Chen certainly hoped to break through to the Golden Core stage soon. But he wanted to make sure that every step he took was solid and perfect.

Thus, for his own breakthrough, he needed to obtain a top-tier spiritual object, something like the Phoenix Blood. Then, he would need at least several hundred times feedback, along with a critical strike. Only then would it be truly perfect.

Moreover, with Ye Chen's current strength, if he went all out, he felt that even Golden Core cultivators would pose no threat to him. So, with his current strength, he wasn't in a hurry.

Back in his courtyard, after giving a few instructions to the maidservants, Ye Chen headed to the External Affairs Hall. There, he accepted a task to go to Middle Mountain.

The Earthheart Python there had already been dealt with by a Divine Will Sect elder. They had even reached the core area. The dispute between Green Cloud Sect and Misty Sect was becoming more intense.

As for the little demoness, Su Yuxuan, Ye Chen had heard about her exploits a few times. It was said that her strength had become even more terrifying. Her notorious reputation was well known. Even the Peak Master of the Magic Peak had personally intervened, yet still failed to kill Su Yuxuan.

However, her notorious reputation didn't come from killing Green Cloud Sect elders or disciples. On the contrary, Su Yuxuan rarely attacked Green Cloud Sect members. Even when she did, she only wounded them.

It was said that Su Yuxuan had blood-sacrificed the entire family of several Misty Sect elders. And those elders had disappeared without a trace. This was how she earned her terrifying reputation.

Ye Chen, however, was going after Su Yuxuan. Upon arriving at Green Cloud Sect's outpost in Middle Mountain, Ye Chen exchanged a few words with the shocked Peak Master of the Law Peak before finally meeting his long-missed Senior Sister, Yao Xi.

To be honest, Ye Chen found it ridiculous that Senior Sister hadn't been called back yet. Had she offended the Peak Master of the Pill Peak? Ye Chen decided that when he returned to Green Cloud Sect, he would seek out the Pill Peak Elder and ask about it.

After chatting with Senior Sister about the eighteen uses of the Full Moon for the entire night, Ye Chen left a bottle of Glazed Purification Water the next morning and ventured into the remains of the Boundless Demon Sect to find Su Yuxuan.

Now, as a late Foundation Establishment cultivator, Ye Chen found the journey almost entirely smooth. However, perhaps because his spiritual sense had grown stronger, Ye Chen began to sense something strange about the Boundless Demon Sect ruins. It felt as though some great plan was unfolding. Could there still be remnants of the Boundless Demon Sect alive?

Ye Chen couldn't figure it out. But he decided, nonetheless, that it was better to avoid this place in the future. With his determination and the system, his path to immortality would surely be a grand one. In this case, there was no need to take risks in a place he couldn't fully understand.

With a cautious mind, Ye Chen spent several days exploring the ruins. It didn't take long before he ran into a Misty Sect elder. What was most striking was that the elder seemed quite familiar.

In an instant, Ye Chen remembered who the person was. This elder had been part of the group escorting disciples when Ye Chen had obtained the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment technique.

When Ye Chen saw him, the elder also recognized him immediately. His pupils contracted, and he quickly summoned the Human Emperor Banner, his tone wary as he spoke, "Ye Chen, why are you here, instead of going to Divine Will Sect?"

The news of Green Cloud Sect's leader winning first place in the Divine Will Assembly had certainly spread to Misty Sect. Anyone who could win such an honor was no ordinary person. As a result he did not plan to take action.

Ye Chen smiled and immediately asked, "Where is Su Yuxuan?"

Without hesitation, the elder pointed in a direction.

Seeing the elder's genuine demeanor, Ye Chen couldn't help but smile. Why wasn't he cackling like the last time?

Ye Chen shook his head without hesitation. "I don't believe you!"

The elder's face immediately darkened. At this point, it was clear to him that Ye Chen was looking for trouble.

"Ye Chen, your victory in the Divine Will Assembly truly shows you're exceptional. But relying on the Divine Will Pool to break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage, you'll need at least a year, because the Earth Fiend Qi can't unleash its full potential. So I advise you not to court death… otherwise, my Human Emperor Banner will have another main soul!"

The elder's demonic aura erupted, creating a small, infernal domain around him. The Human Emperor Banner in his hand emitted rolling black smoke.

Ye Chen's eyes immediately lit up as he took out his own Human Emperor Banner. However, the black mist was obviously less intense than the elder's. "What a coincidence, I have one too! I just wanted to ask, can Human Emperor Banners merge? If I kill you, can I add your Banner to mine?"

Ye Chen asked with great interest. Ye Chen had always wanted a genuine critical strike on a real Human Emperor Banner, the purple-golden one, not just the pure black one he had been using.

But clearly, Ye Chen couldn't go around killing people and refining souls every day. If the Human Emperor Banner could directly steal the souls from other Human Emperor Banners, Ye Chen would be in for a treat.

The elder's face turned completely grim at that moment. "You're asking for death…"

In an instant, several pitch-black, cold, bone-like chains shot out from the black mist with fierce speed.

Ye Chen smiled faintly. "If you won't tell me, I'll find out myself."

...

Several dozen breaths later, the scene fell silent. In Ye Chen's hand, the Human Emperor Banner now had the faces of Kong Xiangli and the Black Soul Elder, along with a new main soul.

"Su Yuxuan is in that direction. It's about half a day's journey. There's a ruined hall there…"

Ye Chen once again asked for Su Yuxuan's location. When he confirmed with the main soul, the direction it pointed to was still the same.

Ye Chen felt a bit guilty. He had wronged the elder after all. But since the person was dead, his guilt didn't matter anymore. He could only return the Human Emperor Banner and let it continue to torture and accumulate resentment.

As for the elder's Human Emperor Banner, it did have the ability to directly inherit all the souls within. However, it would take some time. So, Ye Chen decided to deal with that later.

After gathering his spoils, Ye Chen flew toward Su Yuxuan's location.

...

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Explosions of spiritual energy echoed outside a grand hall.

"Su Yuxuan! Do you really think you'll end well? The day you form your core will be the day you die!"

A mid-stage Foundation Establishment elder from the Misty Sect, now reduced to nothing but a disembodied head, screamed in despair. But Su Yuxuan remained expressionless, not even sparing him a glance. She brought her foot down.

Boom!

The head exploded into pieces. Her delicate foot remained untainted by a single speck of filth. Without pause, she lifted her leg to step into the hall.

Just as she was about to enter, Su Yuxuan suddenly paused. She turned her head slightly, surprise flashing in her eyes. In the distance, a handsome male cultivator was looking at her with clear distaste. To be precise, he was eyeing her foot with disdain.

That look instantly brought back memories. Su Yuxuan recalled the last time she had been trapped in this very hall, when she had begged Ye Chen to give her his eyes, and all the things she'd done to get them.

Now, staring into those bright eyes that held nothing but contempt, Su Yuxuan ground her teeth. Ever since Black Soul Elder failed to return to the sect, she had known Ye Chen was still alive. Later, she even heard he had taken first place at the Divine Will Assembly.

That only confirmed Su Yuxuan's suspicion: Back then, when Ye Chen had kept his eyes closed, he had been faking blindness all along.

Ye Chen definitely had some kind of spell to regrow his eyes. It might even be an innate divine ability tied to the eyes themselves. Once again, she had been played by him!

And to think she'd truly believed he was dead. She had even gone so far as to blood-sacrifice the entire clans of those elders who had contributed to that illusion. And suffered heavy punishment because of it.

At that thought, the memories she had tried to bury came flooding back. That disgusting taste still seemed to linger on her lips. Her dainty foot felt strangely uncomfortable as well. Turning her head, she refused to even look at Ye Chen and made to leave.

…

Ye Chen, however, smiled in satisfaction as he watched Su Yuxuan. She had already reached mid-stage Foundation Establishment. With the help of the Glazed Purification Water, she could break through to the late stage in one go. Then, he could pass the ancient jade to her.

So, with a cheerful grin, Ye Chen flew over and called out: "Last time we met, you were so eager for my eyes that you said you'd stay by my side for life. But the moment you got them, you ran off without looking back and left me behind. I almost got beaten to death because of that. And now, not only do you not feel guilty, you pretend like you don't even recognize me. Don't you think that's a little heartless?"

Su Yuxuan ground her teeth, her charming, doll-like face full of irritation.

"Then why don't you tell me—what's up with your eyes now?"

Ye Chen replied matter-of-factly, "Destruction breeds creation! I didn't expect that after giving them to you, I'd actually grow a new pair. And they're even stronger."

Su Yuxuan curled her lips in disbelief. She didn't believe a single word coming from Ye Chen anymore.

"Then give them to me again?"

Ye Chen immediately laughed.

You're dreaming.

Give them again, and he really would be blind. He changed the subject without hesitation.

"Believe it or not, that's on you. I came to this ruin just to find you. I have something good to give you."

As he spoke, Ye Chen took out a jade bottle.

Su Yuxuan looked at him with deep suspicion. She knew Ye Chen's nature far too well. He was practically a demon when it came to manipulating people's hearts. If the Misty Sect had a proper Holy Son, they'd be the laughingstock of the cultivation world. But if it were Ye Chen in that role, he would've been the perfect fit.

Ye Chen did like her, that much was clear. And he was indeed willing to give her good things. But it was always after tormenting her a little—or a lot.

Now he was handing something over without a price? She didn't believe it for a second.

…

Seeing Su Yuxuan's guarded expression, Ye Chen could only sigh inwardly. This little demoness is way too defensive. He had given her his eyes, and she still didn't trust him?

Ye Chen glanced at the hall nearby and said, "Let's talk inside. It really is a treasure."

With that, he stepped in first.

After a moment of hesitation, Su Yuxuan followed.

Once inside, Ye Chen tossed down an array disc that prevented outside detection, then casually threw the jade bottle to her.

Su Yuxuan didn't catch it with her hands, but used spiritual energy to hold it mid-air, then opened the lid. The moment the scent reached her, her pupils contracted. Just from a single whiff, she could feel her spiritual power starting to boil. Her spiritual sense surged as well.

Could this really be a treasure?

Seeing the look on her face, Ye Chen calmly explained: "Glazed Purification Water. Ever heard of it? Sacred water of the Buddhist sects. It can raise your cultivation, strengthen your spiritual sense, improve your Core Formation success rate, and may even increase the quality of the resulting core. I got it by chance after breaking through to the peak Foundation Establishment with the help of the Divine Will Pool. I thought of your blood feud that still hasn't been settled, so I came to give this to you. Don't hesitate. Find a spot and start refining it."

His words only shocked Su Yuxuan even more.

Glazed Purification Water? Ye Chen actually managed to get his hands on something like that, and he was just… giving it to her?

It was almost unbelievable. And seeing her stunned little expression, Ye Chen felt a wave of regret.

What a pity the system can't trigger chain rewards. Otherwise, who knew what kind of treasure he might have pulled from this Glazed Purification Water?

"Is this really Glazed Purification Water? You're seriously letting me use it?"

Su Yuxuan's little heart thumped wildly in her chest. Her doll-like face flushed red, the color blooming like watercolor in clear spring water—breathtakingly beautiful. For a cultivator, concealing one's expression was a trivial matter. Which only made her current excitement all the more apparent.

After all, Su Yuxuan had a genuine, burning desire to increase her cultivation as quickly as possible. These past few years, she had practically lived in the ruins. Even during the time when the Earthheart Python occupied the site, she had clenched her teeth and remained, stubbornly continuing her exploration.

On one hand, the inheritances and treasures hidden within the ruins were beyond her master's knowledge—only by acquiring those could she one day strike back. On the other, the blood crystals produced by the Bloodfiend aura in the ruins were incredibly beneficial to someone with a Blood Spirit Root like her. Her obsession with cultivating stronger was clear as day.

And this Glazed Purification Water could potentially save her years—or even decades—of painstaking effort, directly pushing her to the peak of Foundation Establishment. How could she not be thrilled?

Seeing the look on her face, Ye Chen once again sighed at the pity that his system couldn't stack rewards like nesting dolls. Still, he nodded. "Yes, this is indeed Glazed Purification Water. And yes, I'm giving it to you. But… I do have a tiny little condition."

At those words, Su Yuxuan finally relaxed a bit. If Ye Chen hadn't named any conditions, that would've made her uneasy. With conditions, at least it's normal.

But when she saw Ye Chen's eyes glance at her little feet again, she ground her teeth.

Once, twice… and now again. What's a third or fourth time?

They weren't exactly "clean" anymore anyway. Might as well let it happen again.

However, when Ye Chen finally spoke, she froze. Because Ye Chen's expression was completely serious as he said: "Promise me—if you're going to kill someone, just kill them. Don't go stomping their heads with your foot anymore. I know nothing really sticks to you, but it really kills the mood for me."

Su Yuxuan couldn't stop herself from grinding her teeth again.

You sure didn't have a problem when you were using them, and now you're complaining? Fine, I'll keep doing it. I'll stomp heads till you can't even look at a foot again!

Still, despite muttering curses in her heart, Su Yuxuan put on a serious face and nodded.

"I promise I won't step on anything ever again…"

Over the years in the ruins, Su Yuxuan had gained many inheritances from the ancient Boundless Demon Sect. And with Ye Chen's eyes, she'd even awakened top-tier ocular arts. Her combat strength had become absurdly powerful. Even late-stage Foundation Establishment elders in the Misty Sect dared not provoke her.

But when facing Ye Chen, Su Yuxuan still had a clear understanding of her limits. Perhaps if they were at the same stage, she might stand a chance. But Ye Chen was now already at late-stage Foundation Establishment.

An entire realm above her—she couldn't win. So, whatever condition he raised, she would agree without hesitation. Because she had to obtain the Glazed Purification Water. With it, her path to vengeance would draw that much closer.

Ye Chen didn't really care whether the little demoness was being sincere or not. As long as she used it and triggered a reward for him, that was enough. So he pointed to a corner of the grand hall. "Mhm, I believe you! Just use the Glazed Purification Water here. If anyone finds out, the Buddhist sects might come running to 'cleanse evil and subdue demons'—they'd love to purify a little demoness like you."

Su Yuxuan frowned slightly. She didn't like cultivating while someone was nearby. It made her feel unsafe. But with Ye Chen insisting, and considering he was the one who had given her the water in the first place, she had no room to refuse. And Ye Chen was far stronger than her now. He wouldn't need to sneak around to harm her.

So after a brief pause, Su Yuxuan decisively sat cross-legged, uncorked the jade bottle, and downed the contents in one go. Ye Chen watched as she began refining the water, nodding with satisfaction. He didn't waste time either. Taking out two Human Emperor Banners, he began the process of fusing them. Dark energy surged through the grand hall, roiling like storm clouds.

Su Yuxuan couldn't help but twitch her brow.

You're still trying to say you're not from the demonic path?