36: Undercurrents resurface
The murderous intent in the forest temporarily dissipated with Ye Qingxue's intervention and Lin Hong's withdrawal, but the tension permeating the air had not completely faded.
Ye Chen stood where he was, his Divine Sense like an invisible spiderweb, carefully sensing his surroundings. Only after confirming there were no more ambushes did he slowly sheath his qingfeng sword.
The three days in the Sword Pool had not only allowed his cultivation to reach the Peak of the Kaiyuan Realm Third Level and condensed his Sword Intent, but more importantly, the qingfeng sword seemed to have resonated with that dark golden Sword Qi deep within the Sword Pool, making this already mysterious ancient sword appear even more unfathomable.
He had a premonition that the potential of the qingfeng sword was far from being fully tapped.
"Lin Hong... Kaiyuan Realm Seventh Level, he is truly a formidable opponent." Ye Chen calmly evaluated the exchange that had just taken place.
Had it not been for the great increase in strength from the Sword Pool baptism and the Luminous Sword Heart Realm allowing him to see through illusions, he likely would have struggled to hold out against Lin Hong for long with his previous methods.
"Inner Court assessment..." He recalled Ye Qingxue's warning, his eyes narrowing slightly.
That was the only path to enter the Inner Court, and also the best stage for Lin Hong to "reasonably" target him.
With nearly three months until the assessment, he had to use this time to further improve his strength.
Instead of returning to his Ding-character courtyard, Ye Chen headed straight for the Outer Court Mission Hall.
Real combat was the best whetstone for sharpening a sword, and it could also earn him points to exchange for necessary resources.
The Mission Hall was still bustling with people, loud and chaotic.
But when Ye Chen stepped into the main hall, the original noise instantly quieted down slightly, and countless gazes fell upon him—awe, curiosity, jealousy, envy... all sorts of emotions.
As the champion of the minor competition who had defeated Lin Hong of the Inner Court with his sword (though no clear winner was decided, the news of him forcing Lin Hong to retreat had already spread like wildfire), Ye Chen was now a legendary existence in the hearts of the Outer Court Disciples.
Ye Chen's expression remained unchanged as he walked straight toward the light screen area where high-Rank missions were posted.
With his current strength, ordinary missions to hunt Rank 2 Yao Beasts no longer posed much of a challenge.
His gaze swept quickly across the light screen.
【Clear out the "Poison Jiao Crocodile Pack" entrenched in the Black Water Marsh, and obtain the Crocodile King's blood essence and poison sac. Mission Rank: Dangerous. Recommended cultivation: Kaiyuan Realm Fourth Level or above, or travel as a team. Reward: 1500 points, one bottle of Rank 4 Antidote Medicinal Pill.】
【Explore the outer area of the "Ancient Cultivator Immortal Cave", draw a detailed map, and obtain three pieces of "Spirit-Suppressing Jade". Mission Rank: Extremely High Risk. Recommended cultivation: Kaiyuan Realm Fifth Level or above. Warning: The outer perimeter of the Immortal Cave is filled with Restrictions, and several groups of explorers have already gone missing. Reward: 3000 points, one choice of a Profound Rank Medium Grade Martial Skill.】
【Escort the "Ten Thousand Treasures Tower" merchant caravan to "Liuyun City", passing through "Luohun Gorge", and deal with potential bandits and Yao Beasts. Mission Rank: Dangerous. Recommended cultivation: Kaiyuan Realm Third Level or above. Reward: 800 points, the caravan's friendship.】
...The missions were dazzling, and the rewards were quite generous, but the risks were equally significant.
Ye Chen pondered for a moment, his gaze landing on the mission to explore the Ancient Cultivator Immortal Cave.
Three thousand points, plus a Profound Rank Medium Grade Martial Skill—the reward was extremely tempting.
Moreover, exploring ruins was often accompanied by Opportunity; perhaps he could discover some unexpected treasures.
"This is the one." Ye Chen made his decision and reached out to accept the mission.
Just then, a slightly effeminate voice sounded from beside him: "Junior Brother Ye, you have a good eye. This Ancient Cultivator Immortal Cave mission is a tough nut to crack; be careful not to break your teeth."
Ye Chen turned his head to see a young man wearing fine robes, with a fair face and eyes full of calculation, walking over.
Ye Chen had a slight impression of this person. His name was Sun Miao, a famous "informant" of the Outer Court. He was well-informed, but also known for fawning over the powerful and bullying the weak.
"Does Senior Brother Sun have any advice?" Ye Chen's tone was flat.
Sun Miao leaned in a few steps and lowered his voice: "Junior Brother Ye, I am reminding you out of kindness. This Ancient Cultivator Immortal Cave mission is very deep waters. I heard... it is not peaceful inside. The several teams that accepted the mission before all perished inside without even making a splash."
He paused, his eyes flickering, and added pointedly: "Moreover, I heard... Senior Brother Lin Hong seems to have some interest in this Immortal Cave as well. If you accept this mission now, I'm afraid..."
Ye Chen's eyes flashed, and he immediately understood Sun Miao's intention.
It was both to do him a favor and to warn him of the risks, and even more so, to implicitly tell him that Lin Hong might make trouble for him through this mission.
"Many thanks for the information, Senior Brother Sun." Ye Chen's expression did not change, but he sneered inwardly.
Lin Hong was certainly quick to act; it seemed he intended to set a trap for him during the mission.
Not only did he not retreat, but he became even more determined to accept the mission.
Instead of passively waiting for the other party to make a Move, it was better to proactively step into the trap and see what kind of methods they really had!
It was perfect; he also needed a real life-or-death battle to thoroughly stabilize his newly broken-through Realm and hone his swordsmanship.
Without hesitation, Ye Chen pressed his identity jade token directly onto the light screen, accepting the mission to explore the Ancient Cultivator Immortal Cave.
Seeing this, a flash of surprise crossed Sun Miao's eyes, but he immediately put on a smile: "Junior Brother Ye is truly courageous! Admirable, admirable! I wish you immediate success and a return with a full harvest!" After speaking, he cupped his hands and walked away quickly.
Ye Chen watched Sun Miao's receding back, his eyes deep.
This person was well-informed; perhaps he could be put to use.
He did not leave the Mission Hall immediately but walked to a quiet corner, took out a transmission Talisman, and whispered a few words. Then, he channeled his spiritual power, and the Talisman turned into a stream of light, flying off in a certain direction.
It was sent to Uncle Fu, asking him to help keep an eye on the recent movements of Lin Hong and his cronies, especially information related to the Ancient Cultivator Immortal Cave.
After doing all this, Ye Chen turned and left the Mission Hall, returning to his residence to prepare.
The Ancient Cultivator Immortal Cave was located deep in the Cangmang Mountain Range, thousands of miles northwest of Tianfeng Academy. It was not close, and the journey was fraught with danger; he had to make full preparations.
First, he properly stored away the five thousand Spirit Stones and three kaiyuan pills rewarded from the minor competition.
He would not use the kaiyuan pills for now, saving them for when he attempted to Breakthrough to the Kaiyuan Realm Fourth Level.
Afterward, he went to the Medicinal Pill Pavilion and the Weaponry Workshop, using some of his points to exchange for some healing and Qi-restoring Medicinal Pills, as well as some Materials needed for drawing Talismans and setting up simple Formations.
Returning to his courtyard, Ye Chen began to organize what he had learned.
The "Qingyuan Sword Foundation" ran steadily, his spiritual power pure and long-lasting.
Under the Luminous Sword Heart Realm, the "Wind Shadow Sword Art" was no longer confined to specific Moves; whatever he did with ease became a killing Move.
The "Flowing Wind Fleeting Shadow" Sword Intent focused on speed and unpredictability, the "Immovable Rock Guarding Heart" Sword Intent focused on defense and stability, and that trace of "Nirvana" Sword Intent served as his strongest trump card.
"qingfeng sword..." Ye Chen stroked the increasingly clear dark golden patterns on the sword body, feeling the majestic power contained within and a faint, lingering yearning.
The anomaly in the Sword Pool had made his connection with the qingfeng sword even closer, as if this sword were guiding him to explore some ancient secret.
"This trip to the Immortal Cave might also be the Opportunity to unravel the mystery of your origin." Ye Chen whispered.
The origin of the qingfeng sword had always been a mystery.
Three days later, everything was ready.
Ye Chen packed his bag, hung the qingfeng sword at his waist, pushed open the courtyard door, and strode toward the outside of the academy, facing the rising morning sun.
Not long after he left the academy, several hidden figures, like ghosts, quietly followed him, disappearing into the vast mountain forest.
Meanwhile, in a luxurious courtyard within the Inner Court.
After listening to his subordinate's report, a cruel smile appeared on Lin Hong's face: "He really did accept that mission... Very good! Notify the people of the 'Shadow Fiends', act according to the plan. I want him to stay in that ancient cave forever!"
"Yes!" The subordinate received the order and left.
Lin Hong toyed with a blood-colored jade pendant in his hand, his eyes cold: "Ye Chen, no matter how high your talent is, in the face of absolute power, you are nothing but a slightly stronger ant! Dare to oppose my Lin family, there is only one outcome—death!"
A killing trap targeting Ye Chen had already been quietly set up outside the Ancient Cultivator Immortal Cave.
Meanwhile, Ye Chen was walking alone on the official road leading to the Cangmang Mountain Range.
His expression was calm, his gaze sharp, as if he were completely unaware of the impending danger, or as if... he had already foreseen everything.
His fingertips brushed unconsciously over the cold scabbard of the qingfeng sword.
The wind was rising, signaling an approaching storm.