43: Undercurrents

Returning to Courtyard No. 981 of the D-rank, closing the door to isolate the noise and prying eyes from the outside world, Ye Chen slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air.

The confrontation in front of the mountain gate seemed to have temporarily subsided under the intervention of Elder Liu Qingfeng, but he knew it was merely the brief calm before the storm. Yan Song's cold gaze upon leaving and the inevitable retaliation from the Lin Family were like a sword hanging over his head, reminding him that the crisis was far from over.

"Strength... still not enough strength!" Ye Chen clenched his fists. Although he had reached the Peak of the Fifth Level of the Kaiyuan Realm and could even contend with the Early Stage of the Linghai Realm using his various trump cards, he still felt vulnerable against a power like the Lin Family, which was deeply entrenched in both the academy and Liuyun City. Moreover, Lin Batian himself was at the Kaiyuan Realm Sixth Level, and it was unknown whether there were even stronger existences behind him.

He sat cross-legged and first checked his own condition. His cultivation was stable at the Peak of the Fifth Level of the Kaiyuan Realm, just one step away from the sixth level. Under the circulation of the "Qingyuan Sword Foundation," his spiritual power was pure and enduring, far exceeding those of the same rank. His Physical Body, having been tempered by the Sword Pool and the zhutian sword soul fragment, possessed incredible strength. Under the state of Luminous Sword Heart, his Divine Soul was exceptionally keen.

The greatest changes came from the qingfeng sword and that dormant "zhutian sword soul fragment." The qingfeng sword's essence had improved, and it was now connected to his mind, as easy to use as his own arm. As for that sword soul fragment, although dormant, it was like a seed rooted in his sword heart, subtly nourishing his sword dao and deepening his understanding of Sword Intent at every moment.

"System."

[host: Ye Chen]

[Realm: Peak of the Fifth Level of the Kaiyuan Realm]

[Cultivation Technique: Qingyuan Sword Foundation (Profound Rank High Grade, Optimized Version)]

[Skills: Wind Shadow Sword Art (Mastered), Wind Chasing Sword Art (Well-Versed)]

[Sword Intent: Flowing Wind Fleeting Shadow (Elementary), Immovable Rock Guarding Heart (Elementary), Annihilation (Weak), Heaven Slaying (Seed State, Unactivated)]

[System Points: 100]

[Items: Gold Sword Protective Talisman x1, fragmented parent-child communication jade (Child Jade) x1, quiet heart enlightenment pill x1, kaiyuan pill x3, several Low-Grade Spirit Stones...]

Looking at the System interface, especially the newly appeared "Heaven Slaying (Seed State)" text, Ye Chen understood. This sword soul fragment was his greatest trump card and potential, but its true power would likely require specific conditions or a certain level of strength to activate.

"The current priority is to break through to the Kaiyuan Realm Sixth Level as soon as possible and master my current power to deal with the Lin Family's revenge and the Inner Court Examination."

He took out a kaiyuan pill and was about to swallow it to break through the Bottleneck when there was a gentle knock on the courtyard door.

Sweeping with his Divine Sense, he saw Uncle Fu outside the door.

"Uncle Fu, please come in."

Uncle Fu pushed the door and entered, his expression even more solemn than usual. He set up a sound-isolating barrier before lowering his voice: "Young Master, you're back. This old servant has received news that the Lin Family's... reaction is very intense."

Ye Chen motioned for him to sit: "Tell me in detail."

"The news of Lin Hong's fall has been confirmed by the Lin Family. Lin Batian was furious; it's said he smashed a black iron table in the City Lord's Mansion on the spot. He is certain you did it and is lobbying everywhere, putting pressure on the academy to demand the punishment of the killer." Uncle Fu spoke quickly, "Elder Yan Song of the Law Enforcement Hall has a close personal relationship with Lin Batian. What happened at the mountain gate today was orchestrated by Lin Batian behind the scenes."

Ye Chen nodded; all of this was within expectations.

"Furthermore," Uncle Fu lowered his voice even more, "this old servant also found out that Lin Batian seems to have secretly contacted people from 'Blood Blade'."

"Blood Blade?" Ye Chen's eyes narrowed. This was an assassin organization even more mysterious and dangerous than the "Shadow Fiends." It was said they even had experts of the Linghai Realm! Their fees were extremely high, but once they took an order, they wouldn't stop until the target was dead.

"Yes. Although I can't confirm if an order has been placed, it is a fact that the Lin Family has had contact with 'Blood Blade'." Worry was etched on Uncle Fu's face. "Young Master, you must be extremely careful when you go out in the future. They might not dare to be blatant within the academy, but once you leave..."

"I understand." Ye Chen's eyes were cold. The Lin Family was willing to do whatever it took to kill him. "What about inside the academy? Besides Yan Song, who else might target me?"

Uncle Fu pondered, "Lin Batian has operated in the academy for many years and has many connections in the Law Enforcement Hall and the Inner Court. In the Outer Court, besides the likes of Ye Feng and Liu Feng whom you've already dealt with, there's nothing to worry about. But the Inner Court... the situation is complex. Lin Hong had some lackeys in the Inner Court, and his mentor, 'Elder Lie Huo,' has a violent temper and is known for being protective. He will likely take his anger out on you as well."

Elder Lie Huo? Ye Chen noted the name. To be honored as an Elder, he must at least have a Linghai Realm cultivation.

"But Young Master need not worry too much." Uncle Fu's tone shifted. "The Young Miss already knows about this. She asked me to tell you that she will do her best to mediate within the Ye Family, at least ensuring the Ye Family won't openly move against you. Moreover, Elder Liu Qingfeng's intervention to protect you today also represents the attitude of some academy higher-ups. They value your potential and won't let the Lin Family act recklessly."

Ye Chen nodded slightly. The support of Ye Qingxue and Liu Qingfeng indeed relieved a lot of pressure. But in the end, these were external forces; the only true guarantee was his own strength.

"Uncle Fu, help me keep an eye on the movements of Lin Batian and 'Blood Blade,' as well as the specific time and rules of the Inner Court Examination. Notify me as soon as there is news."

"Yes, Young Master." Uncle Fu respectfully complied, then added, "Young Master, there is one more thing. Regarding the half-broken black sword and the token you brought back, this old servant has investigated secretly, and it seems to be related to an ancient organization called the 'Dark Hall.' This organization is extremely mysterious, said to have an ancient Legacy and secretive ways, and is rumored to be linked to the fall of 'Zhutian Sword Venerable' ten thousand years ago. The Lin Family's ancestors might have been peripheral members of the 'Dark Hall'."

"Dark Hall?" A sharp light flashed in Ye Chen's eyes. This was another key piece of information! It seemed that behind the Lin Family, a much larger and older shadow was involved. This corroborated the information he had received from the zhutian sword soul fragment.

"I know of this matter. Continue your secret investigation, but be careful; safety comes first." Ye Chen instructed solemnly.

"This old servant understands." Uncle Fu nodded and then quietly retreated from the courtyard.

After sending Uncle Fu off, Ye Chen fell into deep thought. The situation was even more complex than he had anticipated. On the surface, there was the Lin Family's frantic revenge, and in the shadows, there were the threats from the "Blood Blade" assassins and the mysterious "Dark Hall."

"Pressure... is also motivation!" Instead of fear, a stronger fighting spirit burned in Ye Chen's eyes. He swallowed the kaiyuan pill and, holding a Spirit Stone, fully operated the "Qingyuan Sword Foundation."

The pure medicinal power and the majestic Spiritual Qi surged into his body, constantly battering the barrier of the Kaiyuan Realm Sixth Level. His cultivation was already at the Peak of the Fifth Level, just a step away from breaking through. Now, with the help of the pill and the Spirit Stone, that barrier began to vibrate violently, and cracks spread.

The night passed in silence.

When the first ray of morning sunlight shone through the window the next day, a faint roar came from within Ye Chen's body, as if some sort of shackle had been broken! The aura around him suddenly surged, the spiritual power flowed even faster, and its total volume increased by nearly thirty percent!

Kaiyuan Realm, Sixth Level!

Everything fell into place!

Feeling the even more surging power within him, Ye Chen slowly opened his eyes, his gaze bright and clear. Breaking through to the sixth level, his strength had increased significantly once again, and he felt more confident in dealing with the crisis.

He stood up, stretched his limbs, and began to practice his sword techniques. After the Breakthrough, his control over the "Wind Shadow Sword Art" and several types of Sword Intent became even more fluid and natural. Especially the "Annihilation" Sword Intent, which seemed to have solidified a bit more under the invisible nourishment of the zhutian sword soul fragment seed.

Over the next few days, Ye Chen stayed indoors. Except for necessary rest, he spent almost all his time consolidating his cultivation and honing his sword skills. He stopped taking on outside missions to avoid giving the Lin Family and external assassins any opportunities. It was still relatively safe within the academy, and Yan Song seemed to have no new moves for the time being due to Liu Qingfeng's intervention, but the undercurrents in the air were becoming increasingly turbulent.

During this time, Su Wanqing, Wang Meng, and other familiar Disciples came to visit. Their words revealed concern for the current situation, but they also offered to help if needed. Ye Chen thanked them for their kindness, feeling a touch of warmth in his heart.

One day, as he was practicing his sword in the courtyard, a communication Talisman flew in.

It was an official notice issued by the Outer Court Deacon Hall:

"The Inner Court Examination will be held in one month. The examination consists of three stages: the Comprehension Stage, the Combat Power Stage, and the Heart-Nature Stage. The specific rules will be announced seven days before the examination. All eligible Outer Court Disciples may register."

The Inner Court Examination is finally coming!

Ye Chen crushed the Talisman, his eyes sharp. This was not only the path to entering the Inner Court but likely also the main battlefield where the Lin Family would launch a new round of attacks against him!

He must, within this month, raise his strength to a level sufficient to handle any challenge!

Without hesitation, he took out the "quiet heart enlightenment pill" he had received from Ye Qingxue. It was time to use this pill to charge toward a higher Realm of the sword dao!