267: Chapter 267 Hidden Edge

The wind of the Wangchuan Valley plains carried the damp chill of grass and trees, blowing across Ye Yisong's face, yet it could not dispel the lingering trepidation in his heart.

Leaning against the trunk of a large tree, as he adjusted his breathing, he could still clearly recall the heaven-destroying and earth-shattering pressure of the Demon Emperor, as well as the reluctant look in the White Lion's eyes upon their parting.

If he hadn't accidentally encountered the White Lion in the inner layer of the Secret Realm and unexpectedly learned its identity, and subsequently recognized the imperial mark on its forehead thanks to the Martial Emperor Legacy in the valley, and then, when the White Lion was being besieged by the Hu Family, the Wu Family, and the Zhao Family, persuaded the Zhao Family to secretly help it escape, he would likely have long since become a sacrifice to the Demon Emperor's rage.

"As expected, there is no such thing as an Opportunity gained without effort in this world." Ye Yisong sighed inwardly, his Divine Sense subconsciously stroking the spatial jade plaque hidden within his Dantian.

This jade plaque was truly miraculous; not only was its internal space vast, but it also possessed an inherent secretive attribute that blocked probing. To prevent others from discovering that he had received the Legacy of a Sixth-Rank Martial Emperor while in the Secret Realm, when Ye Yisong left that valley, he had placed all the Cultivation Techniques, Medicinal Pills, Jade Slips, books, and so on that he had obtained into it.

These items were too eye-catching and must not be easily shown to others.

Ye Yisong composed himself, and taking advantage of the gap while the Zhao Family Disciples were tending to the wounded and the five Martial King Elders' gazes were not fully focused on him, he quietly organized the "surface-level" spoils he had already prepared in his Storage Pouch: a lustrous Jade Slip inscribed with the words "Fourth-Rank Formation Master Legacy," next to which were neatly arranged dozens of Third-Rank Medicinal Pills with glowing leaves. Most eye-catching of all was that piece of Fifth-Rank treasure, Star Sand, which possessed a pale purple aura; the Star Sand carried its own sharp edge, causing the surrounding air to ripple with faint Spiritual Qi fluctuations.

"Nephew Ye, how are your injuries?" Zhao Zuoxiang stepped forward first, his gaze falling on Ye Yisong's pale face, his tone filled with genuine concern.

Zhao Zuoxiang had accepted favors from Old Ancestor Ye Rongming and was indeed acting in good faith, looking after Ye Yisong quite a bit within the Zhao Family.

Ye Yisong took the Opportunity to bow and salute, his voice carrying the weakness of one injured, yet unable to hide a trace of high spirits: "Many thanks for your concern, Elder Zhao. With Brother Qingyan's healing Medicinal Pill, my injuries are no longer a major issue. Being able to escape from the Secret Realm this time is entirely due to the Zhao Family's support; otherwise, as a Junior from Cangjiang Prefecture, I would have had no chance to witness such a world."

As he spoke, he handed over the Storage Pouch in his hand, stating calmly: "I was fortunate to make some gains in the Secret Realm. This Fourth-Rank Formation Master Legacy is not my main Dao of cultivation, and I fear it would be a waste in my hands. Among these treasures, this piece of Fifth-Rank Star Sand is the most valuable. I am willing to offer it to the Zhao Family; just leave the remaining Fourth-Rank Medicinal Pills for me."

As soon as his words fell, the gazes of the five Martial King Elders landed simultaneously on that piece of Fifth-Rank Star Sand, their eyes unable to hide their being moved.

How precious was Fifth-Rank Star Sand? Refining it into one's own life-bound divine weapon was enough to greatly increase the combat power of a Martial King Realm Cultivator. For a young Cultivator like Ye Yisong to obtain such an Opportunity and yet generously bring it out, this level of boldness was truly extraordinary.

The several Elders secretly circulated their Spiritual Qi to probe, sensing that although the aura within Ye Yisong's body was not yet stable, it was several times more vigorous than before he entered the Secret Realm. Especially the strength of his Physical Body, which faintly showed signs of breaking through to the Fourth-Rank Peak; he must have consumed some Fifth-Rank Medicinal Pill in the Secret Realm.

They naturally could not have imagined that Ye Yisong's true trump card was hidden in that inconspicuous spatial jade plaque; the blocking power of this jade plaque was such that even they had not discovered any abnormalities.

"Nephew Ye, there is no need to be so formal." Zhao Zuoxiang smiled and waved his hand, pushing the Medicinal Pills and Jade Slip back. "That you were able to gain an Opportunity in the Secret Realm is your own fortune. This Fifth-Rank Star Sand is also of great use to you; the Fourth-Rank Formation Master Legacy is even more rare for your clan. Let the Formation Master in your Family study it well, and the future achievements will be limitless. Although the Zhao Family needs Medicinal Pills, we would not seize a Junior's Opportunity."

The other four Elders also nodded in agreement.

They had long heard that Ye Yisong was gifted in the Martial Dao. During this trip to the Secret Realm, he not only displayed extraordinary courage and insight, but also forged a deep friendship with the Zhao Family, and was already vaguely becoming a core target for the Zhao Family to win over.

Although a Fifth-Rank treasure was tempting, for a potentially powerful ally, this small loss was completely worth it.

"Many thanks for your kindness, Elders." Ye Yisong understood, took back the items, and bowed again to express his gratitude. "I will keep this kindness in my heart."

The return journey was quite smooth, with the Zhao Family's flying boat speeding through the clouds, flying toward the main city of Donghai Prefecture.

Ye Yisong kept his eyes closed to rest throughout the journey, his mind full of thoughts, sorting through the resources obtained from the Secret Realm and planning his subsequent path of improvement.

It was three days later when the flying boat arrived at the Zhao Family residence.

As soon as Ye Yisong landed, he made a request to Zhao Zuoxiang and the others to enter seclusion: "Elders, although the injuries in my body are no longer a major issue, my Spiritual Qi is still unstable. I would like to apply to enter seclusion for a period of time to stabilize my Realm and recuperate from my injuries."

"It should be so." Zhao Zuoxiang readily agreed. "I have already had the maidservants arrange everything for you. During this time, I will not let anyone disturb you; you may rest assured in your seclusion. Any healing Medicinal Pills you need can be obtained from the estate steward at any time."

"Many thanks, Elder Zhao."

After thanking them, Ye Yisong followed the servants to Shuangxue Residence.

"This child is indeed steady and understands how to make trade-offs. If it weren't for Fenghua making a move first, I would have wanted to take him as a son-in-law." Grandfather Zhao Fengchi watched Ye Yisong's back and sighed.

"Indeed, this kid's trip to the Secret Realm not only saw his cultivation break through to the Nine-Star Martial Sect, but in Body Refining, he is also only a step away from the Fifth Rank. Being young is truly good." Zhao Zuoqiu's eyes flickered, not knowing what he was plotting.

"Hmph, you few better not mess around. Be careful, or Fenghua will risk his life against you. His lineage has been somewhat lackluster in Disciples over the last hundred years. At this critical juncture, if you dare to poach someone he has his eye on, he will not let it go easily." Before leaving, Grandfather Zhao Fengchi warned the three who were eager to try.

"Uncle Chi, we know the gravity of the situation."

Zhao Zuoqiu exchanged glances with the other two and slowly let go of the small thoughts in his heart; Uncle Hua was indeed not to be trifled with.

The East Courtyard of Shuangxue Residence was built against the mountain. The courtyard was planted with patches of spiritual plants, and the concentration of Spiritual Qi far exceeded that of the outside world; it was indeed an excellent place for secluded cultivation.

The moment he entered the courtyard and closed the gate, the fatigue on Ye Yisong's face instantly faded, replaced by a sharp edge.

After Ye Yisong entered the quiet room, he immediately activated the room's defensive Formation, completely sealing the room and isolating it from the outside. He then took out the spatial jade plaque and injected Spiritual Qi with his fingertips. Streams of light flew out from the jade plaque, hovering in the center of the room. However, Ye Yisong did not rashly take out those high-rank Cultivation Techniques; he was afraid that the Zhao Family might have left some hidden mechanisms in this quiet room.

After all, the Zhao Family had a Fifth-Rank Formation Master!

He took a deep breath, sat cross-legged on the prayer mat, and held the thousand-year-old snow ginseng in his hand. After examining it for a moment, he swallowed it with great reluctance, then began to circulate his Cultivation Technique, quickly repairing the damage to his body caused by the Demon Emperor's strike.

The life-and-death test in the Secret Realm made him understand that only with absolute strength could one gain a foothold in this treacherous world of cultivation.