66: Chapter 66 A Quiet Return to the Source, Undercurrents Grow Stronger

The Lingyun Sword Sect was the hegemon of the Tianfeng Kingdom, and the Sect itself was relatively safe.

With Danxia Peak as cover, he could utilize the Sect's resources to quickly digest the Legacy and improve his strength.

At the same time, he could secretly observe whether the tentacles of the Yinkui Sect had extended into the interior of the Sect and whether there were hidden circumstances behind the matter of Zhao Wuji.

More importantly, he was currently a "missing person from the mountain patrol team." If he did not return for a long time, he might be assumed to have fallen or defected, making it difficult to return later.

He had to return, blur the details of the Earth Fire Secret Realm, provide a reasonable explanation for his "survival," and regain his footing.

Having made up his mind, Lin Ye no longer hesitated and quickly moved forward along the secret fire path.

The fire path was winding and tortuous with extremely high temperatures, but for him, having initially refined the Great Sun Golden Flame seed, it was like walking on flat ground.

He could even feel the surrounding Earth Fire power's affinity toward him.

A few hours later, light and fresh air appeared ahead.

He crawled out of the fire path and found himself in an inconspicuous volcanic rock crevice on the outskirts of the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range.

After identifying his direction, he realized this place was a thousand miles away from the Lingyun Sword Sect's outpost camp and far from the Red Rock Valley where he was ambushed.

Very good.

He changed out of the conspicuous crimson-gold Dharma robe (storing it in the yan jun ring), put on the grey attire of a Hundred Herbs Hall medicine boy again, and suppressed his cultivation to the sixth level of Qi Refining (slightly higher than when he left, but it could be explained as a Breakthrough in a desperate situation).

The flame sovereign sword was too conspicuous, so he put it away as well.

He only kept the repaired yan jun token hidden close to his body, along with the ancient ring yuan sha and the bone ring, as his trump cards.

Then, he identified the direction and sped toward the Lingyun Sword Sect's outpost camp.

Three days later, Lin Ye, dusty, ragged, and bearing many "newly added scars," appeared staggering outside the outpost camp.

His appearance immediately caused a stir in the camp.

Soon, he was brought to the main tent in the center of the camp.

Inside the tent, besides Deacon Wang and Deacon Sun who were stationed there, there was also Elder Liu from Danxia Peak, and... the grim-faced Law Enforcement Elder Zhao Kun!

"Lin Han? You are still alive?!" Deacon Sun (Danxia Peak) was both surprised and happy.

Deacon Wang (Tianjian Peak) scrutinized Lin Ye with a sharp gaze.

A flash of surprise and imperceptible inquiry crossed Elder Liu's eyes.

Zhao Kun remained expressionless, a trace of gloom flashing deep in his eyes.

"Disciple... managed to escape by sheer Luck." Lin Ye's voice was hoarse, his face showing lingering fear and exhaustion, as he recited the prepared story:

After being separated by the Yinkui Sect ambush, he fled into the Red Rock Valley in a panic, where he disturbed a second-tier Lava Fire Python and was forced to jump into a ground fire crevice.

He luckily fell into an underground cavern and, relying on the Medicinal Pill he carried and his ice-attribute Cultivation Technique, barely resisted the high temperature of the ground fire, hiding in the cavern for over ten days.

Later, the ground fire shifted, causing part of the cavern to collapse. He crawled out through a newly appeared crevice, barely surviving, and spent several more days finding his way back to the camp.

He omitted all key details like the Geocentric Furnace and the Flame Lord's Legacy, emphasizing only the danger of the ground fire and his Luck.

The "scars" on his body and his suppressed cultivation also perfectly corroborated his claim of enduring hardship and achieving a Breakthrough in a desperate situation.

"To be able to escape from the Yinkui Sect ambush and a second-tier Yao Beast, and even achieve a Breakthrough in cultivation, you certainly have good Luck." Deacon Wang listened and remained noncommittal.

The Yinkui Sect ambush had been confirmed; Han Li's team was almost wiped out, with only a few scattered individuals escaping back.

Lin Ye's story, while bizarre, was not entirely impossible in the complex terrain of the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range.

"Go and rest. The details will be recorded by the deacon Disciples later." Deacon Sun waved his hand, signaling that Lin Ye could leave.

"Wait." Zhao Kun, who had been silent, suddenly spoke in a cold voice, "Lin Han, since you survived the ground fire in Red Rock Valley, did you see anything unusual in the valley or underground? For example... ancient ruins, or special flames?"

It came! Lin Ye felt a jolt in his heart, but his face showed just the right amount of confusion: "Reporting to Elder Zhao, this Disciple was only focused on escaping at the time. The ground fire was fierce, visibility was poor, and my Divine Sense was suppressed, so I did not see any ruins. As for special flames... ground fire is fire by nature; my cultivation is low, and I cannot distinguish whether it was special or not."

Zhao Kun stared at Lin Ye for a few seconds, seemingly wanting to find a flaw, but Lin Ye's gaze was open (a disguise), and his aura was unstable (a pretense of unhealed injuries), showing nothing unusual.

"Fine, you may go." Zhao Kun withdrew his gaze and waved his hand.

"Disciple takes his leave." Lin Ye bowed and exited the main tent, his back already drenched in cold sweat.

This Zhao Kun indeed had designs on the Earth Fire Secret Realm! Was it because of Zhao Wuji? Or the Yinkui Sect?

Returning to the simple tent allocated to the survivors, Lin Ye took a Medicinal Pill and adjusted his breath to recover.

His injuries had actually healed long ago; he was just putting on an act.

Over the next few days, several other Disciples who had fled returned one after another, all covered in wounds and shaken.

The mountain patrol mission was urgently called off by the Sect due to heavy losses and the appearance of the Yinkui Sect.

All survivors were required to remain in the camp, waiting for further instructions.

Lin Ye kept to himself; besides cooperating with the deacon Disciples in recording his statement, he spent his time silently meditating, but in reality, he was constantly digesting and organizing the massive information of the Flame Lord's Legacy in his mind.

The Flame Lord's Legacy was profound and vast, with its core being the Great Sun Golden Flame Technique, a supreme Cultivation Technique pointing directly to the Dao of Fire, which could be cultivated to the Immortal Realm.

However, Lin Ye possessed the Ice Soul Sword Art and had initially formed the Foundation of Ice-Fire Taiji, so he could not completely switch his cultivation.

He could only draw upon its essence to perfect his own understanding of "fire" and Cultivate several powerful Divine Abilities and Spells from it, such as the "Golden Crow Rainbow Transformation" (escape technique), "Sun True Fire" (attack), "Fiery Golden Eyes" (pupil technique), and so on.

The legacies regarding Alchemy, Artifact Refining, and Formation were even more precious, with many concepts and techniques far surpassing the present day.

In particular, one technique called "Fire Fusion Spirit Refining Technique" could utilize special flames to temper his Divine Sense and strengthen his Divine Soul, which was exactly what he urgently needed.

He was also secretly observing the movements within the camp.

After failing to get answers from him, Zhao Kun did not seem to give up; he summoned several other Disciples who had escaped from the direction of Red Rock Valley to inquire in detail, but all yielded nothing.

Elder Liu remained silent, only occasionally looking in the direction of Lin Ye's tent, appearing thoughtful.

Seven days later, a new decree from the Sect arrived: All surviving Disciples were to return to the Sect immediately.

The mountain patrol mission was terminated, and contribution points would be issued at the Sect's discretion.

The matter of the Yinkui Sect ambush would be jointly investigated by the Law Enforcement Hall and the Battle Hall.

Lin Ye, along with the others, boarded the Cloud Piercing Boat and returned to the Lingyun Sword Sect.

Returning to the Hundred Herbs Garden on Danxia Peak, everything seemed to have returned to the starting point.

But the way Zhou Tong, Sun Yu, and Liu Xiaoying looked at him was now filled with awe and curiosity.

Being able to escape from the Yinkui Sect and a second-tier Yao Beast, and even achieve a Breakthrough in cultivation, was already legendary among low-level Disciples.

Lin Ye remained low-key, tending to the Spiritual Plant, listening to lectures, and cultivating every day.

However, his cultivation now mostly involved comprehending the Flame Lord's Legacy, and his cultivation level improved steadily, soon "recovering" to the seventh level of Qi Refining and stabilizing.

Externally, he claimed it was the result of accumulating strength over time, which finally burst forth after a Breakthrough in a desperate situation.

He would occasionally be summoned by Elder Liu to the Alchemy room to help handle some high-grade medicinal ingredients.

Elder Liu seemed even more satisfied with his "ice-fire control" and would occasionally offer pointers on the profound aspects of Alchemy, but did not ask much about the Earth Fire Secret Realm.

One day, while Lin Ye was in the north area using the newly comprehended "Fire Fusion Spirit Refining Technique" in conjunction with the Ice Soul Sword Art to more precisely condense "Mysterious Frost Water" to water the Ice Heart Orchid, he suddenly felt something and looked up toward the outside of the garden.

He saw Chu Yun and Su Waner arriving together, both with rather unpleasant expressions.

"Junior Brother Lin, can we speak in private?" Chu Yun's expression was grave.

Lin Ye led the two to his room and set up a simple sound-isolating Restriction.

"Senior Brother Chu, Senior Sister Su, what is the matter that you are so serious?" Lin Ye asked.

"Junior Brother Lin, do you know that Zhao Wuji has returned?" Chu Yun said in a deep voice.

Lin Ye's heart stirred, and he nodded: "I have heard a little."

Shortly after the mountain patrol team departed, Zhao Wuji had left due to "other tasks," so he did not participate and escaped the calamity.

"He didn't just return; he also brought someone back." Su Waner interjected, her voice filled with dissatisfaction, "It was brought back from outside by his uncle, Elder Zhao. It is said to be some 'descendant of an old acquaintance,' possesses a 'Fire Spirit Physique,' and has already been accepted by Elder Zhao as a Named Disciple. They will be joining Danxia Peak in a few days!"

Fire Spirit Physique? Lin Ye frowned slightly.

This Physique was an excellent Aptitude for cultivating fire-attribute Cultivation Techniques and would certainly be valued in a place like Danxia Peak.

"What does this have to do with us?" Lin Ye asked.

"It has a lot to do with us!" Chu Yun sighed, "As soon as this person arrived, they started meddling with the existing resource allocation of Danxia Peak. Elder Zhao has already proposed to the Peak Master to redistribute the resource quotas for various herb gardens and Alchemy rooms, especially concerning the usage rights of fire-attribute Spiritual Plants and the Earth Fire Alchemy rooms. My Master (Chu Yun's Master) and several Junior Martial Uncles all opposed it, but Elder Zhao is powerful, and under the guise of 'cultivating geniuses to strengthen our Danxia,' I am afraid..."

He paused, looking at Lin Ye: "The Ice-Heart Orchids and Cold-Mist Grass in the North District of the Hundred Herbs Garden, although Ice-attributed, require a tributary of the 'Mysterious Yin Earth Vein' for their growth, which lies adjacent to the Earth Fire Vein system. Elder Zhao has proposed 'harmonizing Yin and Yang' by excavating a fire-conducting channel beneath the North District to introduce Earth Fire, transforming the environment to Cultivate a new type of Fire-attributed Spiritual Plant for his Named Disciple. Once that happens, the existing Ice-Heart Orchids and Cold-Mist Grass in the North District will surely be destroyed! Although Elder Liu is in charge of the Hundred Herbs Garden, I fear he will find it difficult to stop Elder Zhao's intentions."

Lin Ye's eyes turned cold. This was clearly an attempt to encroach upon his "territory," and what's more, it meant destroying the Spiritual Plants he had painstakingly tended to just to curry favor with that newcomer with the "Fire Spirit Physique"!

"Furthermore," Su Waner added, lowering her voice, "I heard that Zhao Wuji has been holding a grudge against you, Junior Brother, for that 'confrontation' last time. This time, by leveraging his uncle and that new Disciple, I fear he will make things difficult for you. You must be careful."

"Many thanks to Senior Brother and Senior Sister for the heads-up." Lin Ye cupped his hands, his expression calm, but his heart was already filled with vigilance. This was not just a dispute over resources; it was the beginning of the uncle and nephew's revenge against him. Moreover, for a "Fire Spirit Physique" to arrive at this exact moment... Was it merely a coincidence?

"Junior Brother, this matter requires careful deliberation. I will do my best to persuade Revered Master and join forces with several Junior Martial Uncles to try and preserve the North District. You should also keep a low profile these days and avoid further conflict with Zhao Wuji," Chu Yun urged.

"I understand," Lin Ye nodded.

After seeing Chu Yun and the others off, Lin Ye stood before the window of his room, gazing at the thriving Ice-Heart Orchids in the North District, his eyes growing cold.

Destroy my herb garden and cut off my cultivation aid?

And using your influence to bully me?

It seems the peaceful days at Danxia Peak are over.

Since you want to play games, I will play along.

It just so happens that I can test this newly acquired Legacy to see how much of a storm it can stir up within the Lingyun Sword Sect.

Three days later, at the Danxia Peak Council Hall.

A meeting regarding the redistribution of resources was underway. It was presided over by the eldest Disciple of the Peak Revered Master, Master Zi Xia, a Daoist in green robes at the Early Stage of the Golden Core Realm. Elder Liu, Elder Zhao, and several other Foundation Establishment Elders and Deacon Alchemists were in attendance. Chu Yun's Revered Master, an Alchemist at the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm surnamed Li, was also present.

Elder Zhao Kun indeed proposed the plan to "introduce Earth Fire, modify the herb garden, and Cultivate new species," and presented his newly accepted Named Disciple—a youth named "Chi Yang," who had an arrogant expression, wore luxurious clothing, and was already at the eighth level of Qi Refining. Chi Yang possessed a Fire Spirit Physique, and his aura was scorching hot; standing there, he was like a small furnace, drawing everyone's attention.

"Junior Martial Nephew Chi Yang is exceptionally gifted, and a Fire Spirit Physique is rare to encounter in a millennium; he should be vigorously nurtured. The environment of the North District of the Hundred Herbs Garden is unique; if we can introduce Earth Fire to harmonize it and Cultivate 'Crimson Flame Dragon Saliva Grass,' it would be of great benefit to the Alchemy path of our Danxia Peak. As for those Ice-Heart Orchids and Cold-Mist Grass, they are merely common First-Grade Spiritual Plants; they can be moved elsewhere or discarded," Zhao Kun spoke eloquently.

Elder Liu frowned deeply: "Senior Brother Zhao, although the Ice-Heart Orchids and Cold-Mist Grass are not of high grade, they are essential auxiliary ingredients for refining several specific Medicinal Pills, and they have been cultivated for many years. To destroy them abruptly would be a significant loss. The project to introduce Earth Fire is massive, and Earth Fire is volatile. If it were to lose control, I fear it would endanger the entire Hundred Herbs Garden and even the surrounding areas."

"Junior Brother Liu is overthinking it. Since this old man has proposed this, I have the confidence to control the Earth Fire. As for those auxiliary ingredients, we can simply find another place to replant them. Does our vast Danxia Peak not have a single place with Yin and cold energy?" Zhao Kun dismissed the concern.

Most of the other Elders remained silent, either staying neutral or leaning towards Zhao Kun (a Fire Spirit Physique is indeed worthy of investment).

Elder Li (Chu Yun's Revered Master) spoke up: "This matter concerns the Foundation of the herb garden; should we not hear the opinion of the herb boy who is specifically in charge of taking care of the North District? After all, he knows the situation of those herb fields best."

"A mere herb boy, what does he understand about the big picture?" Zhao Kun snorted coldly.

"There is no harm in listening," the presiding Daoist in green robes said indifferently.

Soon, Lin Ye was summoned to the Council Hall.

This was his first time stepping into the core council grounds of Danxia Peak, facing numerous Foundation Establishment and Golden Core Cultivators. His expression was calm, neither humble nor arrogant, and after saluting, he stood still.

"Lin Han, the North District of the Hundred Herbs Garden is under your care. Elder Zhao has proposed introducing Earth Fire to modify the North District and Cultivate new species; what is your opinion on this?" the Daoist in green robes asked.

Countless gazes fell upon Lin Ye—some scrutinizing, some indifferent, some dissatisfied (Zhao Kun), and some concerned (Elder Liu, Elder Li).

Lin Ye raised his head, looking at the arrogant Chi Yang, then at the gloomy-faced Zhao Kun, and spoke slowly:

"This Disciple believes that Elder Zhao's proposal... is inappropriate."

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall fell silent.

A cold glint flashed in Zhao Kun's eyes: "Oh? A mere herb boy dares to recklessly comment on an Elder's decision? What is inappropriate about it? Speak!"

Lin Ye's expression remained unchanged, his voice clear:

"First, the Ice-Heart Orchids and Cold-Mist Grass are not common First-Grade Spiritual Plants. Their medicinal properties are pure and require the nourishment of a specific Mysterious Yin Earth Vein. If transplanted elsewhere, their medicinal properties will certainly be damaged, and their growth cycle is long, making them difficult to replenish in a short time. This will affect the refining of several important Medicinal Pills, which is detrimental to the supply of pills within the Peak."

"Second, although there is a branch of the Earth Fire vein beneath the North District, it forms a delicate balance with the Mysterious Yin Earth Vein here. Forcibly excavating to introduce fire will easily disrupt this balance, triggering an Earth Fire riot or a backlash of Yin Qi, endangering the safety of the Hundred Herbs Garden and even the surrounding Disciples. This is not alarmist talk; this Disciple once luckily escaped from an Earth Fire desperate situation in the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range and knows deeply that Earth Fire is volatile and should not be trifled with."

"Third," Lin Ye turned his gaze to Chi Yang, "Senior Brother Chi Yang possesses a Fire Spirit Physique and indeed requires Fire-attributed resources. However, Danxia Peak has numerous Fire-attributed spiritual sites, such as the 'Earth Fire Alchemy Room' and 'Red Flame Valley,' which are all more suitable than modifying the North District. Why go to such lengths, abandoning the near for the far, and destroying an existing herb garden?"

Every word was reasonable, neither humble nor arrogant.

Chi Yang's face darkened; he did not expect a herb boy to dare to refute him to his face. Zhao Kun's face was even darker, like water.

A hint of approval flashed in the eyes of Elder Liu and Elder Li.

"Eloquent but deceptive!" Zhao Kun shouted coldly, "You, a minor Qi Refining Cultivator, what do you know about Earth Fire balance? As for resources, how they are allocated is determined by Sect laws and Elder decisions; how can you interfere? I see you are unwilling to let go of the meager credit for taking care of the herb garden and are deliberately obstructing this!"

"This Disciple dares not," Lin Ye cupped his hands, but his tone remained firm, "This Disciple is merely speaking the truth. If the Elder insists on changing it, this Disciple is of low status and will naturally comply. But I ask the Elder to sign a legal contract: if the introduction of Earth Fire causes the destruction of the North District herb garden, the loss of control of the Earth Fire, or the failure of the new species cultivation, the proponent must bear the consequences alone and compensate the Hundred Herbs Garden and the affected Disciples for their losses."

"Insolent!" Zhao Kun was furious, the pressure of the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm faintly radiating, "You dare to threaten this Seat?!"

"This Disciple dares not; I am merely acting according to the rules. The Sect rules state that for major changes in affairs, rights and responsibilities must be clarified. As the caretaker of the North District, this Disciple has the right to know and request that responsibilities be clarified." Lin Ye withstood the pressure, his voice remaining steady. His Divine Soul had now been tempered by the Golden Flame Soul Refining, making it incomparably tough, and ordinary pressure could no longer shake him.

The atmosphere in the hall was suddenly tense.

A strange look flashed in the eyes of the Daoist in green robes, who took a deep look at Lin Ye and raised his hand to suppress Zhao Kun's pressure: "Enough, this matter will be discussed later. Lin Han, you may withdraw."

"Yes." Lin Ye bowed and withdrew.

He knew that today's events had completely offended Zhao Kun and his nephew. But if he did not fight, he would be at the mercy of others.

Upon returning to the Hundred Herbs Garden, the way Zhou Tong and the others looked at him was as if they were looking at a monster. Daring to contradict Elder Zhao to his face in the Council Hall, did this Lin Han not want to live anymore?

Lin Ye acted as if nothing had happened and continued to tend to the Spiritual Plants.

He knew that things would not end so easily.

Indeed, that night, Elder Liu summoned him to the Alchemy Room.

"You were too impulsive today," Elder Liu sighed, "Zhao Kun is a man who seeks revenge for the slightest grievance. You caused him to lose face in public; he will certainly not let this rest."

"This Disciple was merely arguing based on reason," Lin Ye said.

"Reason?" Elder Liu shook his head, "In the Cultivation world, often, strength is reason. Zhao Kun is at the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm and is also a Law Enforcement Elder; he has considerable power. If he is determined to move against you, he might worry about Sect rules on the surface, but in the dark... it is impossible to guard against."

"Many thanks for the Elder's reminder; this Disciple will be careful," Lin Ye said.

Elder Liu looked at Lin Ye's calm expression and suddenly asked: "Lin Han, tell me honestly, did you have other encounters in that Earth Fire desperate situation? I observe that your aura is vastly different from before; your Ice-Fire Spiritual Power circulates harmoniously, and there is a faint flow of Dao aura. This is definitely not something an ordinary Qi Refining Disciple can have."

Lin Ye's heart trembled; he knew he couldn't hide it from the discerning eyes of such an experienced Alchemist. He pondered for a moment and said: "I dare not hide it from the Elder; this Disciple did indeed have some encounters and has gained some insights into the Dao of Ice and Fire. But for specific details, please forgive this Disciple for being unable to disclose them."

Elder Liu took a deep look at him and nodded: "Everyone has their own opportunities and secrets; if you are unwilling to say, this old man will not ask. But remember, the tree that stands above the forest will be destroyed by the wind. The Heart-Nature and understanding of Earth Fire you displayed today have already attracted attention. I fear Zhao Kun will pay even more attention to you. Take care of yourself."

"This Disciple understands."

Leaving Elder Liu's Alchemy Room, Lin Ye returned to his room and sat cross-legged.

The tree wants to be still, but the wind will not cease.

It seems that blindly keeping a low profile and enduring is no longer enough to cope with the coming storm.

Perhaps it is time to appropriately reveal some strength and "value" to make certain people hesitate to act, while at the same time... striving for more initiative for himself.

For example, the upcoming "Sect Minor Competition" seems like a good stage?

And then, Zhao Wuji and his new "Fire Spirit Physique" Junior Brother...

A cold, sharp glint flashed in Lin Ye's eyes.