Unrivaled Medicine God 141 to 160

 Chapter 241: Completing the Pill Formula!

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

Ye Yuan nodded and said, "By reducing the amount of Clear Spirit Jade Fluid to 80% and adding in the Western Flower plus another kind of supplementary ingredient called Bramble Mustard Tuber, it will produce an extremely terrifyingly huge explosion! This is actually roughly the same logic as creating gunpowder in the secular world."

Skymaple’s complexion involuntarily changed when he heard that.

He really had not heard before that these three kinds of materials would cause such an effect when mixed together!

Even he had not heard this before, how did this boy know?

Thinking up to here, Skymaple could not help feeling fear. If Ye Yuan really bore a grudge and took revenge, then wouldn’t this place of his be leveled to the ground?

Although what Ye Yuan said was nonsense, this could not be bullshitted through just by saying nonsense. If one were not highly proficient in medicinal knowledge, talking nonsense would not be able to hold water.

Regardless of how this boy knew all these, he could not be underestimated!

Thinking up to here, Skymaple promptly put away his contempt and asked seriously, "What’s your name?"

"This disciple is Ye Yuan."

"Ye Yuan, this seat apologizes to you solemnly for the matter just now! Seeing as this seat is already an old man, how about you don’t be too particular?"

Skymaple already said things to such an extent. Ye Yuan naturally would not nitpick at it again.

However, he had a pretty good impression of this Skymaple. He could advance and retreat.

Not everyone would apologize so solemnly to disciples from the junior generation. It was truly not easy for Skymaple to be able to do this.

Ye Yuan gave a bow to Skymaple and said, "This Disciple dare not. I hope that Grand Elder won’t take to heart any offenses just now."

Skymaple chuckled and waved his hands, saying, "Take to heart what? As long as you can complete the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill, you can even take a piss on top of this seat’s head! Come, please enter. Let’s talk inside!"

The pair were just about to take a step when the gatekeeping disciple asked weakly, "G-Grand Elder, I . . ."

Skymaple’s present mood was excellent. He flicked his sleeves and said, "You’ve rendered meritorious service and have no blame. Continue staying then! Guard the court gate well and don’t let anybody in!"

The gatekeeping disciple was overjoyed. "Thank you, Grand Elder! Disciple will definitely guard the gate well!"

. . . . . .

In the side hall, Skymaple and Ye Yuan sat down as host and guest.

This was already exceptionally courteous reception to Ye Yuan. In front of Skymaple, disciples only had the right to stand, not sit. Only hall head level had the qualifications to sit down and talk when they came. Even the elders could not!

Behind Skymaple, Wang Jie kept sizing up Ye Yuan, his gaze filled with curiosity.

He had followed Skymaple for a number of years already and was deeply aware of the difficulty of completing the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill.

Wang Jie knew that there had already been no fewer than several hundred seniors and elders who took on this mission. These hundreds of people were all elites of the Tranquil Cloud Sect, but no one could complete the mission.

But this Young Master not over the age of 16 could fill in the pill formula.

It was truly miraculous!

Ye Yuan sensed Wang Jie’s gaze and flashed a smile at him. Wang Jie also flashed one back.

"Ye Yuan, what did the ’but’ you said earlier mean? Could it be that using the Extreme Light Profound Gold Fruit to complete the pill formula doesn’t work either?" Skymaple asked again.

He was very confident in the Extreme Light Profound Gold Fruit. It should be said that this was the closest to success he had come to in these over dozen years. But Ye Yuan’s words unwittingly make his heart palpitate.

Ye Yuan said, "Although the Extreme Light Profound Gold Fruit has the effects of nourishing the divine soul, it’s unsuitable to be mixed together and refined with the Nine-leaf Heavenly Fragrance Grass. The Extreme Light Profound Gold Fruit’s attribute is metal, while the Nine-leaf Heavenly Fragrance Grass’s attribute is wood. Metal and wood inhibit each other. Not only would the effects of the ingredients themselves fail to be unleashed, but it would also weaken instead. Furthermore, it will be tremendously difficult to control the stability of the three kinds of core materials during the refining process. If my estimations are right, Grand Elder has probably blown up cauldrons quite a number of times already, right?"

Skymaple’s old face turned red. Ye Yuan really guessed it correctly.

However, he still asked in surprise, "Isn’t the Extreme Light Profound Gold Fruit’s attribute is wood? Why is it metal?"

The attributes of all things in the world were incomparably complex and were not written on the surface. Unless one were extremely proficient towards medical knowledge, one would tend to find it hard to determine a certain medicinal material’s attribute.

The higher level the medicinal material, the harder it was to determine the attribute. Because the process of their derivation was extremely complicated.

Tier 4 materials were not high nor low level. But to the Tranquil Cloud Sect’s alchemists, it was absolutely high level medicinal materials. With their level of understanding, it was very tough to determine Tier 4 materials’ attribute.

Hence, when Skymaple was choosing materials, he basically could not take into consideration the materials’ attributes. He only relied on his instincts to decide. Hence, the error rate was naturally very high.

Ye Yuan smiled and said, "Not all the things that grow on trees belong to the wood attribute. The reason why the Extreme Light Profound Gold Fruit is of the metal attribute is that it generally grows on top of ore veins, drawing the metal spiritual qi within to form the fruit. Even though the Extreme Light Profound Gold Fruit also has some wood attribute characteristics, its primary attribute is metal."

Hearing Ye Yuan’s analysis, Skymaple actually had a feeling like he was enlightened all at once! His gaze when looking at Ye Yuan again was drastically different from before.

Skymaple was naturally well aware of the Extreme Light Profound Gold Fruit’s origin. It was precisely obtained by sect disciples from an ore vein, not the slightest bit off from Ye Yuan’s analysis!

Such knowledge, even he, a grand elder, felt that he was so far behind to even see the dust ahead.

"Then how should this pill formula be completed?" Skymaple’s words already entailed consulting advice. Even he himself was not conscious of it.

Ye Yuan obviously would not cherish something of little value just because it was his own knowledge. He opened his mouth and said, "Clear Spirit Jade Fluid is balanced in the five elements, so it is a neutral item. The Nine-leaf Heavenly Fragrance Grass’s attribute is wood, so you naturally have to select a water attribute material to complete the pill formula. Among Tier 4 medicinal materials, the Iceheart Dew is most suitable."

"Ah? Why use the Iceheart Dew? Iceheart Drew shouldn’t have divine soul nourishing effects, right?" Skymaple had a doubtful face.

This past dozen of years, he thought of every material and used them too. The only exception was that he did not think of using the Iceheart Dew to complete the pill formula!

Ye Yuan smiled and said, "Clear Spirit Jade Fluid and Nine-leaf Heavenly Fragrance Grass are both medicinal herbs that have superb effects when used to nourish the divine soul. Just take the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill for instance; the divine soul nourishing effects are already ample. But the Iceheart Dew has the effect of calming the spirit and focusing the mind, and also the effect of stabilizing the divine soul. Moreover, during the refining process, the water attribute Iceheart Dew even has the usage of improving the wood attribute Nine-leaf Heavenly Fragrance Grass. There is nothing more suitable than it for refining the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill!"

Once alchemy skills reached a certain level, one’s understanding of medicinal pills would also grow increasingly profound.

At times, while blindly chasing the medicinal effect of a medicinal pill, it would instead cause an opposite effect.

Ye Yuan’s understanding of medicinal pills was far from what Skymaple could compare to.

The way Ye Yuan saw it, a medicinal pill was a world. Refining a medicinal pill was creating a world!

For a mature world, the most important thing was stability. Then, other things would follow.

Many alchemists chased after the effects of medicinal pills blindly. The result of doing this were flaws in the medicinal pills. There would obviously be side-effects here and there.

A mature type of medicinal pill would definitely not have any side-effect!

In reality, with Ye Yuan’s alchemy skills, he could guide Skymaple to use the Extreme Light Profound Gold Fruit to refine out the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill, but that kind of medicinal pill would clearly have side-effects.

Hearing Ye Yuan say finish, Skymaple and Wang Jie behind him sunk into their thoughts . . .

Chapter 242: An Alchemy Emperor’s Guidance

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

Skymaple’s eyes grew brighter and brighter.

Unlike the other elders, he was a genuine Alchemy King! A Soul Sea Realm powerhouse!

His experience was naturally extraordinary!

Skymaple actually felt that the materials he used in the past to complete the pill formula were all trash.

Although he had not started refining, Skymaple already felt that using Iceheart Dew would certainly work!

Because he simply could not find any flaws in this pill formula!

Those materials that he found in the past, while he was full of confidence each time, he himself actually knew that there was always that slight area of imperfection.

But this time, he felt that this pill formula was absolutely perfect!

Skymaple currently had an impulse to burst into a song and dance. Over a dozen years of racking his brain bitterly, over a dozen years of repeated defeats, over a dozen years of wallowing in despair, he obtained a release at this very instant.

If not for wanting to preserve some parts of a grand elder’s prestige and because he did not wish to lose himself too much in front of Ye Yuan, he would have started dancing around right away.

This was not enough to express his emotions.

"Wang Jie, you quickly go and ask Ouyang Yu if there is still Iceheart Dew in the sect! If there isn’t, make them gather it at top speed! Remember, it must be at the fastest speed! I must see the Iceheart Dew within a month!" Skymaple hurriedly instructed.

Wang Jie also had an eye-opener today. Ye Yuan’s words gave him a feeling of being enlightened.

In reality, while Wang Jie had a gentle character, he also had pride that others did not possess.

In the Tranquil Cloud Sect, he was among those true Alchemy Path geniuses. Otherwise, he would not have been fancied by Skymaple and become his disciple.

Wang Jie had always thought highly of himself. He felt that his accomplishments on the alchemy path were already absolutely outstanding among people of the same age.

But Ye Yuan’s words today opened another window for him.

Wang Jie only knew today just how unstable his foundation skills were and how shallow his previous understanding of medicinal knowledge was!

Hearing Skymaple’s orders, Wang Jie said respectfully, "Yes, Master."

Logically speaking, running errands should be done by Ye Yuan. Ignoring that Wang Jie’s seniority was exceedingly high, even with his Alchemy Grandmaster status, it should not be his turn to run errands.

But at this current moment, Wang Jie gladly enjoyed the hardship and felt that it was only natural and right.

To the Skymaple Court, Ye Yuan was a distinguished guest. How could they let a distinguished guest run errands?

After Wang Jie left, Skymaple started to consult Ye Yuan like a student on how to refine the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill.

Refining pills were not just the simple act of putting together medicinal herbs. Each type of medicinal herbs, its quantity, flame intensity when refining, and so on, were all extremely particular things.

A discrepancy of a hair’s breadth could lead to an error of a thousand miles!

Messing up a step could possibly result in the refinement to fail.

Alchemists was an exceptionally meticulous occupation. The path they walk was completely different from martial artists.

Yet, the more he chatted with Ye Yuan, the more Skymaple felt his blood run cold. His gaze when looking at Ye Yuan also changed once more.

If one were to say that the first time he saw Ye Yuan, he was looking at him with a disdainful angle, then after Ye Yuan talked about the Western Flower recipe, it became viewing him as equals.

But now, Skymaple was looking up to Ye Yuan!

Although they were only chatting about one type of medicinal pill, Ye Yuan’s views tended to give Skymaple a feeling that he could grasp the entire concept by grasping a typical example.

Not knowing the reason, just one chat and Skymaple felt that his alchemy skills improved quite a bit!

Many things that Ye Yuan talked about, Skymaple did not even think about them in the past.

Especially when Ye Yuan was talking about the refinement method. Skymaple frequently had the feeling that medicinal pills could even be refined in such a way.

The incomplete pill formula of this Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill was accidentally acquired by Forefather Ouyang Tuotian. Even he could not complete it. The missing parts in the pill formula were not just one core material. The refinement method was missing too.

Many of Skymaple’s past refinement methods were fumbled out by himself. Cauldron explosions were naturally something to be expected.

"Ye Yuan, did you research and come up with this pill formula yourself?" After a long while, Skymaple finally asked the suspicion in his heart.

This Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill formula was something that even their forefather could not complete. If Ye Yuan could come up with it himself, then this alchemic talent was overly heaven-defying.

Ye Yuan obviously would not say that he already knew this pill formula from the start. Of course, even if he did not know, completing it was not something hard.

"Of course not. Actually, before entering the sect, I already had a master. This pill formula was imparted to me by him. When I was searching for missions in the Support Star Pavilion, I just happened to see the level nine No. 3 mission, so I accepted it," Ye Yuan said with a grin.

Skymaple breathed a sigh of relief when he heard that. It seemed like Ye Yuan’s monstrousness was still within the boundaries of understanding. Even so, from Ye Yuan’s conversation, it could be seen that his alchemy skill foundation was extremely solid!

However, Skymaple developed an intense curiosity towards such master who could train such an incredible disciple.

The way Skymaple saw it, that person was definitely an existence more amazing than him. He might even be an Alchemy Sovereign!

Ye Yuan recounted the fabricated story again before Skymaple dismissed that idea of requesting an audience.

Skymaple obviously did not know that while he was unaware, he had already spoken to a former Alchemy Emperor.

Even if Ye Yuan could not refine out high-tier medicinal pills now, his experience and knowledge were simply not on the same level as Skymaple’s.

Ye Yuan looked as if he was conversing with Skymaple, but in reality, it could be counted giving pointers to him.

Being able to obtain some pointers from an Alchemy Emperor was enough for Skymaple to profit from his entire life. Because it was impossible for Skymaple to even see Ye Yuan’s shadow in this lifetime.

In his previous life, there had been countless Alchemy Ancestors, Alchemy Saints, even Alchemy Venerables who sought for Ye Yuan’s guidance but did not even had the chance. An Alchemy King like Skymaple did not even have the qualifications to present himself in front of him.

Not that Ye Yuan valued his old broomstick, but because he really did not wish to waste time in this area. 1

The reason why Ye Yuan was so generous was actually still because of his promise to Lu Yan last time.

Ye Yuan reckoned that Skymaple should be the Tranquil Cloud Sect’s greatest expert in the Alchemy Dao. For him to have any breakthrough naturally brought enormous benefits to the entire sect.

The use of the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill was to aid the divine soul in breaking through.

At Skymaple’s age, he basically already exhausted all of his potentials. Under the circumstances without the use of external force, he would essentially just stop at his present realm in this lifetime.

Skymaple himself was already clear on this point. That was why he placed all of his energy on the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill.

Whether the power of the sect was strong or not, it had never been about the number of disciples, history, or accumulation. The deciding factor was the sect’s most powerful member!

A sect that possessed a middle-stage Soul Sea Realm martial artist would be stronger than a sect like the Tranquil Cloud Sect. Furthermore, it would be overwhelmingly stronger!

If they did not have the protection of the sect protecting grand array, a middle-stage Soul Sea Realm could take on the entire Tranquil Cloud Sect by himself!

Once martial artists cultivated to a certain realm, human piling tactics would no longer be able to compensate for the gap.

The more Skymaple conversed, the more he opportunistic he became. The more he conversed, the greater his thirst for knowledge was. But Ye Yuan controlled the limits very well, conversing with the other party with the attitude of being equals, not letting Skymaple feel like he was giving pointers.

With his master as the backing entity, Ye Yuan’s conversation did not appear too unexpected.

Before long, Wang Jie barged in very excitedly . . .

Chapter 243: Selling Pill Formula

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

Seeing Wang Jie barge inside directly, Skymaple frowned and said unhappily, "Already so mature, yet why are you still so brash? Don’t you see that Ye Yuan and I are currently conversing?"

Unknowingly, Skymaple already placed Ye Yuan on the same level as him.

"Ah! Sorry Master. Disciple was rash," Wang Jie hurriedly apologized with a salute.

Skymaple waved his hands irritably and asked, "What is it? Why are you making such a fuss?"

Wang Jie had an eager face as he said, "Replying master, just now, I went to find Lord Sect Master. He said that a few days back, some disciples just happened to obtain some Iceheart Dew. So I brought it back."

When Skymaple heard it, his anger involuntarily turned into joy as he said, "Really? Great! Since all the ingredients are prepared, then let’s start refining!"

He had just learned many things from Ye Yuan and was currently itching to practice his skills. In addition, he obtained the pill formula, so he would naturally be itching to have a go.

"Don’t be anxious, Master. I haven’t finished talking yet. There isn’t much Iceheart Dew. According to what Ye Yuan said, it should only be enough for one refinement," Wang Jie said.

Skymaple frowned and said, "So little? How is it possible to succeed in one go?"

Wang Jie said, "Iceheart Dew is originally extremely scarce. It was only coincidentally obtained this time by an elite disciple out doing missions. He exchanged 10 thousand points by handing it to the sect! Even if the sect seeks it out in full force, it would probably be very hard to find within three months."

As the grand elder, how could Skymaple not know the scarcity of Tier 4 medicinal herbs?

However, he yearned for the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill too deeply. Even if the material was harder to get, he had to obtain it!

This was not just to fulfill him alone, but also to fulfill the entire sect!

The materials that Skymaple exhausted these few years were worth upwards of 10 million points when added up. But Luo Qingfeng did not grumble at all. Why?

Simply because back then, Ouyang Tuotian founded the present Tranquil Cloud Sect with his own strength!

The sect’s upper echelons all understood the difference between low-rank Alchemy King and middle-rank Alchemy King!

Hearing Wang Jie’s words, Skymaple’s good mood instantly vanished, and his heart inexplicably became frustrated.

Although the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill was a low Tier 4 medicinal pill, it was really somewhat forceful for Skymaple. The possibility of succeeding in one go was too low!

Once he failed, he would have to wait up to three months, maybe even half a year’s time!

The Clear Spirit Jade Fluid and Nine-leaf Heavenly Fragrance Grass collected the previous time were already pretty much expended. At most, he could refine once or twice.

If the refinement this time failed, he would have to gather these two kinds of medicinal herbs again.

The Clear Spirit Jade Fluid and Nine-leaf Heavenly Fragrance Grass were also Tier 3 medicinal herbs; similarly, they were very rare.

Who knew how long he would have to wait to refine again.

Thinking up to here, Skymaple’s brows knitted together even tighter. Pressure engulfed him like it blotted out the skies and land.

For over a dozen years, Skymaple virtually did not inquire about sect affairs and put his heart and soul on the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill. But he kept being unable to obtain a breakthrough.

Although Luo Qingfeng and the other sect upper echelons did not say anything, the pressure on Skymaple was also enormous. Otherwise, he would not be so hot-tempered either.

Skymaple only felt that the bottle containing the Iceheart Dew weighed 30 thousand catties when he took it over from Wang Jie’s hands.

He returned to his seat and started to waver.

Ye Yuan saw through Skymaple’s state of mind and said, "Grand Elder, I have a suggestion. While this can’t guarantee that you’ll definitely refine the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill, it should raise the success rate considerably."

Skymaple was currently dejected. When he heard Ye Yuan’s words, he nearly jumped up. He stared at Ye Yuan intently and asked, "What method? As long as I can refine out the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill, I’ll add in 200 thousand more points!"

These words were simply heavenly melody to Skymaple.

Ye Yuan knew the advantages of points, so he obviously would not reject.

In truth, him completing the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill formula was already considered completing the mission. With just a message from Skymaple, he could get the reward already.

However, he already did it to this extent already. Might as well help him to the end.

"When Master imparted me the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill formula, he even told me about another Quasi-Tier 4 pill formula. This kind of medicinal pill is called Soul Driving Pill. Master said that the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill was the upgraded version of the Soul Driving Pill. The two originated from the same source. The refinement method is also extremely similar. The refinement of the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill is much more complex than the Soul Driving Pill, but the essence is pretty much the same. If Grand Elder can use the Soul Driving Pill to practice and familiarize yourself with the refinement method, refining the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill after should be much easier," Ye Yuan said.

Skymaple trembled agitatedly when he heard this. "Excellent! Truly excellent! There’s really such a medicinal pill?"

Martial Path medicinal pills were easy to find, but Alchemy Path medicinal pills were hard to obtain!

There were actually very, very few medicinal pills that affected the divine soul. It was like a single hair from nine oxen when compared to martial path medicinal pills.

Back then, Ouyang Tuotian also coincidentally obtained the incomplete Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill formula. Skymaple naturally had not heard about the Soul Driving Pill before.

Ye Yuan nodded and said, "How would I dare to deceive Grand Elder? Although the herbs to refine the Soul Driving Pill are also rare, with the sect’s strength, I think there should be some in stock. It should be enough for Grand Elder to use for practice."

"Quickly tell me the pill formula! I’ll let Wang Jie go retrieve the herbs!" Skymaple said impatiently.

After he said that, Skymaple suddenly felt that it was inappropriate. He involuntarily smacked his head and said awkwardly, "Haha, take a look at this old muddle-head! Even if it’s a Quasi-Tier 4 medicinal pill, this pill formula is also a priceless treasure! Ye Yuan, what requests do you have? Just state them. I’ll do all I can to recompense you! En . . . Is one million points enough? Just take it as the sect is buying your pill formula! Uh . . . Will your master mind?"

Skymaple started to worry about personal gains and losses. Pill formulas were always undisclosable secrets to any influence.

Especially medicinal pills that raised soul force. They were even more so priceless treasures!

While the grade of the Soul Driving Pill was not as high as the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill, its value was even greater to the Tranquil Cloud Sect instead!

Even if Ye Yuan completed the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill formula, how many people in the Tranquil Cloud Sect could afford to enjoy it?

There was only Skymaple, that one Alchemy King alone!

But the Soul Driving Pill was different!

Quasi-Tier 4 medicinal pills had effects on Sea Transformation Realm Quasi-Alchemy Kings. The Tranquil Cloud Sect acquiring this pill formula was equivalent to alchemists realms collectively rising a rank!

Such trade was too worthwhile to the Tranquil Cloud Sect!

If not for being fearful of the ’master’ behind Ye Yuan, once Ye Yuan rejected, he might even give birth to the idea of forcefully snatching.

One million points to buy the Soul Driving Pill formula was really not considered much.

A Quasi-Tier 4 pill formula was no big deal to Ye Yuan. Since he opened his mouth, he was obviously prepared to give it to Skymaple.

"Master let me enter the secular world to test myself. He said that everything is up to me. He naturally would not mind. But the Soul Driving Pill formula is indeed precious, so I’ll accept Grand Elder’s one million points. In the future, when Master asks about it, I can also explain."

Ye Yuan obtained many benefits from the sect too. His Azure Dipper Floating Zero Sword Art emerged from the Azure Dipper Purple Yang Sword Art. There was no harm in treating this pill formula as giving a plum in return for a peach. It was just to not make Skymaple feel that he was indifferent that he accepted the one million points.

Chapter 244: Competing Essence Fires

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

Inside Skymaple’s refining room was a mess.

From yesterday until now, Skymaple had already refined over a dozen cauldrons of Soul Driving Pills.

In the end, he was an Alchemy King. It was still very quick for him to get started on refining Quasi-Tier 4 medicinal pills. After wasting four sets of materials, Skymaple finally refined the Soul Driving Pill.

Of course, Ye Yuan’s pointers could not be understated at all.

Refining soul force medicinal pills was different from conventional medicinal pills. If he did not have Ye Yuan’s guidance, Skymaple might not even be able to refine a complete Soul Driving Pill after wasting ten portions of materials.

After four furnaces of medicinal pills, Skymaple failed once or twice again. After 10 furnaces, he basically no longer failed.

"Grand Elder is indeed worthy of being an Alchemy King. To actually familiarize yourself with the Soul Driving Pill by using only a dozen over sets of materials. With Grand Elder’s present state, the success rate of refining the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill should be above 60%."

Ye Yuan stealthily slipped in a flatter, but Skymaple’s face went red. "I am a disappointment as an Alchemy King. If not for your master’s refinement method and him passing on all his experience to you, it’s probably unlikely for me to learn it so quickly."

Ye Yuan giving pointers by the side was naturally borrowing the name of his fictional master.

Ye Yuan smiled and did not give any explanation. Instead, he said, "Strike while the iron is hot. Grand Elder, consume medicinal pills to recover your strength first. Let’s succeed in refining the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill in one go while the sensation is still there!"

Initially, Skymaple was still full of confidence. But when he heard about refining the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill, he could not help faltering again.

"Refine it now? But there’s only one set of materials. Why not familiarize more with the Soul Driving Pill?"

Where was there still any majesty of a grand elder for Skymaple now? Rather, he was like a little kid worried about whether or not he could get to eat candy.

Whether he could refine or not, Ye Yuan naturally had the best say in this matter.

"Grand Elder is already very well-versed in the Soul Driving Pill, and you’ve also passed the period where you experience the greatest increase. Continuing to refine will not bring any notable effect. Rather, you’ve just finished refining over a dozen cauldrons of Soul Driving Pill and are currently in a state where your hands are hot and ready to go. Once you rest, I’m afraid that it will be very hard to find this sort of feeling again. Therefore, I feel that it’s still better to refine now," Ye Yuan advised.

Skymaple felt at a loss for a while when he heard that. He became determined in spite of himself and said, "It’s a blade whether I poke my head out or shrink back! Do it!"

Immediately, Skymaple swallowed several medicinal pills and began to meditate to adjust himself.

If this were before, Skymaple absolutely would not listen and follow the words of a junior like so. But these two days, Ye Yuan already subdued him with his broad and profound knowledge.

Even with Ye Yuan pretending to borrow his master’s words to say most of the things, that gleam of brilliance revealed within the words could be sensed intensely by Skymaple!

The master was very powerful. The disciple was similarly very formidable!

. . . . . .

After four hours, Skymaple adjusted his condition to its peak.

To have become the Tranquil Cloud Sect’s sole Alchemy King, there was no questioning of Skymaple’s mind and determination.

Since he was already resolved to refine the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill, Skymaple would not be timid anymore.

Wang Jie already prepared the materials. Ye Yuan took the initiative to take on the role of assistant. Wang Jie became idle instead.

Preparation work was similarly very important to refining pills. Not that Ye Yuan looked down on Wang Jie, it was just that with him doing the preparatory work, the success rate would clearly be higher.

The preparation work was not limited by realm. Ye Yuan performed it with high proficiency.

Ye Yuan’s hand grabbing refinement method astounded these two people too. Seeing that virtually perfect medicinal embryo, Skymaple’s eyes went wide.

Indeed, an outstanding disciple comes from an accomplished master! Skymaple thought to himself.

Placing the medicinal embryo into the medicinal cauldron, a mass of fire floated from Skymaple’s palm and lit the medicinal cauldron.

"Ganwu True Fire!" Ye Yuan said the name of the flame.

"Haha, I didn’t think that you would even know the Ganwu True Fire. That’s right. Under my nurturing, the Ganwu True Fire is already about to advance to a Tier 4 essence fire!" Skymaple said rather pleased with himself.

"Uh . . . Grand Elder better use my essence fire. This way, your chances will be greater." Ye Yuan said rather oddly.

"Oh? You actually have an essence fire too? Looks like your fortune really isn’t shallow! However, it’s still better to use essence fires that you nurtured yourself when refining pills. You should know this point, right?"

This was already Skymaple taking into consideration Ye Yuan’s face. He was somewhat perplexed. It was impossible for Ye Yuan to not even know this bit of general knowledge. Why did he still raise such a request?

Could it be that Ye Yuan’s essence fire was even better than his? How was this possible? He was only at the Spirit Condensation Realm. To have a Tier 2 essence fire was already considered immensely fortuitous.

Ye Yuan did not let him wonder for long. He nodded and said, "Of course I know that. But the chances should be better by using my essence fire to refine."

Ye Yuan repeated again as a bundle of flames appeared in his palm too.

When Skymaple saw that bundle of faint-yellow flames, he sucked in a cold breath. Wang Jie by the side clearly recognized Ye Yuan’s essence fire too, his eyes full of envy!

"Hiss . . . Cleansing Sandal Sacred Flame! This . . . This . . . How’s this possible?" Skymaple stuttered.

"Hur hur, when this disciple took part in the Endless Trials at the Dan Wu Academy, I happened to chance upon some lucky chances," Ye Yuan explained it lightly.

Not that Ye Yuan wanted to show off, but because if Skymaple used a Tier 4 essence fire to refine, the success rate would clearly be greater.

Ye Yuan knew that Skymaple had an essence fire. He thought that if it were a Tier 4 essence fire, then he would not mention this. The result was that Skymaple’s essence fire was indeed not Tier 4.

If Skymaple had a Tier 4 essence fire, using Ye Yuan’s essence fire would really be inferior to the one he nurtured himself. But as for Tier 3 . . . the grade was really kind of lousy, let alone comparing to the Cleansing Sandal Sacred Flame which was suited for alchemy.

Skymaple looked at the Cleansing Sandal Sacred Flame within Ye Yuan’s palm dimly for a long time before letting out a sigh and saying, "Comparing people to people is indeed odious! Back then, I risked my old life before I gained the Ganwu True Fire at the Sea Transformation Realm. You’re only at the Spirit Condensation Realm and actually already have the Cleansing Sandal Sacred Flame. This is the paramount dream essence fire for alchemists!"

Finishing Skymaple quietly kept away the Ganwu True Fire in his palm. It was evident that he did not plan on taking it out to show his inadequacy.

Ye Yuan kept staring at Skymaple’s eyes. If his heart gave birth to greed, then Ye Yuan and the Tranquil Cloud Sect’s fate would end here.

Fortunately, Skymaple did not disappoint him.

The matter of Ye Yuan possessing the Cleansing Sandal Sacred Flame was actually already known by Yao Qian long ago. It was only a matter of time before it reached Skymaple’s ears. Hence, Ye Yuan had no reservations about taking it out.

Tranquil Cloud Sect’s rules stated that all the natural treasures obtained by disciples outside belonged to them. Others may not insist on it. If they had no use for it, they could hand it over to the sect to exchange for points.

If a sect wantonly seized disciples’ lucky chances, it was no different from killing the chicken to retrieve the egg. Then, the sect would not be far from destruction anymore.

"Haha, this disciple also faced near-certain death to acquire the essence fire. It was just a lucky coincidence. Grand Elder, let’s begin?" Ye Yuan brushed over it.

Skymaple nodded and calmed his mind.

Ye Yuan called out the Cleansing Sandal Flame Lotus’s main body and used the main body to light the medicinal cauldron. Skymaple began to refine the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill.

Chapter 245: Pill Hall Vice Hall Head!

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

The refinement of the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill was relatively smooth!

Ye Yuan already prepared everything to help Skymaple refine this medicinal pills. He even threw in the Cleansing Sandal Sacred Flame.

If Skymaple still could not refine it like this, then this Alchemy King should just find a piece of tofu to commit suicide with.

When Skymaple held the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill in his hands, he trembled agitatedly and almost slipped and dropped the pill on the floor.

"Hahaha . . . I finally refined the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill! Truly the heaven is protecting me, Skymaple. The heaven is protecting my Tranquil Cloud Sect!"

While Skymaple was talking, the flesh on his face was quivering.

For the past years, all of Skymaple’s energy was placed on this medicinal pill, but it was all to no avail.

Skymaple naturally understood at present that if Ye Yuan had not appeared, the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill definitely could not be refined, and he would also fail to take a single inch forward in this lifetime!

Now that the medicinal pill was refined, how could Skymaple not be agitated?

"Congratulations, Master! Your long-cherished wish of 13 years is finally fulfilled!" Wang Jie’s words also carried trembling, and he even seemed to choke up a little. He was clearly also greatly moved.

Wang Jie had followed Skymaple for five to six years already. These five to six years, most of his time was spent on the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill!

Only he himself was well aware just how much hardship and scoldings he suffered during this period.

Of course, Wang Jie was an understanding person. He knew the misery and pressure in Skymaple’s heart. That was why he bore the hardships without any complaints.

Now that the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill had finally been refined, a feeling like the bitterness being followed by the sweet welled up in Wang Jie’s heart.

He could not resist taking a look at Ye Yuan; his heart filled with awe and veneration.

Yes, it was awe and veneration!

This sort of feeling, he only had them towards Skymaple before!

For Ye Yuan to have such knowledge and means at such an age, it was truly overwhelmingly heaven-defying!

Originally, Wang Jie was still somewhat pleased with himself within the sect. But now, that pride in his heart was grounded until it was badly mauled.

This was a genuine genius!

Ye Yuan also went forward to congratulate. "Congratulations, Grand Elder, to have realized your long-cherished dream!"

Only now did Skymaple return to reality from his agitation. Looking at Ye Yuan, he sighed emotionally and said, "Ye Yuan, it’s entirely due to your credit that this seat could refine the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill!"

Ye Yuan beamed and said, "The medicinal herbs were prepared by the sect, and the medicinal pill was refined personally by Grand Elder. How can Ye Yuan dare to claim credit? If one really had to talk about credit, it would just be the credit for loaning out the essence fire. Haha."

Skymaple did not show anything on the surface, but he secretly approved in his heart.

Ye Yuan completely lacked the impulsiveness that a youth should have. When claiming credit, he did not become arrogant. Looking at Ye Yuan’s expression, it was as if he did some minor thing that was not even worth mentioning. This was not the breadth of mind that the average youth could have!

Skymaple obviously did not know that this was really just something insignificant to Ye Yuan.

"Haha, you don’t need to be modest, Ye Yuan! Whether you have contributions or not, this seat is very clear about it in my heart! This matter, you bestowed grace upon this elderly self and similarly did a favor to my Tranquil Cloud Sect. This old man will remember it in my heart! Wang Jie, gather all the hall elders and above to the Assembly Hall! I have a matter to announce!" Skymaple suddenly said to Wang Jie.

. . . . . .

The Assembly Hall was the place where Ye Yuan underwent the Tri-Hall Joint Hearing.

Presently, there was commotion all about inside the hall. It looked rather like a teahouse.

"Elder Sun, do you know what matter Grand Elder suddenly summoned us for?"

Elder Sun was also at a loss as he shook his head and said, "How do I know? Grand Elder has already not inquired about sect matters for many years and studied the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill wholeheartedly. Sigh, I say, did he gather us because the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill is refined?"

"Ha! How is that possible? That Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill, both you and I have studied it. We can’t refine it either after testing out so many medicinal herbs! Furthermore, this pill formula was accidentally obtained by Forefather Ouyang back them. Forefather was a high-rank Alchemy Sovereign. Even he could not complete it, so how could Grand Elder complete it?"

"That’s true. But I heard that Grand Elder seemed to have studied another kind of medicinal herb to complete the pill formula recently. He seemed to be very confident. Maybe he really successfully refined it?"

Another elder could not help laughing as he said, "Haha, Old Sun, you really don’t care what’s going on outside your window! I’ve also heard about the matter you said. But there has already been several cauldron explosions from Grand Elder’s place already. Do you think he can refine it?"

Finishing, Elder Sun also looked stunned before immediately smiling bitterly and shaking his head.

In truth, these elders were also displeased towards Skymaple for being obsessed with the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill. It was just that Skymaple’s status in the sect was too high. Plus, the Sect Master supported him fully. Hence, nobody dared to say anything.

One had to know that what Skymaple expended to refine the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill were all Tier 4 materials!

Tier 4 materials were extremely valuable to the Tranquil Cloud Sect too. These few years, Skymaple exhausted countless manpower and material resources in order to refine this medicinal pill, but he never succeeded.

To say that these elders did not have any complaints at all, that was unrealistic.

And it was precisely so that Skymaple wavered previously and did not dare to start the refinement.

Just as everyone was confused, Skymaple and Luo Qingfeng walked into the hall while chatting happily. There were even two young men following behind them.

One was Wang Jie, and the other was Ye Yuan.

When the group of elders saw Ye Yuan, they were stunned.

How did Ye Yuan get together with Grand Elder after just a few days of not seeing him?

Especially Yao Qian. He was originally planning on finding trouble with Ye Yuan but did not imagine that Ye Yuan actually walked close with Grand Elder.

If it was an ordinary relationship, then that was still fine. But if Grand Elder took a fancy to him and took him in as a disciple, then it would be even harder for him to take action in the future!

Thinking up to here, Yao Qian could not help feeling frustrated in his heart.

His incident had already become a joke among the elders, but he could not even vent his anger. Truly aggrieving!

He could only pray now that Ye Yuan and Grand Elder did not have too close a relation.

The four people came to the center of the hall. Skymaple sat in the main seat, Luo Qingfeng sat beside him, while Ye Yuan and Wang Jie stood behind.

"Today, I called everyone here because I have two important matters to announce! The first matter is that from tomorrow onwards, I’ll be entering terminal seclusion!"

When Skymaple’s voice fell, whispered started again.

However, Ouyang Yu react extremely quickly. He bowed and said, "Martial Uncle, can it be . . ."

"Hahaha . . . Oh Ouyang you little monkey, your reaction is fast!"

Skymaple started laughing heartily. Except, his address of Ouyang Yu made the elders simmer with laughter. Ouyang Yu had an embarrassed face.

Ouyang Yu’s position in the sect was extremely high. Only Skymaple dared to call him a little monkey.

"That’s right! I believe everyone knows that this seat has been researching the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill wholeheartedly over these years. Heaven rewards the faithful! This Seat finally got what he wanted today and refined out the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill!" Skymaple was clearly in an excellent mood. When speaking, he was full of energy.

Once these words came out, there was congratulations and delighted surprise below.

Skymaple beamed happily and accepted everyone’s felicitations.

After everyone calmed down, he then said, "The second matter this seat is announcing is to appoint Ye Yuan as the Pill Hall’s Vice Hall Head!"

Chapter 246: Unexpected!

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

The entire hall was silent . . .

This appointment from Skymaple came too suddenly. Nobody was mentally prepared, including the sect master, Luo Qingfeng, who was beside him.

As the sect’s grand elder, Skymaple even had the authority to appoint or dismiss the sect master; let alone a vice hall head.

Ye Yuan did not have any mental preparation either and was stunned by this nomination for a long while.

The silence lasted for roughly 10 breaths of time when finally, somebody voiced out to object.

The first person to oppose it was Ling Potian. "Martial Uncle, Ye Yuan is just a newcomer disciple. Although he has some talent in the path of alchemy, isn’t it rather rash to make him the vice hall head?"

"En? Your meaning is that I’m old and worthless and can’t discern people clearly?" Skymaple said with a frown.

These words were rather serious. He was trying to suppress these opposing voices directly.

Although Ling Potian had a deadpan face, his expression right now was still rather ugly.

"Potian dare not! Potian was just dealing with the matter as it stands!" Ling Potian clearly had a stubborn temper.

At this time, Ouyang Yu also came forward. "Martial Uncle, Ye Yuan is only at the Second Level Spirit Condensation Realm and low-rank Alchemy Master. What capability does he have to be the vice hall head?"

Now that two hall heads stood up to refute this, everyone’s guts also swelled. One by one, they all stood up to object.

Especially Ouyang Ming and Yao Qian, the two of them were yelling the happiest.

Among these elders, there were actually quite a few who were displeased with Ye Yuan’s prior attitude.

In their opinion, although Ye Yuan this young man was talented, he was too oblivious to the immensity of heaven and earth and extremely arrogant! What qualifications did he have to be the vice hall head?

Of course, the most important thing was that Ye Yuan was still too young! His credentials were too shallow. He was simply unworthy of being the vice hall head!

What should they do in the future if a teenage youth rode above these elders’ heads?

Did these old fellows who were hundreds of years old have to respectfully call out ’Vice Hall Head’ when they saw Ye Yuan?

How was this possible?

Skymaple’s good mood was completely ruined by this.

He obviously knew that nominating Ye Yuan to be the vice hall head was somewhat abrupt, but he knew that Ye Yuan’s level was sufficient to take on this position!

These few days, he had a lot of exchanges with Ye Yuan. Although Ye Yuan had always maintained a disciple’s manners and his words were very restrained, he still inadvertently revealed his erudite knowledge about Alchemy Dao!

The things that Ye Yuan talked about far surpassed the boundary of Alchemy Master. It even surpassed the boundary of Quasi-Alchemy King!

He absolutely had the ability to be this vice hall head!

Skymaple even had a feeling that Ye Yuan was only unable to refine Tier 3 and Quasi-Tier 4 medicinal pills because his cultivation realm was not there yet! If Ye Yuan’s realm were sufficient, refining Tier 3 and Quasi-Tier 4 medicinal pills would be as easy as flipping his hands!

Moreover, Skymaple had another consideration. Placing a heavy emphasis on Ye Yuan also showed the sect’s emphasis on him. This definitely had enormous advantages in building a good relationship with that enigmatic master behind Ye Yuan!

Ye Yuan’s master was bound to be an Alchemy Sovereign existence. He might even be a high-rank Alchemy Sovereign like Ouyang Tuotian!

Such an existence, even if he just took care of the Tranquil Cloud Sect slightly, it could let the sect enjoy tremendous benefits!

These fools did not understand anything, all objecting fervently. Skymaple was furious.

Bang!

Skymaple slammed a palm on the tea table beside the old-fashioned wooden armchair. The abnormally tenacious and tough Profound Dipper Wood tea table instantly turned into dust.

Seeing this scene, everyone was secretly alarmed. Grand Elder apparently really became angry!

Skymaple’s eyes swept across each person’s face. These elders all did not dare to meet his gaze.

"Good! Very good! All these years, I’ve been in a half-seclusion state. Looks like after not coming out for too long, nobody is taking this old man seriously anymore! Today, I’m going to make Ye Yuan the Pill Hall Vice Hall Head! Anyone else who dares to object will be expelled from the sect!" Skymaple directly used his trump card.

Once Skymaple’s words came out, everybody was immediately as quiet as cicadas in winter.

As a matter of fact, it was really as Skymaple said. He had not appeared for too long already. Hence, everyone more or less took him lightly in their minds!

The blood surged to all of their heads just now. They instinctively felt that letting a Spirit Condensation Realm brat be the Pill Hall’s Vice Hall Head was truly a mockery.

Except, they did not imagine that Grand Elder was actually going to kick them elders outside the walls because of Ye Yuan!

At this time, Luo Qingfeng who remained quiet the whole time finally stood up.

Skymaple already said his words to such an extent. He could not remain silent any longer.

"I wonder why Martial Uncle wants to appoint Ye Yuan?" Luo Qingfeng asked respectfully.

Seeing that it was Luo Qingfeng enquiring, Skymaple’s expression eased up slightly as he said solemnly, "All of you are aware of the level nine mission that this seat hung in the Support Star Pavilion, right?"

"Of course, we know. The mission Martial Uncle issued was to complete the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill," Luo Qingfeng said.

Skymaple nodded and said, "In truth, it was all thanks to Ye Yuan completing the pill formula that this seat could refine out the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill this time! Furthermore, during the refinement process, Ye Yuan even provided huge assistance! Of course, this is not the main point! The most important thing was that I acquired the Quasi-Tier 4 medicinal pill, the Soul Driving Pill’s formula from Ye Yuan on behalf of the sect. That’s to say, you people are all the future beneficiaries of this pill formula! So, you people tell me, does Ye Yuan deserve to be the vice hall head?"

Luo Qingfenge’s face changed when he heard this. "There’s actually such a thing?!"

"Ye Yuan completed the pill formula? How is this possible? He’s only a low-rank Alchemy Master!"

"Yeah! The thing he took out before was only the True Rising Spirit Pill formula, just a Tier 1 medicinal pills, that’s all. The Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill is a Tier 4 medicinal pill!"

"Could it be that Ye Yuan really has a formidable master? Also . . . a Quasi-Tier 4 Soul Driving Pill. This name sounds a lot like the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill. Can it be . . ."

"Can it be that we all have a chance to break through?"

All the elders were incredibly shocked. A low-rank Alchemy Master completed a Tier 4 medicinal pill! This was simply inconceivable!

At this point, there was no longer anybody who doubted that there really was a powerful master behind Ye Yuan.

However, what they minded was not this. What they took notice of was the Soul Driving Pill!

There was nobody who could resist the temptation of breakthrough!

"This . . . Since this is the case, I have no objections!" Luo Qingfeng pondered for a long time before saying.

"I agree as well!" Xiao Jian was the first to show his stand.

. . . . . .

The objections became waves of approval.

Yao Qian’s face was as ugly as it could get. With a sway of his body, Ye Yuan actually rode above his head!

Thinking of how Ye Yuan would boss him around to make him do things in the future, Yao Qian felt just as disgusted as he had just eaten a fly!

Yao Qian really wished to yell out ’I disagree,’ but the weight of his words in this situation was too feeble. Furthermore, Skymaple said that if anyone dared to object again, they would be directly expelled!

Yao Qian could only swallow these two words back into his stomach and let it fester.

The game was set. Skymaple’s expression looked much better.

"Since that’s the case, then from today onwards, Ye Yuan will be . . ."

"Hang on!" Skymaple was talking when Ye Yuan interrupted halfway.

"En? What do you want to say, Ye Yuan?" Skymaple asked in puzzlement.

Ye Yuan stood up and gave a bow to Skymaple and Luo Qingfeng. He slowly said, "Grand Elder, Sect Master, I can’t take this vice hall head position!"

Chapter 247: Exchange

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

This matter underwent another unexpected change!

As the party involved, Ye Yuan actually rejected Grand Elder’s appointment!

This matter hit one snag after another, leaving the elders at somewhat of a loss on what to do.

"Ye Yuan, are you worried that you can’t control these punks? Don’t worry, with me around, none of them will dare to disobey your orders!"

Skymaple did not imagine that Ye Yuan could actually voice out his rejection either. But he soon realized what it was that Ye Yuan was worried about.

Ye Yuan said, "Not this reason. This disciple thank Grand Elder very much for your great kindness. It’s just that this vice hall head position, disciple really cannot accept it!"

Skymaple asked in surprise, "Why is that?"

"This disciple entered the sect to hone the Martial Path. That’s why I entered the Martial Hall. This disciple’s strength is paltry. I originally wanted to compete with the seniors in the Martial Hall. Once I take on this vice hall head position, it wouldn’t be appropriate to spar with other seniors about the Martial Path," Ye Yuan stated a reason that surprised everyone.

"This . . . Your alchemic talent is so peerless. Walking the Martial Path is truly a waste!" Skymaple sighed emotionally.

Alchemists just needed to bother with cultivating essence energy and simply did not need to worry about combat power. But to martial artists, essence energy was only the foundation to unleash combat power. What they had to do was to maximize combat power to the greatest!

Skymaple himself was an alchemist. Seeing that Ye Yuan was so amazing in the Alchemy Path, he naturally hoped for him to walk the Alchemy Path.

Little did he realize that Ye Yuan’s Alchemy Dao had already reached the acme of perfection!

"Thank you, Grand Elder, for your adulation. But at present, to me, the Dartial Path is still more important! I hope that Grand Elder can permit it!" Ye Yuan said earnestly.

Seeing that Ye Yuan’s was bent on this, a trace of helplessness flashed across Skymaple’s face. He could only say, "Since that’s the case, then this matter is over. However, I still want to give you the position of nominal elder. In the Pill Hall, your status is not beneath theirs."

Hearing these words, Yao Qian’s mood which just had a turn for the better returned to its original state.

The so-called nominal elder was that they could ignore Pill Hall work, but enjoy the treatment of an elder. Kind of like only drawing a salary but not doing work.

That was also to say that as long as Ye Yuan took on this appointment, he would be on an equal footing with him, Yao Qian.

Recalling half a month ago where he was still an envoy planning on fetching Ye Yuan into the sect. At that time, he even said that Ye Yuan might not even be able to maintain the position of core disciple.

But after half a month, with a shake of his body, Ye Yuan actually became equal footing as him. There really was the feeling like he was being slapped in the face in public.

Quickly reject! Quickly reject! Yao Qian kept on praying in his heart that Ye Yuan would also reject this elder position.

"Since Grand Elder insists, then alright. I’ll accept this nominal elder. However, I hope that the sect will not publicize my status and not give me any special treatment. Let me cultivate with an ordinary disciple identity."

The reality was very cruel. Ye Yuan accepted this appointment in the end.

Ye Yuan knew that there were many benefits to being an elder. It was only a nominal status anyway, why would he say no?

Within the Tranquil Cloud Sect, the elders had many responsibilities and also had many privileges.

Ye Yuan, as a nominal elder, did not need to carry out responsibilities. He, a Spirit Condensation Realm, could not carry them out even if he wanted to. However, he could enjoy the privileges.

Only a fool would not do it!

Ye Yuan also guessed some parts of Skymaple’s thoughts. That was why he was insistent on not accepting the vice hall head position. Ye Yuan’s time was very valuable. He did not wish to waste it on sect affairs.

But as for this nominal elder, he had no emotional burdens.

"Haha, it’s good that you agreed. Otherwise, I really would not know how I should thank you. Qingfeng, later, you help Ye Yuan make an elder token. As to the disciples, don’t publicize it." Skymaple also let out a sigh in relief seeing that Ye Yuan accepted.

Luo Qingfeng replied with a yes; his eyes seemed complicated as he shot Ye Yuan a glance.

To promote to become a sect elder at the Spirit Condensation Realm, Ye Yuan was the first person to do so since the establishment of the Tranquil Cloud Sect!

Luo Qingfeng was also a smart man. He also guessed some parts of Skymaple’s intentions, so he did not have any complaints towards this.

To a declined sect, they madly yearned to be strong.

Skymaple swept a glance over everyone. Seeing that many people’s face had unconvinced looks, he sneered coldly in his heart.

"After this seat enters closed-seclusion, Qingfeng will take the stage. You all do well to assist him! If there are any problems related to alchemy, you can communicate and exchange with Elder Ye Yuan. I believe that he won’t let you down!" Skymaple said calmly.

Ye Yuan sweated heavily when he heard that. But he could not explain things at such a time.

This old fellow isn’t drawing aggro to me, right?

It was still fine for the Martial Hall elders, but the thick hostility from those Pill Hall elders was too distinct!

Indeed, once Skymaple’s words fell, Ye Yuan immediately felt a deep fighting intent.

Every one of the elders was filled with righteous indignation. They dared to be angry but dared not voice out. If looks could kill, Ye Yuan would have been killed multiple times over by now.

Just a low-rank Alchemy Master, and the Grand Elder actually used him to compare to the elders. This was such a joke!

Furthermore, although Grand Elder said ’exchange,’ in truth, everybody heard that it was ’seek advice’!

Even if Ye Yuan really completed the Seven Profound Soul Driving Pill formula, it was definitely a blind cat catching a dead rat, he just coincidentally knew this pill formula; that was all.

If one were to say that Ye Yuan’s level was high, they would not believe it even if they were beaten to death!

Ye Yuan had an incredible master behind him, so it was also normal to know how to recite several higher level pill formulas. But he was only a teenager. How deep could his understanding towards alchemy be?

. . . . . .

In the Pill Hall’s assembly hall, a bunch of elders surrounded Ouyang Yu. Some of their throats were already red from arguing.

"Hall Head, I really can’t take this lying down! Old me has immersed myself in the Alchemy Path for about 150 years. I dare not say that I’m well-versed in alchemy, but I can’t be beaten by a teenage child, right?"

"Exactly! I have no objections about Grand Elder insisting on letting Ye Yuan be a nominal elder. But to let us go and seek advice from him, isn’t it too overboard?"

"Grand Elder is clearly looking down on our Pill Hall! How can he do this?! He himself also walked out from the Pill Hall. How can he belittle our Pill Hall like this? Can it be that so many of us Quasi-Alchemy Kings here can’t even fight him, a low-rank Alchemy Master?"

"I want to challenge him!"

"Right, I also want to challenge him! I want to see just whether or not Ye Yuan really has three heads and six arms!"

"I’ll go too!"

. . . . . .

Everyone was clamoring, giving Ouyang Yu a headache.

However, these elders’ words really hit the spot for him.

Although Skymaple did not name him, he clearly included him inside too.

Ouyang Yu was the Pill Hall’s Hall Head and also the strongest alchemist in the Pill Hall; an existence that was only a step away from advancing into Alchemy King Realm.

Of course, this step was a heavenly chasm to him.

Such an existence still needed to accept guidance from Ye Yuan, a low-rank Alchemy Master?

What a joke!

Ouyang Yu swept a glance over these elders and said with a slight smile, "I didn’t hear anything."

Finishing, he turned around and left.

The group of elders was stunned. Immediately after, they revealed an understanding smile.

Chapter 248: Denied Entry

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

Shao Yun was the fifth seat among the Pill Hall elders. The previous year, he had just broken through to high-rank Quasi-Alchemy King Realm.

As the Pill Hall’s up and rising force in the prime of his life, his position in the Pill Hall was very high, and he was deemed to be one of the contenders to become the next Pill Hall’s hall head.

In comparison, although Yao Qian and his like were Pill Hall elders, they were the least important group of people, barely enough to do the role of running errands.

Otherwise, he would not have been sent to the State of Qin to be an envoy.

His age was old, his cultivation realm was low, and he already exhausted all of his potential and hard to have any breakthrough in this life.

As the representative of the newly emerging force, Shao Yun was one of the most reluctant to accept Ye Yuan taking on the position of nominal elder.

In front of Ouyang Yu, Shao Yun was one of those who argued the fiercest.

Ouyang Yu left without saying anything. It was clear that he tacitly approved of them finding Ye Yuan to ’communicate and exchange.’

The few elders who made the most noise put their heads together. Finally, Shao Yun offered to come forward and ’challenge’ Ye Yuan!

Shao Yun was one of the celebrity figures among the various Pill Hall elders. Once his profile appeared in the Earth Barracks, immediately there were disciples who recognized him.

"Disciple Li Ming has seen Elder Shao Yun," an Eighth Level Spirit Condensation Realm disciples said respectfully.

Shao Yun felt a little pleased with himself secretly, but he said authoritatively, "En, you came just in time. Ye Yuan is staying here, right?"

Li Ming was confused. "Ye Yuan? This name is really unfamiliar. Is he a newcomer? En . . . There seemed to be a novice disciple a few days ago. He beat up Senior Apprentice Brother Ceng’s younger brother right after coming."

This time, it was Shao Yun’s turn to be stupefied. "Fighting with others the moment he came? Indeed a troublemaker."

Li Ming saw Shao Yun frown and instinctively thought that he came to find trouble with Ye Yuan. He hurriedly said, "Ye Yuan is staying at the No. 72 courtyard over there. I’ll go call him over to pay respects to Elder Shao right away."

The elder already came to find Ye Yuan personally. As a disciple, he naturally had to come out to receive him. Finishing, without even waiting for Shao Yun’s approval, he jogged over to the No. 72 courtyard.

Shao Yun originally wanted to stop Li Ming, but after thinking about it, he decided against it.

Although Ye Yuan’s nominal elder status was already established, it was still tough for the elders’ viewpoint to switch over in a short period.

In Shao Yun’s subconscious, he still felt that Ye Yuan should come out to meet him.

. . . . . .

Shao Yun called for Ye Yuan’s courtyard gate to be opened. The one who opened it was Lu-er.

"Miss, I’m finding Ye Yuan." Seeing that it was a beauty who opened the door, Li Ming was very courteous.

Lu-er saw that this person was unfamiliar and instinctively wanted to turn him away. "Young Master is currently resting. I wonder what matter this senior apprentice brother have?"

Li Ming obviously could tell that she was evading and could not help furrowing his brows as he said, "Resting huh? Then quickly go and wake Ye Yuan up. Just say that the Pill Hall’s Fifth Seat Elder, Shao Yun, has arrived. Ask him to hurry and welcome him!"

Li Ming feared that Lu-er did not know Shao Yun’s weight and added a sentence. "Elder Shao Yun is a candidate for the next Pill Hall’s Hall Head. His status is extraordinary. You can’t slight him!"

Indeed, Lu-er’s expression changed when she heard that.

It had also been some time since she came to the Tranquil Cloud Sect. She had a rough understanding of the Tranquil Cloud Sect’s situation. This title of Pill Hall’s Hall Head was absolutely a big shot in the Tranquil Cloud Sect, even if he was the future Pill Hall’s Hall Head.

Lu-er did not dare to delay. She immediately went in to report.

When Ye Yuan heard that it was some future Pill Hall’s Hall Head, his brows could not help knitting together. Did trouble come to find him so soon?

However, wasn’t this scale a little large?

Everyone was at the elder level. Want him to go to the gate to receive him?

This name of future Hall Head might be useful to others, but it was useless to Ye Yuan. In Ye Yuan’s eyes, those Pill Hall elders were all trash; let alone the fact that his identity was already not beneath his.

One had to know that Skymaple asked him to be the vice hall head at the start. The other party actually had no concept of importance.

"Lu-er, go tell him that this Young Master is currently busy cultivating. Time doesn’t wait for me. I don’t have time to go out and receive him," Ye Yuan said calmly after hearing that.

Lu-er was shocked as she said, "But, that Senior Apprentice Brother said that this elder’s position is very high. Wouldn’t this offend people?"

Ye Yuan rolled his eyes and said, "He originally came to find trouble. Even if I go out and welcome him, he will still find trouble. So what’s the difference between whether I offend him or not?"

Lu-er asked curiously, "How does young master know that he came to find trouble?"

Ye Yuan chuckled and said, "Your young master knows everything. Hur hur, go on, just repeat it word for word."

Ye Yuan did not tell Lu-er about the matter of him becoming a nominal elder. To Ye Yuan, it was simply not noteworthy.

Lu-er would never defy Ye Yuan’s words. Since Ye Yuan said so, he definitely had his reasons. Hence, she returned to the entrance and reported Ye Yuan’s words to Li Ming.

When Li Ming heard the words, he nearly cried out. Even if he was giving excuses, there was no need to be so obvious, right?

Li Ming’s eyes went wide as he stared at Lu-er and confirmed, "You really told your young master that it’s Elder Shao Yun who came to find him?"

Lu-er felt a little guilty, but she still nodded and said, "Yes. I already told him. But my young master is really busy with cultivation."

Finishing, Lu-er slammed the door shut with a bang.

Li Ming stood there in a daze and did not recover for a long time. Isn’t this Ye Yuan too conceited? To actually not even give face to a Pill Hall elder?

"Elder Shao Yun looked like he was finding trouble to begin with, but Ye Yuan is still showing this attitude. He’s dead now. No one who opposed the Pill Hall elders had a good ending!" Li Ming thought to himself.

Carrying some discontentment, Li Ming returned back to Shao Yun and reported the encounter earlier. Of course, he even mixed some personal stuff inside.

Indeed, Shao Yun flew into a great rage when he heard that. He rushed over to the No. 72 courtyard furiously.

Bang, bang, bang!

"Ye Yuan! Come out for this Elder! I know that you are not cultivating!" Shao Yun shouted.

Nobody answered . . .

Shao Yun was so enraged that he was about to explode. His position in the sect was extremely high. Yet, he was actually declined entry when coming to find a Martial Hall core disciple!

Due to him shouting extremely loudly just now, it already attracted quite a number of disciples to crowd around.

If he could not even get the other party’s door to open today, then it would be a tremendous disgrace!

Shao Yun’s face was already as black as the bottom of a wok. He said solemnly, "I’ll count to three. If you don’t open the door, this elder will tear down your courtyard!"

"One . . ."

Shao Yun waited for several breaths of time. No response.

"Two . . ."

Still no response.

"This Ye Yuan is too ballsy! That’s Elder Shao Yun! Others can’t even wait to suck up to him, yet Ye Yuan actually dared to refuse him entry!"

"Heh heh, this is the prelude of being chased out! Elder Shao Yun is a powerful candidate for the next generation Pill Hall’s Hall Head! Is there anyone who can stay in the sect after offending him?"

"Last time, I still thought that this boy was a genius when I saw Ye Yuan beat Ceng Yu. But looking at it now, this fellow is a hothead! He could have offended anyone, but why did he have to offend Elder Shao Yun?"

"About to reach the count of three. Do you guys think that Elder Shao Yun will drag Ye Yuan out and give him a beating?"

The surrounding disciples were discussing fervently. Such a rare show truly should not be missed!

Shao Yun had a dark face as he gnashed his teeth and yelled, "Three . . ."

Still no reaction!Chapter 249: A Jade Slip!

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

"Good! Very good! Really treating this elder as air? I want to see just how you be a turtle after I tear down your house!" Shao Yun gnashed his teeth in hatred and said.

Finishing, Shao Yun gathered up a colossal amount of essence energy, forcing the surrounding disciples back as if he was really going to wreck Ye Yuan’s house.

Watching Shao Yun gather up such immense essence energy, the crowd could not help being dumbstruck. If this really smashed down, forget about the house, even Ye Yuan would become residue, right?

But right then, the door squeaked open.

The sound of the door opening was ear-piercing. Everyone could not help looking over in that direction.

They initially thought that they could see Ye Yuan’s form scrambling over here, but they saw a little green pixie. It was precisely Lu-er.

Shao Yun only put away his skill after he saw the gate finally open. He sneered coldly in his heart.

"Humph! As expected, he belongs to the family of donkeys! He won’t move unless he’s hit!" Shao Yun snorted frostily.

Lu-er did not say anything. She just beckoned towards Shao Yun, signaling him to come over and talk. She looked very mysterious.

Shao Yun thought that Lu-er was asking him into the house to talk. Hence, he went forward a few steps and was about to enter the door.

He came to let Ye Yuan know what was called heaven beyond heaven, and human beyond human, not let a bunch of disciples watch a show.

If he let these disciples know that he came to find Ye Yuan to compete in alchemy, it would only lower his social status. Even if he won, it would not be honorable.

The Pill Hall’s Fifth Seat winning a Martial Hall core disciple. Wasn’t this him hitting his own face?

Grand Elder had already instructed not to reveal Ye Yuan’s Pill Hall elder identity. Shao Yun naturally did not dare to poke the bull.

Except, when he entered the gate and was just about to walk inside, Lu-er extended her hand to stop him.

Shao Yun’s face fell as he asked, "What’s the meaning of this?"

Lu-er said in a soft voice, "Young Master says that he’s busy with cultivation currently and doesn’t have the time to spar in alchemy skills with others. Elder, please go back."

"I already came in. Making me go back? Ye Yuan, he . . ."

Lu-er interrupted his words and passed him a jade slip, saying, "Young Master said to pass this to you, and you’ll leave on your own."

Shao Yun reached over to take the jade slip and snickered icily as he said, "Trying to dismiss me with one jade slip? Who does Ye Yuan think he is? A puny little Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm actually dare to be so arrogant and look down on others to such an extent!"

Lu-er said, "Why don’t elder take a look at the jade slip first? Since Young Master said so, he naturally has some confidence."

"Haha, what a joke! Fine, I want to see just how Ye Yuan will use a jade slip to send me away!"

Shao Yun was a competitive soul. Lu-er slyly slipped in some goading, and this fellow fell for it. In reality, Lu-er did not know what was inside the jade slip either. It was just that Young Master said so. He obviously would not fight a battle he had no confidence in.

Of course, the more important thing was that Shao Yun simply did not believe that Ye Yuan could send him along his way using a jade slip.

Shao Yun guessed that there should be a pill formula inside the jade slip. Ye Yuan should be thinking of using a pill formula to bribe him.

He took this too lightly!

Think it’s impressive that you can memorize a few pill formulas? Knowing how to recite pill formulas doesn’t equate knowing alchemy skills!

Even if Ye Yuan had an incredible master who taught him countless types of pill formulas, he was only a low-rank Alchemy Master!

Today, Shao Yun came to let Ye Yuan know that he was merely an Alchemy Master!

Shao Yun sunk his divine sense into the jade slip. The expression on his face involuntarily froze. He immediately frowned, then became dazed. Following that, his eyes lit up, and finally, it was a mesmerized face.

Lu-er kept staring at Shao Yun. Observing how the look on his face changed so richly, on top of curiosity, she felt that Young Master was really too amazing!

At first, when she heard Young Master say that this elder wanted to find him to spar in alchemy skills, Lu-er was shocked for a long time.

In Lu-er’s understanding, a Quasi-Alchemy King was an extremely powerful existence, even more amazing than Old Master! Such a figure actually came to compete with Young Master in alchemy skills!

However, shock was shock. She still chose to believe in Young Master.

This sort of baseless trust, even she herself did not know why. Anyway, she just believed that Young Master was the strongest. Even a Quasi-Alchemy King could not beat him.

Of course, her understanding was one thing. Whether or not this jade slip could let a Quasi-Alchemy King scram was another matter.

When she passed the jade slip to Shao Yun, Lu-er was still having doubts in her heart. But looking at that expression changing like a conjuring show on Shao Yun’s face, Lu-er knew that this elder would not want to enter.

Indeed, Young Master was the strongest!

. . . . . .

Under everyone’s astonished eyes, Shao Yun left.

When he arrived, his aura was tumultuous, and he nearly tore the house down.

But not five minutes passed after he entered the house when Elder Shao Yun walked out of the courtyard with a besotted look like he had acquired some treasure.

"What’s with Elder Shao Yun? His stance earlier, no matter how you looked at it, it looked like he went to find trouble, right? Why is it like this now?"

"Who do I ask if you ask me? It hasn’t been five minutes since he entered the courtyard. Even having a conservation wouldn’t be so quick, right?"

"Eh, do you feel that this newcomer Ye Yuan is full of mystery like he is unfathomable?"

"Speaking of which, it really seems to be a slightly so! Did you notice that Senior Apprentice Brother Ceng Cheng has already returned for a very long time, but still has not come to find trouble with Ye Yuan?"

"Hehe, I heard about that. The two of them really met before. But after Senior Apprentice Brother Ceng Cheng took a look at Ye Yuan’s identity token, he immediately stood there mindlessly and did not even know that Ye Yuan left! Furthermore, did you know that the last time Ye Yuan went to the support star pavilion, he accepted a level nine mission?!"

"No way? So exaggerated? Then did he complete it?"

"Don’t know. Shouldn’t be complete I think? No matter how heaven-defying he, a Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm, is, it’s also impossible to finish a level nine mission, right?"

"Uh, that’s true."

After Ye Yuan entered the sect, he stayed in his dwelling and had little outside contact. He only did a few things. But these few things made him appear mysterious in the disciples’ eyes.

And after Shao Yun got that jade slip, he directly returned to his own refinement room without even informing other people.

The group of elders was still waiting for his news, but it was like he evaporated into thin air.

The elders only sent someone to inquire in the Earth Barracks after not getting Shao Yun’s news for a long time.

They only knew that Shao Yun already went there with this inquiry. But he arrived hastily and left swiftly too.

They only knew that Shao Yun returned to his own residence after they continued investigating.

But the elders only knew that Shao Yun directly entered a retreat and was not meeting anyone after the elders went to his place to ask!

After going one big circle only to get such news, it really angered everyone until they were tender on the inside with a burnt exterior.

This old punk is too irresponsible! Notify us if you’re entering seclusion!

You made everyone wait for your news!

However, while they were dissatisfied, everyone was even more doubtful now. Even if Ye Yuan’s level was really extremely high, he could not have made Shao Yun return in defeat after five minutes, right?

Just what did Shao Yun experience at Ye Yuan’s residence?

Chapter 250: One After Another!

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

At the Pill Hall.

Many elders were gathered together, discussing Shao Yun’s sudden seclusion.

"You guys tell me; what did Shao Yun encounter at Ye Yuan’s place? Why do I feel that this is more and more abnormal?"

"Logically speaking, the greatest possibility for Shao Yun’s closed-seclusion is that he was defeated and felt that he lost face, so he was embarrassed to come and see us. That’s why he chose to enter seclusion. But the problem is Shao Yun did not even spend five minutes at Ye Yuan’s residence. It’s not even enough for them to have a conversation!"

"Yeah. Five minutes isn’t even enough to explain a pill formula clearly. What can they do? This isn’t competing in martial arts either. Can Ye Yuan even one-shot defeat him?"

"Elder Xin, you’re our big brother. You’ve got to step up for this matter! Can it be that we, such a large bunch of elders, really have to be defeated by Ye Yuan?"

Once these words were said, the group of elders looked towards the elderly person sitting at the main seat with his eyes shut to rest his mind. He was the Pill Hall’s Third Seat, the number one person beneath Ouyang Yu and the vice hall head, Xin Yuanshu!

Xin Yuanshu was the elder with the highest seniority and the highest realm. He naturally became everyone’s pillar at this time.

Likewise a high-rank Quasi-Alchemy King, but Xin Yuanshu’s strength was much more powerful than Shao Yun’s. He had already advanced to high-rank Quasi-Alchemy King for decades. Although he was still not quite at Ouyang Yu’s level, he was not far off.

About Ye Yuan, an Alchemy Master becoming a Pill Hall nominal elder, Xin Yuanshu obviously had quite a few veiled criticisms. Or else he would not have appeared here today.

It was just that he had always been respectful towards Grand Elder, so he did not voice out the entire time.

Xin Yuanshu naturally looked forward to Shao Yun challenging Ye Yuan. But did not imagine that he would actually lose.

This way, he was naturally pushed out by everyone.

Looking at the elders crowding over, Xin Yuanshu’s eyes snapped open. Sweeping a glance across everyone, he sighed and said, "Fine then. This old man will take a trip down and have a crack at this Ye Yuan."

Xin Yuanshu was already old. Even if he was displeased in his heart, he was unwilling to do this sort of seeking to prevail over others.

While Shao Yun’s strength was not on par with him, this fifth seat was absolutely not an undeserved reputation. Originally, he thought that he could capture the enemy easily, but did not think that such a thing would happen.

Such a strange situation, it was naturally the safest to invite the hall head to come forward. But this way, there would be no room left to maneuver.

Xin Yuanshu has lived in the Pill Hall all his life and had very deep emotions towards the Pill Hall. Now that this matter involved the Pill Hall’s honor, he had no other option but to throw his old face away.

A 200 plus-year-old man facing a 15-year-old youth. Even if he won, it would be winning unscrupulously.

If he lost, then his reputation would truly be lost.

If this were before, Xin Yuanshu would never really think of the word ’lost.’ But with Shao Yun’s incident as the herald, he did not have too much assurance currently.

Just as everyone said, this Ye Yuan was very peculiar.

The elders were initially worried that Elder Xin would be unwilling to stand up. Now that they saw him agree, they were naturally beside themselves with joy.

. . . . . .

Xin Yuanshu was not as arrogant as Shao Yun. When he arrived at the Earth Barracks, he directly knocked on the No. 72 door.

After Shao Yun’s service, Ye Yuan’s residence was already familiarized by the Pill Hall elders.

Before this, these elders truly would not be able to remember what number residence a core disciple was staying in.

The one who opened the door was still Lu-er. She only peeked her small head out and did not have any intention of letting Xin Yuanshu enter.

Xin Yuanshu was just about to speak when Lu-er took the initiative. "May I ask for this elder’s name?"

Xin Yuanshu was dumbfounded, but he still reported his name. "This old man is Xin Yuanshu, the Pill Hall’s Third Seat. I’m . . ."

Bang!

Lu-er shut the door before Xin Yuanshu even finished talking.

Xin Yuanshu was stunned at first before boundless humiliation and anger from embarrassment followed tightly!

Indeed, like master, like servant!

The master is so insensible, and the maidservant is the same!

Who treats guests this way?

Even if you, Ye Yuan, are really a Pill Hall elder, I, Xin Yuanshu, am also your senior, right?

Xin Yuanshu was just about to blow his top when the door squeaked open again.

This time, Lu-er poked out a small head plus an arm.

"Elder Xin is it? This jade slip is for you. Young Master says that you’ll leave on your own after reading it." Lu-er was afraid that Xin Yuanshu would not read it, so she added on, "Uh . . . that Elder Shao Yun previously also left after reading the jade slip."

Finishing, the door shut with a bang again, and not a sound could be heard after.

Xin Yuanshu held the jade slip in his hand with a stupefied face.

He had already overlooked the way Ye Yuan and Lu-er treated guests and focused his attention on the latter half of Lu-er’s sentence.

Shao Yun actually went into seclusion because of this jade slip?

With Ye Yuan’s realm, what could the jade slip he carved be?

If one were to talk about something Ye Yuan had that Shao Yun would take a fancy upon, that could only be pill formulas!

Ye Yuan knew many pill formulas that the sect did not. This was already common knowledge among the elders. But would Shao Yun give up the challenge because of a pill formula?

Wasn’t this taking things too lightly?

After thinking for a long while, Xin Yuanshu could not figure it out either. He decided to take a look at the jade slip first!

When Xin Yuanshu sunk his divine sense into the jade slip, he immediately understood why Shao Yun entered closed-seclusion!

Following that, his expression became as interesting as Shao Yun’s . . .

. . . . . .

"Elder Xin has already gone for such a long time. Why isn’t he back yet?"

"No idea. Could it be that the two of them are locked in a pitched battle?"

"How is that possible? Elder Xin’s level is practically reaching Hall Head’s. Isn’t trashing Ye Yuan a piece of cake?"

"Then how do you explain why he hasn’t returned yet?"

In the Pill Hall, two elders fell silent at the same time. Suddenly, they exchanged glances. Their eyes were filled with disbelief, but they chorused together, "Can it be a closed-seclusion too?"

Hence, they sent somebody to inquire again. The result they obtained was indeed a closed-seclusion!

The group of elders exchanged glances but did not know what to say.

This sort of situation was seriously too abnormal . . .

The Pill Hall’s Third Seat and Fifth Seat went to find Ye Yuan to challenge him, but the result was that they entered seclusion bafflingly without even notifying them. What kind of situation was this?

"Just what kind of hex did Ye Yuan cast to actually let Elder Xin and Elder Shao enter a retreat with even giving us a heads up? They . . . didn’t fall under some kind of hex, right?"

When encountering an inexplicable situation, people would naturally lean towards black magic.

The group of elders had nothing to say in response.

After a long while, an elder suddenly stood up and said gravely, "I’ll go and meet Ye Yuan too. I don’t believe that he can make me enter closed-seclusion too!"

Finishing, without waiting for the group to stop him, he directly hastened out of the door.

He left threateningly, but the result was that he . . . did not come back either.

That elder also directly entered a closed-seclusion!

The development of this situation was more and more peculiar. The elders felt that this was absolutely preposterous.

If it was only one or two, then fine. But wasn’t three people somewhat unexplainable?

But this matter had yet to be concluded. In the following two days, there were several more elders who viewed themselves highly and were unwilling to submit that went to challenge Ye Yuan.

But . . . their outcomes were all . . . closed-seclusions!

Chapter 251: Sorcerer Ye Yuan

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

The Pill Hall elders all entering closed-seclusions caused an uproar in the sect.

"Did you guys hear? More than eight elders announced closed-seclusions after visiting a Martial Hall core disciple called Ye Yuan’s residence!"

"How can we not hear about it? The news about Pill Hall elders frequently entering and exiting the Earth Barracks has already given rise to much debate in the sect. It will be hard to not hear it. Now, they are all saying that the disciple called Ye Yuan is a sorcerer! It’s rumored that those eight elders all went to find trouble with Ye Yuan. But they failed to daunt Ye Yuan. Instead, they chose closed-seclusion straightaway!"

"What sorcerer?! Those elders have incredible powers. They are all late-stage Sea Transformation Realm powerhouses! How can they be hexed by a puny little Spirit Condensation Realm martial artist?"

"En? Can it be that you know some behind the scenes stuff?" This disciple was clearly also a gossipy person. Hearing the other party, he could not help probing curiously.

The other disciple smiled mysteriously and said, "Hehe, talking about inside stories, I reckon that other than the parties involved, no one else knows. But I, a genius, discovered something fishy when I went through some careful deducing!"

The gossipy disciple’s eyes lit up. This incident had already become the hottest topic in the sect these past few days. But nobody knew what happened in between, including those Pill Hall elders!

Now, someone actually said that he knew the backstory. This was clearly enough to whet people’s appetites.

"Quickly say! What did you find?"

That disciple smirked smugly and said mysteriously, "Ever since the incident occurred, my initial view was the same as yours, which was Ye Yuan cast some spell! But after thinking about it, that’s not right. Those few elders have unparalleled abilities. Even if Ye Yuan’s enchantment was heaven-defying, it’s also impossible to cross two major realms to cast a curse, right?"

That gossipy male thought about it and nodded, saying, "That’s true. This explanation is unreasonable."

"Hence, I started to rack my brains to find what these eight elders have in common! To have made eight elders enter seclusion at the same time, Ye Yuan definitely prescribed the right medicine for the disease. Then what was this disease?" The disciple deliberately beat around the bush as he boasted.

The gossipy man was indeed very cooperative. He asked puzzledly, "Yeah, what is the disease? My God, just tell me. Is it fun to whet people’s appetite?"

"I noticed that . . . these eight elders all issued level eight missions in the Support Star Pavilion before!"

"What? That’s the common area you talked about? Hahaha, are you kidding? You mean that Ye Yuan answered all those level eight missions? That’s how he made all eight elders enter closed-seclusion? Do you feel that it’s possible?" The gossipy man felt like he was tricked and mocked him.

"Humph humph! You can’t choose not to believe it! At first, I was also taken aback by this thought of mine. But this was the only possibility that I could think of. So I went to the Support Star Pavilion to inquire. Heh, then guess what?"

This time, the gossipy man was stupefied. He could not help asking, "What? Could it be . . . Ye Yuan really received all these level eight missions?"

"Nah. But . . . the day before Elder Shao Yun went to find Ye Yuan, Ye Yuan went to the Support Star Pavilion and stayed for an entire afternoon! He did not take on any missions. He just kept looking through missions on the mission jade wall non-stop!"

"Just based on this?"

"Just based on that! You have to know that Ye Yuan even took on Grand Elder’s level nine mission previously! If he really completed the level nine mission, what does a few level eight missions even count as?"

"But . . . is this possible?"

"Uh . . . although I don’t believe it either, I seriously can’t find a more rational explanation."

. . . . . .

"Sect Master, this Ye Yuan is absolutely a sorcerer! You take a look at the Pill Hall now! How many elders are left?"

In front of Luo Qingfeng, Ouyang Yu denounced Ye Yuan as a sorcerer with bitter resentment.

Within two days, all the elders who went to Ye Yuan’s residence all announced closed-seclusion.

Luo Qingfeng actually felt very uncertain in his heart too. But his expression remained unchanged as he said, "Ye Yuan is only a Spirit Condensation Realm martial artist while the elders are all Sea Transformation Realm experts. Furthermore, those few elders are all late-stage Sea Transformation Realm experts. How can Ye Yuan possibly cast any hex on them?"

"Then how does Sect Master explain this incident? If this continues, our Pill Hall is going to collapse soon! Without those few elders refining Quasi-Tier 4 medicinal pills, the Martial Hall elders are unable to cultivate! Sect Master, I suggest restraining Ye Yuan first to make him explain things clearly!" Ouyang Yu said furiously.

While these words had some threatening intent, what Ouyang Yu said was the truth.

These eight elders were all peak existences in the Pill Hall. Without them, they could not refine medicinal pills. If they kept staying in seclusion, problems would surface in the sect sooner or later!

Luo Qingfeng frowned and said, "Better wait another two days. Ye Yuan is a nominal elder that Martial Uncle Skymaple recommended. Before making clear of the situation, we shouldn’t do anything rash."

"Sect Master! Didn’t you notice that Martial Uncle Skymaple is also beguiled by Ye Yuan? He is a puny little Spirit Condensation Realm and low-rank Alchemy Master; what right does he have to be a nominal elder? Moreover, Martial Uncle Skymaple is currently in closed-seclusion too. Don’t Sect Master find it strange?"

"This . . ." Being told of this by Ouyang Yu, Luo Qingfeng’s determination appeared to be somewhat wavering.

"Sect Master! While I don’t know what means Ye Yuan used, but don’t tell me that you can carry on waiting in such a baffling situation right now? What if Ye Yuan really has ulterior motives towards the sect and we don’t do anything? When the time comes, we’ll be the Tranquil Cloud Sect’s sinners!" Ouyang Yu pressed on tightly.

Luo Qingfeng’s eyes glimmered. He nodded and said, "Alright then. This Sect Master will question Ye Yuan personally just what did he do to the elders! Come, men! Call Ye Yuan over for me!"

Luo Qingfeng left a trace of leeway in the end. If Ye Yuan were really innocent, then when Grand Elder exits seclusion, it would really not be easy to account.

. . . . . .

"Haha . . . Indeed, it really was like this! Indeed like this! Truly fantastical! For the Lucidum Bloodgrass to have such miraculous use, it’s truly wondrous! I was saying why I keep being unable to refine the Spirit Wind Pill. Turns out that adding the Lucidum Bloodgrass together with the core ingredients can increase the circulation speed of essence energy!"

Inside Shao Yun’s refinement room, he laughed madly.

He refined the Spirit Wind Pill every time according to the pill formula. But each refinement, the Quasi-Tier 4 medicinal pill, Spirit Wind Pill, would be low-grade or even worse.

Shao Yun kept being unable to figure out where the problem lied the whole time. It turned out that the pill formula itself was incomplete!

He had also tried to improve the pill formula, but it all ended in failure.

Left with no other choice, he hung this as a mission in the Support Star Pavilion in hopes that other elders or genius disciples could help to reform the pill formula.

But it had not been successful.

After Shao Yun took Ye Yuan’s jade slip, it talked about the method to improve the Spirit Wind Pill. He was immediately hooked.

Alchemists were all a bunch of madmen. They could research a type of pill formula tirelessly without rest.

Shao Yun was troubled by this pill formula for many years. How would he be in the leisure mood to go bother about other things?

Hence, he chose to enter closed-seclusion right away to refine the Spirit Wind Pill according to Ye Yuan’s method!

Sure enough, it was a success!Chapter 252: Sharpening One’s Knife

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

Spirit Wind Pill was a type of actual combat medicinal pill. Its applicability was very broad.

After consuming a Spirit Wind Pill, the martial artist could muster essence energy at an increased rate. When unleashing the same move, a martial artist who consumed a Spirit Wind Pill could save half the time!

At a realm like the Sea Transformation Realm, saving half the time to unleash a move meant holding an absolute initiative!

Your move was already released while others were still accumulating power to unleash their move. Which martial artist did not wish to have such an advantage?

If the Tranquil Cloud Sect’s Sea Transformation Realm martial artists carried such a medicinal pill around with them, their combat power would undoubtedly soar!

It was precisely so that Shao Yun expended such a huge amount of energy on this medicinal pill.

But this sort of Tier 4 medicinal pills was really not so easy to refine.

The defective products that he refined not only had extremely severe side effects, but the medicinal effects also were not obvious either. Such a medicinal pill was clearly unable to be used for actual battle.

Now that he had resolved this difficult problem, Shao Yun felt reinvigorated, and his spirit refreshed. He decided to properly thank Ye Yuan!

As for the matter of finding Ye Yuan to compete, it was long tossed beyond the ninth heaven by him.

After exiting seclusion, Shao Yun ran straight to the Earth Barracks No. 72, but he just happened to bump into Ye Yuan leaving with a young man.

"En? Ye Yuan, Guo Bin, where are you guys heading to?" Shao Yun asked with a face full of smiles.

Ye Yuan was at a loss. He did not even recognize this person. He only remembered that Shao Yun seemed to be a Pill Hall elder. As for his name, he could not recall it.

When Guo Bin saw Shao Yun, shock was written all over his face. He hurriedly went up to salute. "Disciple Guo Bin has seen Martial Uncle Shao. Replying martial uncle, Sect Master made me call Ye Yuan over to question him. Did Martial Uncle Shao exit seclusion?"

"En? Question? Did something happen?" Shao Yun’s face fell as he asked.

Guo Bin hesitated for a moment, but still summed up the incident simply. Speaking of which, Shao Yun was the first person sent to seclusion by Ye Yuan.

But when Shao Yun heard him, he immediately flew into a great rage. "Utter nonsense! What sorcerer? Ye Yuan is someone who rendered meritorious service upon the Tranquil Cloud Sect! Aren’t I perfectly fine? When did I get hexed? Which bastard talked behind my back? Is this cursing this Elder? Come, I’ll go along with you to see Sect Master together!"

He turned to Ye Yuan again and said, "Ye Yuan, I’m called Shao Yun, the Pill Hall’s Fifth Seat Elder. Thanks to you, I finally successfully refined the Spirit Wind Pill!"

When Ye Yuan heard that, he immediately knew who the other party was.

Those few level eight missions were naturally incomparably easy to Ye Yuan. Therefore, he prepared over a dozen copies of jade slips.

Whoever came, Lu-er would directly hand the jade slip to him after enquiring that person’s name.

It was also under such a circumstance that after eight elders announced closed-seclusions, nobody came by anymore.

Seeing Shao Yun express thanks, Ye Yuan smiled and said, "Just a simple matter that’s not worth mentioning."

"Ugh, to you, it’s a simple matter. But to me and the sect, it’s a huge matter! Originally, when Grand Elder made you a nominal elder, I, Old Shao, was truthfully speaking unconvinced. But now, I’m sincerely convinced! Come, I’ll help you explain to the sect master!"

Finishing, Shao Yun dragged Ye Yuan and walked off.

Guo Bin by the side was shocked to the absolute limit!

Nominal elder? What kind of situation was this?

A Spirit Condensation Realm core disciple was actually a Pill Hall nominal elder?

When he came to look for Ye Yuan just now, his attitude was quite arrogant and bossy. Fortunately, Ye Yuan was rather cooperative. Otherwise, he would have made a move.

Thinking of how he nearly struck out against a Pill Hall elder, Guo Bin could not help breaking out in cold sweat.

Offending one’s superior, such a crime was not what he could afford to bear!

Guo Bin’s status in the sect was even higher than Mo Yuntian and Xin Lie because he was Sect Master Luo Qingfeng’s personal disciple.

Even with this layer of identity there, if Ye Yuan were bent on pursuing it, he would also land himself in serious trouble!

Moreover, Shao Yun even said just now that Ye Yuan’s nominal elder was personally conferred by Grand Elder. Grand Elder was Luo Qingfeng’s martial uncle!

After just two steps, Shao Yun suddenly thought of something and turned around to say to Guo Bin, "If you heard that just now, then fine. But you’re not allowed to spread it around, got it?"

Guo Bin nodded mechanically, somewhat spaced out. Not sure if he really heard it or pretended to.

. . . . . .

When Luo Qingfeng and Ouyang Yu saw Shao Yun arrived together with Ye Yuan, they were at a loss.

"Why did you come, Shao Yun?" Ouyang Yu asked in puzzlement.

Shao Yun gave the two a bow and directly said, "Sect Master, Hall Head, you two are mistaken! Ye Yuan did not cast any spells on us but performed deeds of valor for the sect! If you punish Ye Yuan, wouldn’t this disappoint the hearts of all the disciples and elders bitterly?"

"Deeds of valor? What does that mean?" Luo Qingfeng asked uncertainly.

Shao Yun recounted the process of the incident, leaving the pair staring with their mouth agape.

No matter how they racked their brains, they could not figure out just how Ye Yuan’s Alchemy Dao level would be so high at such a young age? Could it be that he started learning alchemy skills in his mother’s womb?

"If my conjectures are correct, the other elders should be the same as me. Ye Yuan helped them resolve a problem that had troubled them for many years. That’s also to say that our Tranquil Cloud Sect’s Alchemy Path strength will take a huge stride forward! You guys tell me, did Ye Yuan perform valorous deeds?" Shao Yun was all worked up.

Luo Qingfeng and Ouyang Yu exchanged glances and saw the astonishment in the other party’s eyes.

"Ye Yuan, why didn’t you say earlier that you did something so big? We nearly wronged you!" Luo Qingfeng looked at Ye Yuan as he sighed emotionally.

Ye Yuan chuckled and said, "Actually, Grand Elder purposely goaded everyone to find trouble with me on that day. I guessed Grand Elder’s intentions, so I also made preparations in advance. These few days, I avoided meeting people not because I want to put on airs in front of the elders, but because I was really training in closed-seclusion. The sect’s grand competition is about to begin. I had just broken through realms recently and needed to consolidate my cultivation realm."

The sect grand competition was about to begin in another two or three days. Ye Yuan was also itching to give this competition a go.

The reason why he entered the sect was in order to have exchanges in martial arts with all kinds of geniuses. This way, he could rise even quicker!

Even though Ye Yuan was formerly a Divine King Realm powerhouse, his foundation on the martial path was too weak. He basically had no real combat experiences.

While the horizons of these sect geniuses were not as high as Ye Yuan’s, they naturally had their forte to be called geniuses in the sect.

Such a competition was also an extremely good opportunity for Ye Yuan to temper himself. Why would he miss it?

In order to deal with Ji Canglan, Ye Yuan must experience countless bitter fights. How could he be able to temper himself for future battles without going through all these?

Through some medicinal pills and cultivation these few days, Ye Yuan already thoroughly consolidated his realm.

He was sharpening his knife just to deal with this upcoming grand competition.

Luo Qingfeng had a look of realization when he heard that and said, "So that’s the case! It was us who wronged you! Just as Elder Shao said, you’ve performed meritorious deeds for the sect. The sect naturally would not be stingy either. With your abilities, I reckon that you’ll turn your nose up at Tier 2 medicinal pills. How about this, the sect will reward you a spirit artifact, a martial technique, and two types of medicinal herbs. You go and pick yourself. The points from these level eight missions will also be awarded to you accordingly. How’s that?"

Towards something good like this, Ye Yuan obviously would not reject it. Hence, he nodded and accepted it.

The following two days, Ye Yuan continued to make preparations for the sect grand competition while the elders in closed-seclusion all exited seclusion one after another!

After they exited seclusion, they obviously heard all kinds of rumors and gossips. They all went to find Luo Qingfeng to explain for Ye Yuan. Luo Qingfeng had to expend a great deal of effort before he could explain it clearly.

After two days, the sect grand competition was about to begin. But Ye Yuan welcomed a guest . . .

Chapter 253: Analysis

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

A few days ago, he received Ye Yuan’s message asking him to make a trip back to the sect saying that he already collected enough points and could exchange for the lower half of the Purple Center Soul Incantation.

Receiving this news, the shock in Jiang Yunhe’s heart could not be any greater.

It was not even a month since Ye Yuan left the State of Qin. He already earned enough points?

One had to know that he had already been the dean in the State of Qin for over ten years before barely scrimping 1 million points. He still lacked 400 thousand points.

Ye Yuan actually earned 400 thousand points using less than a month!

He told Ye Yuan that he had 1 million points, so he thought that Ye Yuan only had 400 thousand.

But when Jiang Yunhe met Ye Yuan, and he directly transferred 1.4 million points into his identity token, he stared at Ye Yuan blankly for a long time unable to say anything.

"This . . . This. . . It hasn’t even been a month since you entered the sect. Where did so many points come from?" Jiang Yunhe asked in astonishment.

"Hur hur, extorted a small sum and also did some missions," Ye Yuan explained with a chuckle.

Seeing Ye Yuan dismiss it lightly, Jiang Yunhe’s heart crumbled. Who did he extort to get so many points? Even elite disciples and them, these external staff members, could not possibly have so many points on them, right?"

Jiang Yunhe’s brain could not quite wrap itself around this. After a long while, he shook his head and said, "No can do. I’ve already amassed roughly 1 million points these few years. I don’t need so much. Just 400 thousand will do. I’ll transfer the rest back to you. You’ve just entered the sect and don’t know the preciousness of points. Save these points to use for yourself."

"After Dean Jiang exchanged for the Purple Center Soul Incantation, you still have to think of ways to raise your realm. There are still many areas you need to use points for. Keep your points for yourself. Don’t worry, Dean Jiang, I have plenty of points. Even cultivating to the Sea Transformation Realm inside the sect is enough," Ye Yuan said.

Jiang Yunhe sucked in a cold breath instead. Enough even to cultivate to the Sea Transformation Realm? How many points was that?!

Those dozen over jade slips that Ye Yuan prepared were all put to use in the end. The worst among these jade slips were level seven missions.

The points from over a dozen missions added up virtually caught to up Skymaple’s level nine mission. It was close to 300 thousand points.

In addition to the one million points from selling the pill formula and Skymaple’s 500 thousand points, Ye Yuan roughly had around three million points on hand!

Even if he transferred 1.4 million to Jiang Yunhe, he still had 1.6 million points left. Even if he spent every day in an A-grade cultivation room, he could stay for 20 years!

If he really did that, would Ye Yuan be limited to the Sea Transformation Realm?

Of course, Ye Yuan naturally would not use such a clumsy training method. Sea Transformation Realm was not as distant as others imagined in Ye Yuan’s viewpoint.

Ye Yuan would not spend these points like that . . . He would spend them even more extravagantly.

The next few days, Ye Yuan already spent several tens of thousands of points. The vast majority of them were used to exchange for some rarer Tier 2 and Tier 3 medicinal herbs.

To Ye Yuan, points were just numbers. The real thing was the most fundamental.

When he was at the State of Qin, Tier 3 medicinal herbs were already extremely precious. Even if Ye Yuan had abilities to mount the heavens, he would also be like a clever wife unable to cook without any rice.

But there were many precious medicinal herbs in the Tranquil Cloud Sect that were simply unseen in the secular world. Ye Yuan could use them to refine many medicinal pills in case of unexpected needs.

Towards Ye Yuan’s words, Jiang Yunhe remained somewhat suspicious. But after he looked at his identity token, Jiang Yunhe finally accepted Ye Yuan’s aid.

"I originally thought that I have to slog for another few more years in the State of Qin, but I didn’t expect happiness to come so quickly. Thank you, Ye Yuan!" Jiang Yunhe said sincerely.

In the Tranquil Cloud Sect, to alchemists, Alchemy Grandmaster to Quasi-Alchemy King was an extremely huge threshold.

Cross it, and one would be a sect elder and belong to the sect upper echelons. Fail to cross it, they could only fade away into the masses and become outer-circle people taking care of the sect.

"Dean Jiang is too courteous. If not for you asking Teacher Huyan to protect me, I’d have already become a dead soul under Su Yubai’s palm. This minor thing is not worth mentioning," Ye Yuan said with a smile.

"Since that’s the case, I won’t give such a cliché reaction. I’ll accept this big gift! Oh right, tomorrow is the sect grand competition. Ye Yuan, I know that you are extremely strong, but your realm is too low in the end. There are still a few people you have to take note of," Jiang Yunhe suddenly said.

Ye Yuan also became interested after hearing that. It had been nearly a month since he came to the Tranquil Cloud Sect, but he only had dealings with those Pill Hall elders. He really did not have the time to understand which formidable characters the Martial Hall had.

"I’m willing to hear the details!" Ye Yuan revealed an eager look.

Jiang Yunhe nodded and said, "In my opinion, although you’re in the Earth Barracks now, your strength is already not beneath the Heaven Barracks’ core disciples! Within the Heaven Barracks, there are several people whose strength is relatively heaven-defying. When you encounter them, you have to be careful. Of course, the reason why they are strong is that their realm is much higher than yours. If you guys were at the same level, I believe that you can instantly defeat them!"

Jiang Yunhe’s judgment of Ye Yuan’s strength was actually roughly the same as Mo Yuntian’s.

The Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm Ye Yuan was most likely not inferior to those elites in the Heaven Barracks anymore. But when comparing to the pinnacle in the Heaven Barracks, Jiang Yunhe did not have much confidence.

Ye Yuan’s current strength was likely no longer inferior to an ordinary Crystal Formation Realm martial artist.

However, even Ceng Cheng could achieve crossing ranks to kill an ordinary Crystal Formation Realm martial artist. The strength of Heaven Barracks disciples could be imagined!

Don’t think that Ceng Cheng was very formidable in the Earth Barracks. In the Heaven Barracks, he was trash!

Ye Yuan was obviously very clear about his own strength. However, as for how far he could go, he himself did not know how things stood.

"Hur hur, Dean Jiang flatters me. Just which few are they?"

"There are three people you need to pay attention to. The first is Luo Chengfeng. This person is only at the peak of the Ninth Level Spirit Condensation Realm, but his strength is already firmly in the top three of the Heaven Barracks. Many half-step Crystal Formation Realm Heaven Barracks disciples are not his match. It could be seen how great his strength is! This person is as his name implies, Chengfeng or riding wind; he specializes the most in swift attacks. His opponents tend to have difficulties in following his speed! If you match up with him, take care not to clash with him," Jiang Yunhe said.

Ye Yuan nodded but did not say anything. He truly had no fear in comparing speed!

Jiang Yunhe continued, "The second person is a girl, her name is Tang Yu-er. She has the extremely rare Innate Water Spirit Body. Only two years older than you but already a half-step Crystal Formation Realm expert! The speed of her cultivation is number one in the Tranquil Cloud Sect! Without any accidents, she will probably be able to break through to the Crystal Formation Realm latest by next year!"

When Jiang Yunhe finished talking, he suddenly felt that something was off and could not resist taking a look at Ye Yuan.

To talk about the monstrosity of cultivation speed, most likely, nobody could compare with this person in front of him, right?

This was not even a month yet, and this boy broke through two realms consecutively again!

Jiang Yunhe knew that Ye Yuan only used three to four month’s time to go from First Level Essence Qi Realm to Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm.

No matter how monstrous that Tang Yu-er was, she would most likely need five years, right?

Chapter 254: There Would Be No Stories Without Coincidences

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

Ye Yuan nodded inwardly and remembered Luo Chengfeng’s and Tang Yu-er’s names.

For Jiang Yunhe to be so serious about this matter, these two people were definitely peak existences in the Heaven Barracks. Their combat power was likely no longer beneath Crystal Formation Realm experts.

The sect grand competition was not a deathmatch. Ye Yuan naturally could not use all of his trump cards.

Although his trumps cards were powerful, once they were unleashed, even he had difficulty controlling them.

A move like Thousand Flowing Petals, once unleashed, would be to the death. It was truly very monstrous for a Spirit Condensation Realm to be able to mobilize Heaven & Earth essence energy. But once the move took form, he was also unable to control the power.

As for the Tier 4 essence fire, once he released it, it would even instantly burn the other party into nothingness.

While Ye Yuan refined the Cleansing Sandal Flame Lotus, it was still clearly extremely forceful for him to want to control the might of a Tier 4 essence fire at present.

This way, the means Ye Yuan could threaten a late-stage Spirit Condensation Realm with was greatly reduced.

Luckily, Ye Yuan’s present Spirit Void Shattering Space, First Level, was already trained to the Great Circle Realm. His speed was already not beneath a late-stage Spirit Condensation Realm martial artist.

Coupled with the Spirit Bristle Nine Yang Divine Art’s Mortal Chapter’s Second Skill, Essence Energy Ignition, he also had the capital to fight.

As for win or lose, even he himself dare not guarantee anything. When the time came, it would have to depend on his live performance.

"Who is the last person?" Ye Yuan asked.

Jiang Yunhe revealed a grave face and said, "You have to be careful of this last person. His name is Tian Yu, Grand Elder Skymaple’s grandson. Among the core disciples, he is publicly acknowledged to be the most talented person!"

Ye Yuan became interested when he heard that and asked, "Oh? What amazing aspects does this Tian Yu have?"

"Tian Yu had abnormally high powers of comprehension since young. Like you, he also made it past the Nine Heavens Road! Although he did not pass the Nine Heavens Road at the Essence Qi Realm like you, he had only broken through to the Spirit Condensation Realm not long before! Three years ago when he passed the Nine Heavens Road, he was only First Level Spirit Condensation Realm. Now that three years have passed, he’s already a half-step Crystal Formation Realm expert! Barring no accidents, he would surely advance to elite disciple this time. If you encounter him, you must be careful!"

In Jiang Yunhe’s heart, his appraisal of Tian Yu was clearly extremely high.

If Ye Yuan had not appeared, then Tian Yu would be the number one person among the young generation in Jiang Yunhe’s heart.

Putting Ye Yuan aside, a cultivation speed of three minor realms a year was indeed sufficiently outrageous! Furthermore, he even took the crucial step to break through to the Crystal Formation Realm; half-step Crystal Formation!

In the Tranquil Cloud Sect, the earlier one passed the Nine Heavens Road, the greater the potential it signified. Mo Yuntian and Xin Lie were the same.

And those who cleared the Nine Heavens Road all had extremely formidable combat strength. They could basically sweep across all martial artists of the same level!

For Tian Yu to be able to clear the Nine Heavens Road at the First Level Spirit Condensation Realm, it could be seen just how monstrous he was.

"Many thanks for Dean Jiang’s tips," Ye Yuan said.

Seeing off Jiang Yunhe, Ye Yuan did not choose to enter a closed-seclusion. Instead, he took a leisurely stroll around the sect.

A great battle was nigh. Embracing Buddha’s feet to pray for help at the last minute was clearly useless. Might as well relax and adjust his state of mind.

. . . . . .

The second day, the curtains for the sect grand competition was finally drawn back!

Victory Peak, the battle arena for the sect grand competition. Many platforms were set up on it.

At the present moment, thousands of disciples were gathered at the peak. These disciples were all the future hope of the sect!

These thousands of disciples were all selected very carefully from the Tranquil Cloud Ten Nations, all earth-shaking existences when placed in the secular world.

But the vast majority of them could only become an outer-sect disciple and fade into the masses in the sect.

The number of core disciples was 200 people while the number of elite disciples was only a scanty few 20 people!

Elite disciples’, core disciples’, and outer-sect disciples’ competition sites were separated. And the one that was the focus of all was undoubtedly the elite disciples’ area.

These 20 people represented the highest level among the younger generation. Regardless of whether they were core disciples or outer-sect disciples, they obviously would not miss out on watching their matches, hoping to comprehend something from within.

However, the grand competition was carried out at the same time. Only by finishing one’s match in advance could one have the time to go watch other people’s match.

It was very clear that due to there being too many outer-sect disciples, the arrangement of their schedule was the tightest.

"Ye Yuan, what number did you draw? Do you know who you’re facing in your first match?" Nanfeng Ruoqing asked.

The Pill Hall had a competition too. But the duration was much longer than the Martial Hall’s. Hence, the Nanfeng aunt and niece came to cheer Ye Yuan on.

"I drew No. 52. But my opponent for the first match isn’t fixed yet," Ye Yuan said.

He did not care who his opponent was. He would rather it was Tian Yu. Ye Yuan truly looked down on ordinary Seventh or Eighth Level Spirit Condensation Realm martial artists.

"Uh, that’s to say your opponent is No. 149. I wonder who No. 149 is?" Nanfeng Zhirou said.

The core disciple numbers were fixed at 200 people. The disciples would draw lots to determine the opponent.

After drawing lots, No. 1 would fight No. 200. No. 2 would fight No. 199, so on and so forth.

Ye Yuan drew No. 52. His opponent was naturally No. 149.

Of course, in order to not let the strongest core disciples meet in advance which would greatly deplete the later matches adversely, the top 10 in the previous competition automatically became seeded contestant.

The strength of these ten people’s opponents was relatively weak. There was basically nothing to watch at the start. Their opponents would basically admit defeat right after coming up.

However, special circumstances had naturally occurred in the past competitions before. Such as the rank 11th disciple being unfortunate enough to draw a number after No. 190. Then the first match would be exciting.

But relatively speaking, such a situation was extremely rare.

Ye Yuan drew No. 52. The chances of matching with a strong person were not great.

"Screw it. Deal with it when it comes. Long Tang, what number did you draw?" Ye Yuan asked Long Tang who was beside him.

When fighting, core disciples were not divided by Heaven or Earth Barracks.

"No. 170," Long Tang said.

"Oh? Like that huh. Against No. 31? It feels like a strong person!" Ye Yuan said.

Long Tang replied nonchalantly, "Doesn’t matter. Deal with it when it comes."

"Haha! That’s good then! With your strength, charging into the top 50 shouldn’t be any problem!" Ye Yuan said with a laugh.

"I hope so!"

Long Tang was also someone who made it past the Nine Heavens Road. It could be seen how great his perception was.

This one to two months, Long Tang improved extremely quickly. It was just that he did not have the chance to display it.

Ye Yuan believed that before long, he would surely stand out conspicuously!

"All disciples listen up. The sect grand competition is about to begin. Quickly find your platforms according to your numbers!" a Martial Hall elder mustered up essence energy to shout loudly.

Ye Yuan and Long Tang’s eyes met when they heard that and smiled. They each went to their platform.

Ye Yuan was No. 52, which was also at platform No. 52.

When he arrived at his platform, the No. 149 disciple was already there early.

When Ye Yuan saw the other party, he was involuntarily stunned.

There would really be no stories without coincidences!

Chapter 255: No. 52

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

Ceng Yu looked at Ye Yuan who was opposite with a green face.

He never imagined that he would encounter this ominous star in the first round.

After Ceng Cheng returned last time, he warned him to absolutely never provoke Ye Yuan again!

You got to be kidding. A newbie disciple with over a million points on him. Who knew what kind of terrifying background he had?

Even ordinary elders did not have so many points, but it was on a Spirit Condensation Realm disciple. This was too peculiar.

Listening to his elder brother’s words, Ceng Yu also knew that Ye Yuan was not someone he could afford to offend.

It was just that he never expected he would bump into Ye Yuan so coincidentally in the first round.

"The sect’s grand competition begins now!"

The Martial Hall elder’s voice resounded once more. The grand competition officially began.

Fierce fighting sounds rose one after another, instantly enveloping the entire arena. However, some platforms were silent, such as platform No. 52.

Ye Yuan did move. Neither did Ceng Yu.

Ceng Yu was no fool. Ye Yuan could defeat him at Second Level Spirit Condensation Realm, let alone now that he was already Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm.

"I concede!" Without much hesitation, Ceng Yu admitted defeat very decisively.

"Platform No. 52, No. 52 wins," the elder’s voice sounded out again.

Every platform had an array installed. The elder could understand the activity on the platforms at the first moment through the array center.

The elder’s voice was slightly hesitant. He clearly did not think that the first to win would actually be the unknown No. 52.

Normally, the first platform to win would either be No. 1 or No. 2, because the difference between both parties was too great.

However, the sect grand competition was also hard to come by chance to temper one’s self. To be able to seek guidance from the number one or two ranked core disciple was something that other disciples wished for. Remarkably few people would concede.

Ceng Yu admitting defeat directly also resulted in Ye Yuan become the first to win among the 100 platforms.

"Who is on platform No. 52? The opponent didn’t purposely give up, right?"

"Yeah! In the past grand competitions, it’s basically always No. 1 who wins first. The gap between Senior Apprentice Brother Tian Yu’s strength and ours is too far! What the hell is with this No. 52 who popped out this time?"

"Who knows! Logically speaking, other than those few sickos in the top 10, the disparity in strength for those behind would not be too ridiculous. Even if they lose, it’s impossible to be faster than Senior Apprentice Brother Tian Yu, right?"

"Who cares? After this first round is over, we’ll naturally know which deity is this No. 52."

The worst of the Heaven Barracks’ rank one was quasi-elite disciple strength. They were existences like cranes among chickens among the core disciples.

Hence, every grand competition, it was basically always No. 1 who won first.

But a little hiccup happened right from the start today. An unknown No. 52 was the first to win. This attracted quite a few curious eyes.

Although winning first did not mean anything, this sort of hiccup that subverted the past could still add conversational topics for the grand competition.

The disciples started the competition directly after drawing lots, so apart from the first ten who were predetermined, others did not know who had which number.

Platform No. 1, Tian Yu was just about to attack when he heard the elder’s voice. His heart involuntarily jolted.

I heard that two core disciples who made it through the Nine Heavens Road were brought over recently. One of them succeeded in clearing the challenge with Essence Qi Realm cultivation! Could it be that this No. 52 is one of them? Tian Yu thought to himself.

Those who cleared the Nine Heavens Road all knew that one could obtain enormous rewards from there!

To challenge the Nine Heavens Road at the Essence Qi Realm, the difficulty was far beyond imagination!

Even Tian Yu himself only dared to challenge it after reaching the Spirit Condensation Realm.

Without question, Ye Yuan’s emergence gave Tian Yu intangible pressure.

Now that such a peculiar situation occurred in the grand competition, it really stirred Tian Yu’s curiosity.

Tian Yu looked at his opponent opposite him and said coolly, "Sorry, let’s end like this!"

Finishing, only to see a streak of sword beam flashed over. His opponent flew out.

The No. 200 drawn today was not mediocre. He could not help that the disparity between him and Tian Yu was too great!

He did not even get a clear look at how Tian Yu attacked just now as if he did not even move before!

Such strength was too terrifying!

No. 200 struggled to his feet and said respectfully, "Many thanks for Senior Apprentice Brother Tian Yu showing mercy. I lost!"

Tian Yu nodded and walked down the platform. Such an opponent simply could not draw his interest.

If he were willing, that move just now would have already killed the other party. However, this was the sect grand competition. The other party was only slightly injured.

Within the Spirit Condensation Realm, Tian Yu was virtually invincible!

His opponents had never been Spirit Condensation Realm martial artists. Only those people among the elite disciples were his rivals.

And in the not too distant future, he would also trample those people underfoot.

However, that youth who challenged the Nine Heavens Road at the Essence Qi Realm still made him garner some curiosity.

Although he did not think that the other party was stronger than him, he could not deny that the other party should not be inferior to him!

In reality, Tian Yu was also prepared to challenge the Nine Heavens Road at the Essence Qi Realm. But at that time, he did not feel very confident, so he gave up.

The other party being able to clear the Nine Heavens Road at the Essence Qi Realm at best only meant that his luck was slightly better than his.

He heard that the State of Qin youth called Ye Yuan was forced to enter the Nine Heavens Road. He must have stimulated his potential in a hopeless situation before he could successfully clear it.

Tian Yu strolled leisurely to the center of the array formation. He came to find the elder hosting the array formation.

"It has been tough on you, Elder Feng," Tian Yu gave a bow and said.

"Oh, it’s Tian Yu. How is it tough to serve the sect? Hur hur, you came to ask about that No. 52, right?" Elder Feng said with a chortle.

Tian Yu did not conceal it and nodded slightly.

"I thought that you wouldn’t pay attention to this sort of minor matter. After all, it’s only a matter of moments if you want to beat your opponent."

Tian Yu smiled and said, "I only want to confirm something."

Ye Yuan and Long Tang passed the Nine Heavens Road. While it was not considered confidential information, reports from the secular world dojos were generally straight to the top.

Ordinary elders did not know nor were they interested in knowing this kind of stuff.

Tian Yu was the grand elder’s grandson. His identity was extraordinary. This bit of special privilege was naturally there. Elder Feng would not refuse to give him this face either.

He was just rather curious that this sort of small thing like No. 52 winning would actually draw Tian Yu’s concern.

The way Elder Feng saw it, Tian Yu should be going over to the elite disciples’ platforms right now.

The battle situation over there was very intense. It currently should not have ended yet.

"No. 52 is called Ye Yuan, a newcomer core disciple. Speaking of which, it’s kind of strange. This boy is actually only Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm while his opponent is already at the peak Sixth Level Spirit Condensation Realm, yet he actually conceded straight away."

Elder Feng talked about the situation he understood from the array formation but did not notice that Tian Yu’s expression became increasingly uglier.

It was indeed this Ye Yuan! I didn’t think that he broke through to middle-stage Spirit Condensation Realm so quickly already! Looks like the benefits he obtained on the Nine Heavens Road was even more than me! As expected, I should have challenged it at the Essence Qi Realm! Tian Yu sighed quietly to himself.

Chapter 256: Future Strongest Powerhouse

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

On the martial path, the earlier and the more Heavenly Daos comprehended, the greater one’s future accomplishments would naturally be too.

All the myriad cultivation methods under the heavens all matched a certain area of understanding towards Heavenly Dao.

The Azure Dipper Purple Yang Sword Art was an extremely profound sword art. If he could have comprehended it at the Essence Qi Realm, Tian Yu’s future accomplishments could possibly be even higher!

It was exactly because Tian Yu felt the sword intent on the Nine Heavens Road that his cultivation, later on, became increasingly faster.

Because the Heavenly Dao that he comprehended far exceeded his present realm. It allowed his cultivation speed to far surpass ordinary people.

Of course, this kind of cultivation speed was not limitless. As the speed he comprehended Heavenly Dao decreases with time, and his realm and comprehension of Heavenly Dao gradually reached an equilibrium; his cultivation speed would naturally drop too.

This was a definite result no matter how much more monstrous Tian Yu was.

The higher the realm, the more difficult it was to comprehend Heavenly Dao. Even those peak geniuses in the Divine Realm felt times where human effort just won’t do, let alone the Lower Realms.

Ye Yuan naturally could not escape this fate either. But the Heavenly Dao that he comprehended was not even on the same level as the Endless World’s martial artists. Hence, he did not need to worry about this problem now.

Furthermore, the reason why Ye Yuan was not in a hurry to raise his realm was that he was comprehending and understanding Heavenly Dao anew!

Ji Qingyun’s realm was virtually piled up using medicinal pills. At that time, he did not use any effort to understand Heavenly Dao. He knew the how but not the why.

Now that Ye Yuan was resolved to step onto the martial path, he obviously would not make this kind of mistake again.

Otherwise, with Ye Yuan’s Heavenly Dao realm, he could return to the pinnacle in just a few years using medicinal pills to pile on the entire way.

But that way, he would become a power level 5 trash again.

Ye Yuan’s improvement speed was already so rapid that it was implausible in other peoples’ eyes, but he himself knew just how slow it was!

Ye Yuan was making up for the homework he did not do in his previous life at ’tortoise speed.’

. . . . . .

Ye Yuan did not imagine that Ceng Yu conceding straight away would cause a moderate disturbance. He arrived at platform No. 31 directly after winning.

Since he was unoccupied and had nothing to do, he and the Nanfeng aunt and niece came to watch Long Tang’s match together.

Right now, Long Tang was currently in the midst of a fierce battle with the other party on the platform!

Ye Yuan’s opponent was the No. 31 Liu Fang, a Seventh Level Spirit Condensation Realm martial artist!

Among the sect core disciples, a martial artist with such strength should by right crush a newcomer like Long Tang.

But the reality was that although he held the initiative, he kept being unable to take down Long Tang.

Long Tang was not those genius type martial artists. Instead, he was a tenacious and perceptive martial artist.

Although signs of defeat gradually showed on the platform, he still held onto that last breath and refused to breathe his last. Liu Fang was also rather anxious after not taking him down despite attacking for so long.

Ye Yuan’s worldview was amazingly high. He understood the situation in the arena with a single glance.

"Sigh, it doesn’t look good for Senior Apprentice Brother Long anymore. This is his first battle after entering the sect. If he were defeated, it would be quite a huge blow to him, right?" Nanfeng Zhirou clearly also saw through Long Tang’s bad situation and said somewhat worriedly.

Ye Yuan smiled and said, "Relax. Long Tang’s strength should be greater than this. He’s definitely hiding some cards."

"En? How do you know? Senior Apprentice Brother Long wouldn’t tell you what trump cards he has, right? Didn’t you guys not fight?"

"I’m guessing," Ye Yuan said honestly.

"Tch, guessing again! You can even guess that others have trump cards! That No. 31 is at the Seventh Level Spirit Condensation Realm! Whatever trump cards Senior Apprentice Brother Long has, it’s most likely all used up already. Could it be that he hasn’t even used his trumps cards despite fighting up to now?" Nanfeng Zhirou said somewhat disbelievingly.

A very long time had already passed since the match started. It was long past the stage where they probed each other out.

Encountering an opponent that was so much stronger than him, it was impossible for Long Tang to not use any trump cards, right?

"Used is definitely used. But Long Tang definitely won’t expose his strength to his foe all at once. Carrying on watching and you’ll see." Ye Yuan no longer looked at Nanfeng Zhirou but focused on the match in the arena.

Back then when Yao Qian warned Ye Yuan at the State of Qin, there was one thing which was right, and that was the strength of sect core disciples were indeed formidable.

Long Tang’s combat strength was originally very powerful already. Leaping ranks to battle was like having a meal.

Now that he made it past the Nine Heavens Road and was in seclusion to comprehend for more than a month, his strength increased by who knew how much.

If it was the standard of the State of Qin’s Dan Wu Academy, Long Tang challenging a Seventh Level Spirit Condensation Realm as Fifth Level Spirit Condensation Realm was something that could be easily accomplished.

But now, facing Liu Fang, Long Tang had exhausted virtually all of his moves, but could not gain any advantages.

If Long Tang did not have any more moves, defeat was sooner or later.

From this, it could be seen just how powerful sect core disciples were.

Of course, this was Ye Yuan sensing on behalf of Long Tang. When he was facing his opponent, he really did not feel that the other party was very strong.

After all, Ye Yuan was not even in the same world as these so-called geniuses.

On the platform, Long Tang was already forced into a corner by Liu Fang. The situation looked very desperate, and there was the danger of losing any time.

"Haha, what a troublesome newcomer! To actually be able to force me to such an extent. You can be amply proud! After this, go to the loser group! Burning Flame Palm!"

Seeing as Long Tang’s defeat was imminent, Liu Fang decided to take the other party down in one fell swoop!

This Burning Flame Palm was a fire attribute superior-grade Tier 2 martial technique. Its might was incredible! Under a single palm move, a stretch of red actually flooded Long Tang’s corner. It could be seen how high the temperature was.

The way Liu Fang saw it, Long Tang absolutely only had the outcome of defeat under this palm!

But right then, Liu Fang’s eyes revealed gaping astonishment!

Long Tang shut his eyes and threw a punch forward just like that.

A very ordinary punch that seemingly did not have the slightest bit of force.

But it was this punch that easily crushed the high temperature created by his Burning Flame Palm.

It was this simple punch that broke his defense with unstoppable momentum, smashing onto his chest!

Bang!

Liu Fang flew out backward and became unconscious . . .

After several breaths of time, Elder Feng’s voice sounded again, "Platform No. 31, No. 170 wins!"

Ye Yuan looked at this fist from Long Tang and could not help smiling faintly.

This fellow’s comprehension abilities were truly not an ordinary kind of powerful! Long Tang actually comprehended some superficial knowledge from that finger he used to give pointers to Wu Luochen with!

Furthermore, Long Tang successfully converted Ye Yuan’s sword intent into his fist intent, and he trudged out a path that belonged to himself!

In future, if Long Tang could perfect this fist intent, his accomplishments would surely be extraordinary!

However, this kind of self-created fist intent road was not easy to walk. The difficulty was ten times, even tens of times greater than ordinary people!

But once he walked finish this road, Long Tang would surely be a powerhouse of a region in the future!

At least, shattering the void and entering the Divine Realm should not be an issue.

"Ah! Senior Apprentice Brother Long actually won under such a circumstance! Really amazing!" Nanfeng Zhirou exclaimed in shock.

"Ye Yuan, Long Tang’s punch just now, why do I feel that it’s kind of like . . ." Nanfeng Ruoqing said uncertainly.

Ye Yuan grinned and said, "That’s right. He indeed learned secretly and created a fist intent that belongs to him! Hehe, if Long Tang doesn’t fall, he could very well be the Endless World’s strongest powerhouse in the future!"

Chapter 257: True Intent!

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

When Ye Yuan said this, Nanfeng Ruoqing’s and Nanfeng Zhirou’s hair stood on its ends!

What kind of concept was the Endless World’s strongest powerhouse?

With their present realm, it was simply unimaginable!

"Endless World’s strongest powerhouse? You actually dared to say that!" Cold laughter came from the side.

Ye Yuan looked over only to see a young man with a handsome face like carved jade, around 18 or 19 years old. This person was precisely Tian Yu who had nothing better to do too.

After he left Elder Feng’s place, he decided to come and take a look at the other challenger of the Nine Heavens Road, Long Tang. But he did not think that he would hear Ye Yuan talk nonsense right after reaching here.

Ye Yuan only smiled and did not give any explanations. "Haha, this Senior Apprentice Brother, just take it as a joke."

Since Ye Yuan said that, Tian Yu could not really pursue it.

To become the Endless World’s strongest powerhouse was the lifetime aspiration of all martial artists. Ye Yuan’s prediction sounded somewhat baffling, but in reality, it did not hurt the important essentials.

Tian Yu sized up Ye Yuan. He seemed to feel something and asked, "You’re Ye Yuan?"

This time, it was Ye Yuan’s turn to be stunned. "Senior Apprentice Brother knows me?"

"Looks like my guess was indeed correct. I’m called Tian Yu. You should have heard of me," Tian Yu said coolly.

Such words that leaked overbearingness, only a genius like Tian Yu dared to say it.

While it was rather wild, this was a fact. Ye Yuan had indeed heard of him before.

Ye Yuan’s expression became slightly cold. He did not think that this young man in front of him was actually the number one on the core disciples’ rankings, Tian Yu!

"So, it’s Senior Apprentice Brother Tian Yu. Pardon me," Ye Yuan cupped his fists and greeted.

Yesterday, he heard about this Tian Yu’s prowess, but he did not expect to encounter him today. Except, why did he come here?

Towards Ye Yuan’s attitude, Tian Yu was slightly displeased.

Normally speaking, when newcomer disciples met him for the first time, the majority would show an enthralled and admiring look. But Ye Yuan did not.

This was an exchange of equals.

Although he made it past the Nine Heavens Road and his talent was outstanding, he was only Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm after all. Did he think that he could already match him equally?

As a newcomer, shouldn’t he be more humble?

It will be hard for this person to amount to anything!

Tian Yu gave Ye Yuan such an appraisal in his heart.

Skymaple always taught Tian Yu to not be self-conceited because of his talent. Otherwise, his future accomplishments would definitely be limited!

This was not talking about defects in personality affecting cultivation, but a personality where one acted in undue confidence of their own ability would easily look down on everything. Such a person would also easily suffer setbacks. Some people become braver in the face of setbacks, while extremely few geniuses who was conceited because of their talent would grow up. This was because they could not endure setbacks.

While Tian Yu had an air of arrogance, he was never cavalier. When his strength was low, he knew how to respect seniors.

Judging others with himself, Tian Yu naturally felt that Ye Yuan was relying on his talent to look down on others.

Tian Yu only nodded and did not say much. Instead, he pointed at Long Tang and asked, "You said that he can become the Endless World’s strongest powerhouse. Why? Just based on that one punch? I also saw that punch earlier. Although the power was decent, isn’t it too ridiculous to say that he can become the Endless World’s strongest powerhouse based on that?"

If Ye Yuan said that he could become the Endless World’s strongest powerhouse, Tian Yu would definitely shrug it off with a laugh, and then leave with a flick of his sleeves.

Such a wildly arrogant person was not worth his, Tian Yu’s, attention.

But Ye Yuan talked about Long Tang earlier and not himself. This made Tian Yu rather curious.

Ye Yuan did not think that Tian Yu actually took it for real. He smiled and said, "Does Senior Apprentice Brother Tian Yu really want to know?"

Tian Yu said, "Of course! I want to know whether or not you’re talking nonsense or can you back your words."

Ye Yuan nodded his head and said, "Senior Apprentice Brother Tian Yu also trains in the Azure Dipper Purple Yang Sword Art, right?"

"That’s right. You’re not saying that my sword intent can’t be compared to his fist art, right?" Tian Yu heard the implied meaning behind Ye Yuan’s words.

However, Ye Yuan smiled and said, "From a certain standpoint, I’m afraid that Senior Apprentice Brother Tian Yu’s sword intent really can’t match his fist intent!"

When Ye Yuan said this, not only Tian Yu, even Nanfeng Ruoqing and Nanfeng Zhirou felt that it was rather nonsensical.

Tian Yu had a profound understanding of the Azure Dipper Purple Yang Sword Art. How could it possibly not compare to the Long Tang who had just cleared the Nine Heavens Road?

Tian Yu did not become angry. Instead, he asked, "From what standpoint?"

If what Ye Yuan said was reasonable, he would naturally be able to tell. If it was bullshit, then he had no need to continue chatting.

"Senior Apprentice Brother, ask yourself, how does your sword intent compare to Forefather You Wuya?"

"Of course, it is far from comparable! Forefather You Wuya was a genius. The sword intent I have comprehended currently is at most 60% of his. Why? You’re not going to say that Long Tang can match Forefather You Wuya, right?"

"Whether he can match or not, I don’t know. But in the future, he perhaps has the chance to reach Forefather You Wuya’s height! Don’t get anxious, Senior Apprentice Brother, listen to me. Although our predecessors’ ways are good, that which belongs to yourself is the strongest! Maybe Senior Apprentice Brother isn’t willing to listen to this, but your Azure Dipper Purple Yang Sword Intent will never reach Forefather You Wuya’s realm no matter how much you train! Because this sword intent was created by him! On the other hand for Long Tang, his fist intent has already broken off from the Azure Dipper Purple Yang Sword Art, and he found a martial path which belongs to him alone! If he can continuously perfect this path, his future accomplishments would at least be Forefather You Wuya’s height!"

Ye Yuan paused for a moment before continuing, "Long Tang’s fist intent already has the elementary form of true intent!"

Tian Yu was still showing a disdainful expression before this. But towards the end, his face was completely solemn.

All the way until he heard the two words, ’true intent.’ Tian Yu stared at Ye Yuan completely dumbstruck!

In the entire Endless World, the number of martial artists who possessed true intent could be counted on one hand! That martial artists who possessed true intent were all legends!

According to Tian Yu’s knowledge, only those few overwhelmingly powerful existences in the Northern Domain possessed their own true intent!

But now, Ye Yuan was telling him that that plain-looking young man actually possessed true intent!

Although it was only the elementary form, it was sufficiently terrifying in the entire Southern Domain!

Nobody could clearly describe what Heavenly Dao was, but martial artists could understand the Heavenly Dao belonging to them through certain things!

True intent was one of those things!

The Azure Dipper Purple Yang Sword Intent was actually a type of true intent! Falling Flower Floating Zero Sword was similarly a type of true intent!

Once someone comprehended a true intent to the extremities, shattering the void and ascending to the Divine Realm was a simple matter.

Hence, that was why Ye Yuan said that Long Tang could possibly become the Endless World’s most powerful person in the future!

Although Tian Yu was powerful now, he was walking another person’s path.

If he could not comprehend a true intent belonging to himself, then it was impossible for him to ever surpass You Wuya!

The true intent that other people comprehended, no matter how profound one’s understanding of it was, it was impossible to surpass the predecessor.

Learning other people’s stuff was actually a type of shortcut. But this kind of shortcut could easily bring one to a dead end.

Of course, if one did not learn anything and wanted to comprehend true intent from thin air, it would be impossibly difficult. Unless they were a monstrous person like Ye Yuan who comprehended a type of true intent from watching the scene of falling petals filling the skies.

Furthermore, Ye Yuan obviously would not tell Tian Yu that the Azure Dipper Floating Zero Sword Intent from fusing the Azure Dipper Purple Yang Sword Intent and Falling Flower Floating Zero Sword Intent was already equipped with the elementary form of a Supreme True Intent!

Chapter 258: Breaking Fantasy

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

A supreme true intent was an even higher level existence than a true intent!

Apart from a Divine King that was piled up using medicinal pills like Ji Qingyun, virtually every Divine King powerhouse had their own supreme true intent.

Some Divine Kings even had more than one type of supreme true intent. Such as the Spirit Bristle Divine King. He alone had comprehended four kinds of supreme true intent!

These four kinds of supreme true intent were comprehended from the Spirit Bristle Nine Yang Divine Art.

Hence, when he displayed Nine Suns Burning Heaven, its might was so incredible that it was unimaginable!

But the current Ye Yuan had not even comprehended a type of supreme true intent thoroughly. It could be seen just how great the disparity between him and those pinnacle level Divine Kings was.

However, it was already very incredible for Ye Yuan to be able to comprehend the elementary form of a supreme true intent when he was re-cultivating the martial path.

One had to know that he basically did not comprehend any dog-fart supreme true intent in his previous life.

Just based on this point, he was no different from the other Endless World martial artists. To be able to comprehend a supreme true intent at the Essence Qi Realm was ultimately because of his monstrous perception.

On this aspect, Long Tang’s comprehension ability was not even on the same level when compared to Ye Yuan.

Of course, Tian Yu did not even know what supreme true intent was. Because nobody in the Endless World had ever comprehended a supreme true intent before!

Perhaps there were some who comprehended supreme true intent in the Divine Realm after shattering the void. But those people were no longer in the Endless World. Furthermore, the chances of that were so meager that it was negligible.

There were numerous Lower Planes. Every day, countless people ascended to the Divine Realm. However, there might not even be a single person who could comprehend a supreme true intent among 10 million people.

From this, it could be seen how hard to come by supreme true intent was!

If not for supreme true intent, how could Ye Yuan mobilize heaven and earth essence energy with Spirit Condensation Realm strength?

That was resonance with Heavenly Dao!

When Tian Yu heard Ye Yuan’s words, the shock in his heart could not be any greater!

"How do you know that that is the elementary form of a true intent? Could you have comprehended it too?" Tian Yu could not resist asking.

Ye Yuan replied nonchalantly, "Of course."

Even though he was already prepared, hearing Ye Yuan say it so naturally, Tian Yu still felt that it was too incredible.

The tiny Tranquil Cloud Sect actually gave birth to two peerless geniuses who possessed the elementary form of a true intent at once!

If they could completely comprehend true intent in the future, wouldn’t the Tranquil Cloud Sect become the number one great sect in the Endless World?

Tian Yu instinctively felt that Ye Yuan only comprehended the elementary form of a true intent too. After all, true intent was too difficult to comprehend. With Ye Yuan’s age, comprehending the elementary form of a true intent was already very heaven-defying. How could it be possible to comprehend true intent fully?

Tian Yu obviously did not know that the reason why Long Tang could comprehend the elementary form of a true intent was entirely because of that one finger before Ye Yuan left and not because of the Nine Heavens Road!

Think up to here, Tian Yu could not help reproaching himself.

He had always thought that he was an unrivaled peerless genius and would definitely succeed his grandfather’s will in the future, bringing the Tranquil Cloud Sect to rise.

But now, the person who comprehended the elementary form of a true intent was actually not him but two disciples who came from the secular world’s dojo!

"Walking my own path huh . . ." Tian Yu muttered to himself, his gaze gradually becoming resolved. He looked at Ye Yuan and said, "Alright. I look forward to the match with you two! When the time comes, let me see what is called trudging out your own path!

"That was my wish to begin with," Ye Yuan said with a slight smile.

. . . . . .

After Tian Yu left, Long Tang also came down from the platform. When he saw Ye Yuan, a trace of embarrassment involuntarily showed on Long Tang’s face.

Although his fist intent was comprehended by him, half of the credit fell onto Ye Yuan’s head.

Ye Yuan’s finger had the intentions of guiding Wu Luochen like a master demonstrating for his disciple; a visual representation.

Since Long Tang comprehended a fist intent belonging to himself from there, Ye Yuan could be considered half his master.

While he knew that Ye Yuan was very monstrous, Long Tang obviously felt very awkward to treat him as his master.

"Haha, that fist just now was pretty decent! To be able to comprehend the elementary form of a true intent is your own abilities. Don’t have to feel conflicted." Ye Yuan could evidently see Long Tang’s awkwardness and brushed over it with a laugh.

Long Tang’s gaze condensed. That trace of embarrassment vanished, and he exclaimed in shock, "Elementary form of true intent? You’re saying . . . I comprehended true intent?"

Up till now, Long Tang was still unaware that he had already stepped onto a broad path!

But Long Tang could not be blamed for not knowing. It was that there were truly too few martial artists in the Endless World who possessed true intent. Moreover, martial artists who possessed true intent mostly cherished their possessions. It was naturally impossible for them to display it in public like Ye Yuan. It was also not strange that Long Tang did not know.

However, Long Tang was crystal clear on what comprehending true intent meant to him!

"Not bad! Although it’s still very shallow, that fist earlier indeed has the elementary form of true intent already!" Ye Yuan confirmed.

Having received a definite answer, Long Tang’s entire body twinged as he started trembling with excitement.

"Hur hur, just now, Ye Yuan was even saying that you can become the Endless World’s strongest powerhouse in future!" Nanfeng Zhirou interjected with a giggle.

Long Tang looked at Ye Yuan in surprise. He did not think that his appraisal of himself was actually so high!

Then the problem came, if he was the Endless World’s strongest powerhouse, what about Ye Yuan?

Just solely based on that one finger, Long Tang understood the disparity between him and Ye Yuan deeply. If he could even become the Endless World’s strongest powerhouse, then what heights would Ye Yuan reach?

If he had already comprehended the elementary form of true intent, didn’t that mean that the finger Ye Yuan demonstrated was the real true intent?

Thinking up to here, Long Tang sucked in a cold breath instead.

"Haha, you guys, look how he’s so agitated that he can’t even talk." Nanfeng Zhirou scoffed.

Long Tang blushed, but Ye Yuan smiled and said, "Comprehending the elementary form of true intent is only the beginning. The future road is still long. One must expend 10 times, 100 times, the effort of ordinary people if they want to create a complete true intent."

Long Tang nodded and said, "En. No matter how tough this road gets, I will walk to the end!"

Long Tang’s martial heart was very firm. Ye Yuan could see this point, so he naturally would not say too much.

However, Long Tang was still kind of frustrated in his heart. Other people had to expend 10 times, 100 times, the effort before they could comprehend true intent. What about you?

Truly, comparing people is odious, compare goods and you’ll have to toss them!

"Oh, right, your fist intent should belong to a higher order. Got a name yet?" Ye Yuan suddenly asked.

Long Tang shook his head blankly. "I didn’t even know that I comprehended true intent. Why would there be a name?"

"Since that’s the case, I’ll confer you a name." Ye Yuan said.

Logically speaking, one’s true intent should be named by themselves. This request from Ye Yuan was rather presumptuous.

But Long Tang knew that Ye Yuan was not a rash person. These words surely had a deeper meaning.

Thinking about it, Long Tang nodded and said, "That’s all I could ask for."

"Earlier, I saw that your fist intent easily shattered the miniature fire domain that your opponent constructed. Its might is extremely powerful. I think . . . just call it ’Breaking Fantasy’!" Ye Yuan said smilingly.

"Breaking Fantasy Fist Intent . . ." Long Tang ruminated on this name. His eyes slowly became clear, and he said joyfully, "Many thanks to Senior Apprentice Brother Ye for bestowing the name!"

Breaking Fantasy. These two words contained all of his comprehension! It also pointed out the direction he had to walk from today onwards!

Chapter 259: Instant Victory!

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

In the second round, Ye Yuan’s opponent was No. 49.

Due to Ye Yuan winning the first round, he automatically entered the victor’s group.

The martial artists in the victor’s group established the position of core disciples.

While the disciples who were defeated in the first round must undergo the duel in the loser’s group. The loser group likewise had to continue competing nonstop, all the way until five failures were produced in the final round. They would undergo a match with the top five outer-sect disciples!

The victors continue to retain core disciple status while the losers would automatically be eliminated and become an outer-sect disciple.

The victor’s group had to continue competing similarly, all the way until the top three were born.

The top three disciples would carry out a duel with the last three among the elite disciples. The victor would advance to elite disciple, and the loser became core disciple.

Such a cruel ranking system, no matter how talented you were, you would also not dare to slack off at all.

Just ease up slightly, and you would be surpassed by others.

Even a loafer type core disciple like Ceng Yu would also spend large amounts of time to cultivate. Or else there would come a day where they would be eliminated.

If Ye Yuan won this round again, he would enter the top 50!

Do not look at how there were 200 core disciples. All of those who could win two consecutive rounds and enter the top 50 were all formidable people.

People who try to fish in muddied waters would basically be eliminated in the second round even if they were lucky enough to past the first round.

Ye Yuan’s opponent was called Wang Dong, an Eighth Level Spirit Condensation Realm martial artist.

The Pill Barracks’ Yang Hao was similarly at the Eighth Level Spirit Condensation Realm. But his strength was not even worth mentioning when compared to Wang Dong.

Wang Dong’s strength was in the upper tier in the Earth Barracks. Other than those Ninth Level Spirit Condensation Realm and peak Ninth Level Spirit Condensation Realm experts, Wang Dong was basically considered the strongest.

In the last grand competition, Wang Dong had a crushing defeat in the second round.

Now that his strength had another substantial improvement, the goal he set for himself this grand competition was to enter the third round!

When he saw the Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm Ye Yuan opposite, he could not help feeling greatly relieved.

This was truly a gift from heaven!

"Eh? You’re No. 52?" Wang Dong suddenly recalled. Wasn’t his opponent the No. 52 who was the first to win in the first round?

Ye Yuan knew what he was thinking about and could not help chuckling and saying, "Of course. Otherwise, why would I be standing here?"

Wang Dong could not help being greatly astonished as he said, "Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm strength. How were you the first to pass the first round? To actually be faster than Senior Apprentice Brother Tian Yu?"

"My opponent just happened to have fought with me a few days ago. He knew that he was not my match, so he directly admitted defeat," Ye Yuan did not conceal it and answered honestly.

"Ah? So that’s the case. Then your luck is really too good! I reckon that your opponent was one of the weakest few from the Human Barracks, right? Otherwise, with your strength, it would be very hard to win." Wang Dong involuntarily sighed emotionally.

He was sighing that Ye Yuan’s luck was good and also that his own luck was good.

To be able to meet such an opponent in the second round, wasn’t this heaven’s will?

Wang Dong could not help fantasizing that if his luck was slightly better and the opponent he bumped into during the third round was slightly weaker than him, perhaps he could even enter the fourth round!

This would be a historic moment in his life!

Ye Yuan’s name was already wide-spread among the Pill Hall elders. But among the core disciples, he was not actually all that famous.

While there were elders finding him non-stop these few days, Ye Yuan had never shown his face. Hence, there were not many people who really recognized Ye Yuan among the core disciples.

Of course, even if Wang Dong knew Ye Yuan, it would not affect his judgment of Ye Yuan’s strength.

Trash like Ceng Yu, Wang Dong could settle him with one hand. Although this junior apprentice brother’s strength was incredible and could cross ranks to battle, he was clearly still a little too unskilled to try to cross four minor realms to fight him.

How could Ye Yuan not know Wang Dong’s little scheme? He did not expose it and just said with a smile, "Yeah. Luck is indeed not bad."

The other party was happy that his luck was good. How was Ye Yuan not filled with emotions with his good luck too?

There were a number of rounds for this sect grand competition. The opponents at the back would become increasingly stronger. If he directly bumped into an expert, the exhaustion would be huge.

Those peak Ninth Level Spirit Condensation Realm and half-step Crystal Formation Realm opponents were not so easy to defeat.

And presently, Ye Yuan’s goal was none other than Tian Yu and the other two.

Right at this moment, Elder Feng’s voice echoed once again, "Round two begins now!"

Ye Yuan and Wang Dong saluted each other. The second round officially began!

After saluting, Wang Dong did not move. He stood with his hands behind his back and said generously, "Junior Apprentice Brother, make a move first. I’m afraid that after I make a move, you won’t have the chance anymore."

Perhaps he felt somewhat apologetic for coming across such a weak foe, Wang Dong felt that Ye Yuan should attack first.

Ye Yuan did not expect Wang Dong to be so generous to pass the initiative to him. He could not help being stupefied as he asked, "You sure?"

Wang Dong nodded. "Of course! I, Wang Dong, never go back on my words!"

Ye Yuan said uncertainly, "Then, I won’t be courteous."

As his voice fell, Ye Yuan’s figure instantly transformed into nine.

"Nine Swords Stance!"

Ye Yuan gave a light cry. Nine streaks of swordlight flew out disorderly and headed straight for Wang Dong.

Wang Dong still had the bearing of an expert in the beginning, but when he saw the nine sword beams blotting out the skies and earth as they flew over, he immediately cried bitterly.

If he took the initiative, he could still tussle with Ye Yuan for a while.

But how could Wang Dong ward off Ye Yuan’s big killing move from a defensive position?

One had to know when Ye Yuan was still at the Essence Qi Realm back then, he once used this move to force Yuan Fei back!

Now that Ye Yuan was already at the Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm, how could the Eighth Level Spirit Condensation Realm Wang Dong defend against the might of this stance?

Wang Dong dodged three sword beams and used his weapon to block two sword beams before finally being hit by the sixth sword beam.

Then, the seventh, eighth, and ninth sword beam opened up wounds on his body like easily breaking a dead branch from a tree. The enormous impact directly sent him flying out of the platform.

If not for Ye Yuan showing mercy, he would already be a corpse now.

In a twinkle, from the time Ye Yuan struck to Wang Dong flying out, not even a breath of time had passed.

Crushing with one blow! Instant victory!

"Platform No. 49, No. 52 wins!" Elder Feng’s voice was the first to sound out again.

"No way? Who is this No. 52? Why is he the first to win again?"

"If the first round was luck, then how do you explain the second round? Just where did this unknown No. 52 pop out from?"

"Too peculiar! Senior Apprentice Brother Tian Yu and Senior Apprentice Sister Yu-er haven’t won yet, and this No. 52 won already?"

Ye Yuan’s victory caused another uproar.

Tian Yu’s expression fell slightly, and the sword in his hands accelerated.

After three moves, Tian Yu sent his opponent flying.

Victory!

Tian Yu’s foe in the second round was a Ninth Level Spirit Condensation Realm. His strength was quite good. He forcibly hung on until the tenth blow before being defeated.

Compared to Ye Yuan’s victory in one move, he was naturally much slower.

On Platform No. 2, a graceful silhouette danced along with the wind.

But when she heard Elder Feng’s voice, her movements clearly lagged for an instant.

Immediately after, only to see that lithe figure speed up multiple times!

Similarly, after three moves, Tang Yu-er won!

Chapter 260: Unexpected Opponent

Translator: celefoata_ Editor: RegiusProfessor

If would be fine if Elder Feng did not call out, but since he did, it became tragic for those disciples who were challenging the top 10.

Hearing this voice, the top 10 disciples’ combat power soared vertically like they were on stimulants!

This was the second round. The opponents faced by the top 10 would not be too strong.

Once they erupted, how could ordinary disciples withstand it? With a one and two count, they were all defeated.

On Platform No. 1 and the adjacent Platform No. 2, the aloof Tang Yu-er took a rare trip over to Platform No. 1 and started chatting with Tian Yu.

"Tian Yu, after the first round ended, I think I saw you go and look at the other matches?"

Tang Yu-er had always wanted to surpass Tian Yu and viewed him as her sole rival. Hence, she never called him Senior Apprentice Brother Tian Yu.

Tian Yu was currently recuperating with his eyes shut. Seeing that Tang Yu-er posed a question, he opened his eyes and looked at her, saying with a faint smile, "No. 52 is an interesting opponent. Perhaps, he will become the greatest dark horse in this grand competition! Junior Apprentice Sister Yu-er, you have to be careful."

Honestly speaking, Tian Yu originally still looked down on Ye Yuan a little. But upon hearing that Ye Yuan comprehended the elementary form of true intent, this underestimation was naturally put away.

All those who could comprehend the elementary form of true intent were remarkable geniuses!

Furthermore, crossing ranks to battle were as easy as eating and drinking after comprehending true intent.

He already learned from Elder Feng about Ye Yuan’s opponent this round. Although Wang Dong’s strength was not much, to be instantly defeated by Ye Yuan also indicated many issues from one side!

Ye Yuan truly had the qualifications to sit and debate about Dao with him!

Surprise flickered across Tang Yu-er’s eyes. She had never seen Tian Yu with such fighting intent.

Didn’t that mean that Tian Yu was very much looking forward to fighting with that mysterious No. 52?

But, was this possible?

Everyone was clear on the strength of these sect disciples long ago. Those who could have emerged would have already emerged. Why would they wait until today?

Could this No. 52 be new?

With Tang Yu-er’s strength and status, her eyes would forever be fixated on the position of elite disciple only. As for whatever disciple that was new to the sect, she could not even be bothered to follow. She naturally did not know Ye Yuan and Long Tang.

Except, how could newcomer disciples possibly be Tian Yu’s match?

If a new half-step Crystal Formation Realm expert came, it was impossible for her to not hear anything about it, right?

Tian Yu did not elaborate on his words, and Tang Yu-er remained puzzled.

"You know this No. 52’s identity? Who is he?" Tang Yu could not help asking curiously.

"He’s called Ye Yuan. As for what kind of person he is, I’m not sure either. But I believe that you and I will know very soon. To be able to defeat Wang Dong instantly, he might be a formidable foe to us!" Tian Yu said coolly.

Tang Yu-er’s pretty eye became intent as she revealed an astonishment look.

She had also suspected previously whether or not this No. 52 was lucky and bumped into rookies.

Tang Yu-er knew Wang Dong’s name as well. His strength was exceptional among the Eighth Level Spirit Condensation Realms. To be able to instantly kill Wang Dong, he most likely had the strength to clash with her!

"Alright. Go back and rest well. Adjust your condition to its peak! This grand competition will be more interesting than any others in the past!" Tian Yu said to Tang Yu-er with a faint smile.

. . . . . .

At the same time, many people were speculating who this No. 52 was. Some who were acquainted with Wang Dong went up to him.

"Wang Dong, I remember that you’re No. 49? Then was your opponent No. 52? Who is this No. 52, to actually be the first person to win for two consecutive rounds?"

Wang Dong had a gloomy face as he said, "How would I know who he is? Either way, his age is not old; younger than both you and I. Should be a newcomer. But his strength is absolutely formidable! In my opinion . . . he can at least enter the top 10!"

That person had an incredulous look when he heard that and said, "Are you joking?! Who can shake the position of the top 10? You aren’t finding an excuse for your loss, right?"

Wang Dong snickered coldly when he heard that and said, "Watch if you don’t believe! Putting aside other things, just based solely on that ultimate move of his, to instantly transform into nine silhouettes and unleash nine sword beams, each stronger than the other! Just based on that one move, he can also enter the top 10!"

That disciple was greatly startled when he heard that and said, "No way? So incredible? Can it be a newly emerged half-step Crystal Formation Realm expert?"

Wang Dong shook his head and said, "That’s a no. He’s only at the Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm."

That disciple burst into laughter when he heard that and said, "Wang Dong, did he bash your brain? Did you lose to a Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm? And you even say that he can enter the top 10?"

The corner of Wang Dong’s mouth twitched, but he said disdainfully, "Didn’t you lose in the second round too? Since you’ve nothing to do anyway, follow me to watch that No.52 compete and you’ll see."

Having said that, that disciple became even more curiously and naturally would not reject. Hence, he went to find Ye Yuan’s competition platform together with Wang Dong.

. . . . . .

The third round was 50 going to 25. If one passed the third round, it would also mean that they could enter the top 25 rankings!

Although there were some who were occasionally rather lucky earlier and encountered weaker opponents, after two rounds of filtering, the disciples who entered the third round were all rather powerful.

Even if there were those with weaker strength who were fortunate enough to pass two rounds, the possibility of passing the third round again would be virtually nil.

This third round was actually a dividing line. To be able to pass the third round meant that they belonged to the top echelon among the core disciples.

While other disciples were no less outstanding, compared to the disciples who passed the third round, the disparity became very obvious.

After two rounds of filtering, many disciples who were defeated no longer needed to take part in matches anymore. Quite a number of them gathered at some popular platforms to spectate the upcoming matches.

And currently, the platform where Ye Yuan was about to start his match was already surrounded by many disciples. This made him somewhat baffled.

Ye Yuan thought that the most popular platform should be Tian Yu’s. Why were there so many people gathered over on his side?

Could it be that his opponent was very popular, that was why it attracted everyone to watch?

Speaking of which, Ye Yuan’s opponent this round was No. 14. It should be an extremely powerful foe.

"Hey, did you guys hear? This No.52 is that newcomer disciple who snatched Ceng Yu’s points right after entering the sect. He’s called Ye Yuan!"

"En, I heard it too! I really did not think that a Second Level Spirit Condensation Realm could actually pass two consecutive round! Furthermore, be the first to win! This fellow is truly perverse!"

"Tch, still Second Level Spirit Condensation Realm? He was Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm long ago! Don’t you know yet? After he snatched Ceng Yu’s points, he went to the A-grade cultivation rooms to enter seclusion for five days. After he exited, he was Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm!"

"What? There’s really such a thing? Incredible! Truly incredible! I didn’t think that such a monster actually entered the sect this time! How are we going to survive? But, even if he broke through to the Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm, how was it possible to clear two rounds consecutively with such strength? Moreover, be the first to win?"

"Hehe, weren’t we competing earlier? Now, I want to take a good look at what areas this No.52 surpasses others in! Do you know who his opponent this time is?"

"En? Who?"

"This opponent, No. 14, is the number one figure in the Earth Barracks, Zhang Jing!"