Ancient Heritage

Coupled with the overbearing demonic might of the Heaven Swallowing Demonic Art that seemed to consume everything, the surrounding air instantly froze.

Crack—

The spirit boat beneath Zhao Wuji's feet actually couldn't withstand this Spiritual Pressure and let out an overwhelmed moan as several cracks appeared on its surface.

"You... you've had a Breakthrough?!"

Zhao Wuji's Face changed drastically as he stumbled back, his eyes filled with horror.

How is that possible!

Only half a month ago, this guy had clearly just reached the Nascent Soul Fourth Heaven. How did he reach the Peak so quickly?

This kind of Cultivation speed is simply that of a Prodigy!

"What, does Junior Brother Zhao want to give it a try?"

Su Ye looked at him with a half-smile, a wisp of pitch-black Devilish Qi dancing on his fingertips. "It just so happens that I've recently practiced a few new moves, and I was worried about not having a punching bag to practice on."

Zhao Wuji swallowed hard, cold sweat streaming down his forehead.

Try?

Try my ass!

He was beaten half to death last time, and now that Su Ye is even stronger, wouldn't going up be asking for a beating?

"Hmph! Su Ye, don't get too ahead of yourself!"

Zhao Wuji shouted with feigned bravado, "In the Secret Realm, Cultivation is suppressed; it all depends on Opportunity and luck!"

"We'll see!"

After saying that, he hurriedly activated the spirit boat and fled in a sorry state like a stray dog.

He was afraid that if he left a step too late, he would be kept behind by Su Ye for a "sparring session."

"Heh, coward."

Su Ye looked at Zhao Wuji's receding back and let out a disdainful sneer.

Someone like that doesn't even have the qualifications to be his stepping stone.

If he dared to cause trouble for him in the Secret Realm, he wouldn't mind making this First Senior Brother of Heavenly Punishment Peak disappear completely.

After all, it was perfectly normal for a few people to die in the Taichu Secret Realm.

"However, he wasn't wrong about one thing."

Su Ye restrained his aura, a trace of thought flashing in his eyes. "In this Secret Realm, the various main Peaks are indeed competing in secret."

"Besides that useless Zhao Wuji, there are a few others who are actually a bit troublesome."

"That monster from the First Peak who possesses the 'Heavenly Overlord Body', and that blind man from the Sword Peak who is known for 'Sword Dao Reaching Divinity'..."

Su Ye shook his head, throwing these distracting thoughts to the back of his mind.

Regardless of whether it's an Overlord Body or a Sword God.

In the Face of his Supreme Bone and Heaven Swallowing Demonic Art, they are all just nourishment!

"It's better to go take care of business first."

Su Ye's figure accelerated again, turning into a stream of light as he rushed toward the market.

He wanted to prepare the best protective Magic Treasures for Wan'er and Light Snow.

After all, only when his harem is stable can he go all out on the front lines, right?

...Purple Bamboo Peak, Cold Jade Palace.

Yun Yuzhen sat cross-legged on the cold jade throne and slowly opened her eyes.

Just now, she had sensed that overbearing aura belonging to Su Ye at the bottom of the mountain, as well as that fleeting conflict.

"This Rebellious Disciple, he starts trouble as soon as he steps out the door."

Although she was scolding him, there was no trace of anger in her eyes; instead, they held a faint hint of pride.

One move to intimidate and repel Heavenly Punishment Peak's Zhao Wuji.

This is the kind of dominance a disciple of Yun Yuzhen should have.

"But..."

Yun Yuzhen's Divine Sense swept over the direction of the Frost Sword Pavilion, sensing a trace of lingering intimacy there, as well as Lin Qianxue's rapidly advancing Cultivation, and her pretty Face couldn't help but turn slightly red.

"That bastard, I told him to go guide his Junior Sister, and that's how he 'guided' her?"

"Truly... ridiculous!"

She gave a light spit, but couldn't help touching the corner of her mouth, where the warmth of that spoonful of chicken soup from the morning seemed to linger.

"Forget it, let them be."

"As long as they can come back alive from the Secret Realm..."

Yun Yuzhen sighed softly, her gaze looking toward the mist-shrouded Forbidden Ground deep within the Taichu Holy Land.

That was the Taichu Secret Realm, which was about to open.

It was also the burial ground for countless prodigies.

"Su Ye, you must... not let your Revered Master down."

The Taichu Holy Land market was named "Jubao Market."

This place was where the Holy Land's Inner Sect Disciples and various deacons and Elders traded; it was bustling with people and vibrant with light.

Su Ye descended from the clouds, his purple-gold cloud-patterned robe of a Purple Bamboo Peak Personal Disciple shining brilliantly under the sunlight.

The originally noisy crowd around him fell silent for a moment.

"It's Senior Brother Su..."

"The Great Devil King of Purple Bamboo Peak is here!"

"Shh, be quiet. Didn't you see the state of Senior Brother Zhao's spirit boat from Heavenly Punishment Peak just now?"

Everyone looked over one after another, their eyes filled with awe, as they automatically made way for Su Ye, creating a wide path.

Su Ye was already accustomed to this; his expression was calm as he walked straight toward the most grand building in the center of the market—Many Treasures Pavilion.

Many Treasures Pavilion was a shop opened by the Taichu Holy Land's Artifact Refining Hall, specializing in high-level Magic Treasures.

"Oh, isn't this Nephew Su? What wind has blown you here today?"

As soon as he entered the door, a stout middle-aged deacon greeted him with a Face full of smiles.

This person was named Qian Tong, an External Affairs Elder of the Artifact Refining Hall. He was usually very shrewd and was someone who only cared about money.

"Junior Martial Uncle Qian, I hope you've been well."

Su Ye nodded slightly, his gaze casually sweeping over the dazzling array of goods on the shelves.

"Revered Master ordered me to take several Junior Sisters to the Taichu Secret Realm for experience, so I've come to procure a few handy items."

Qian Tong's eyes lit up; this was a big business Opportunity!

Who didn't know that Purple Bamboo Peak's Yun Yuzhen was protective and filthy rich, and Su Ye was even more famously extravagant.

"Nephew Su, feel free to look around. Today, a batch of Earth Rank top-quality goods just arrived, and there are even a few half-step Heaven Rank defect... cough, boutique items!"

Qian Tong rubbed his hands together and enthusiastically led Su Ye to a private room on the second floor.

The second floor was much quieter, with several Magic Treasures emitting powerful Spiritual Pressure floating within Restrictions.

Su Ye didn't waste any words and got straight to the point.

"I want the best defensive Magic Treasures, one water-attribute and one ice-attribute."

"In addition, I want some life-saving Talismans and Medicinal Pills. I don't care about the price, only the effect."

Hearing this, the fat on Qian Tong's Face trembled with his smile.

"Understood! You're quite the doting Senior Brother to your Junior Sisters."

As he spoke, he waved his hand to cast a spell, and two exquisite brocade boxes slowly floated over.

"Please take a look, Nephew. This one is called the 'heavenly water azure wave silk'."

Qian Tong opened the box on the left, and a transparent pale blue silk ribbon, like flowing water, flew out and circled in the air, emitting a soft water spiritual energy.

"It's made from the Essence of Heavenly Water from the ten-thousand-fathom abyss of the East Sea, fused with the tendons of a seventh-rank Yao Beast, the 'Azure Water Golden-Eyed Beast'."

"An Earth Rank High Grade defensive Magic Treasure. Once activated, it can turn into layers of water curtains, neutralizing massive forces. It's difficult for Golden Core Stage Cultivators to break through."

"Most importantly, this item is light and beautiful. When a female Cultivator wears it, she will look absolutely Immortal."

Su Ye reached out to take it; the touch was cool and smooth, indeed a good item.

Wan'er had the Primal Water Body and a gentle personality; this azure wave silk could both protect her and trap enemies, making it perfect for her.

"Not bad."

Su Ye nodded and looked at the other brocade box.

"And this one?"

"Hehe, this one is even more extraordinary."

Qian Tong gave a mysterious smile and opened the box on the right.

A bone-chilling coldness instantly filled the entire room, and even the hot tea in the cups froze into a thin layer of ice.

Inside the box lay a crystal-clear jade pendant, pure white all over, looking like a miniature snow-capped mountain.

"The 'profound ice heart protection mirror'. Although it's called a mirror, it can actually be worn as a heart-protecting jade pendant."

"It was personally crafted by the Head of the Artifact Refining Hall, using Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice Pith as the main material."

"Earth Rank High Grade! It has even touched the threshold of Heaven Rank."

"This item can not only withstand a full-strength blow from a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator but can also nourish the Meridians of an Ice Spirit Root Cultivator. It can even release a burst of 'Absolute Zero' cold air to injure enemies at a critical moment."

A sharp light flashed in Su Ye's eyes.

This thing was practically tailor-made for Light Snow.

That girl's offensive nature was too strong, and she often ignored defense. With this thing protecting her heart's Meridians, he could worry a bit less in the Secret Realm.

"I'll take both of these."

Su Ye waved his hand grandly.

"Excellent! Nephew Su is indeed straightforward!"

Qian Tong's smile was so wide his mouth couldn't close, and his fingers moved quickly over an abacus.

"The heavenly water azure wave silk is priced at eight thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones."

"The profound ice heart protection mirror is priced at fifteen thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones."

"That's a total of twenty-three thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones."

"For the sake of Peak Revered Master Yun's Face, I'll round it down for you. Twenty thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones, how about it?"

Su Ye looked at Qian Tong with a half-smile.

"Junior Martial Uncle Qian, you're not rounding it down by much."

"Although these two items are good, the refining technique for this azure wave silk is somewhat outdated, and there's a slight sluggishness in the flow of spiritual energy."

"As for this profound ice heart protection mirror..."

Su Ye's fingertips lightly tapped on the table, making a crisp sound.

"If I'm not mistaken, there's a hint of fire poison mixed into this Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice Pith, right?"

"Although it was suppressed by an expert using a Formation, it's ultimately a hidden danger. Wearing it long-term might affect one's state of mind."

Qian Tong's Face stiffened, and a layer of fine sweat broke out on his forehead.

An expert!

Doesn't this Su Ye practice the Heaven Swallowing Demonic Art? How is he also so proficient in the Dao of Artifact Refining?

"This... Nephew Su has a sharp eye, I'm impressed."

Qian Tong smiled awkwardly. "Then, what do you mean, Nephew?"

"Fifteen thousand."

Su Ye held up one hand, his tone unquestionable.

"Not only that, you also have to give me a stack of 'Thousand-Mile Godspeed Talismans' and ten bottles of 'Rejuvenation Pills'."

"What?!"

Qian Tong almost jumped up, his fat body shaking three times.

"Fifteen thousand?! And you want free Talismans and Medicinal Pills?"

"Su Ye, this is robbery! You're cutting right into my main artery!"

Su Ye wasn't in a hurry and slowly picked up his teacup for a sip.

"Junior Martial Uncle Qian, you also know that my Heaven Swallowing Demonic Art has made some progress recently..."

"I heard the Artifact Refining Hall recently received a batch of high-level Ores. If you feel it's a loss, I can go help out at the Artifact Refining Hall's mine another day and 'swallow' a few mouthfuls of Ore dross to practice my art."

Qian Tong's Face instantly turned pale.

Letting this devil go to the mine?

Wouldn't he swallow all of the Artifact Refining Hall's assets dry!

Last time this guy went to the medicinal field to "help," not a single blade of grass grew in that field for three years!

"Don't! Please don't!"

Qian Tong gritted his teeth and waved his hand with a pained expression.

"Fifteen thousand it is!"

"I'll just consider it a meeting gift for my several nieces!"

"Deal."

Su Ye smiled slightly and casually tossed out a Storage Pouch filled with Spirit Stones.

Qian Tong took the Storage Pouch and swept it with his Divine Sense; only then did his expression look a bit better.

Although he earned less, at least he didn't lose money.

"Here, the Talismans and Medicinal Pills you wanted."

Qian Tong irritably threw over several bottles and jars and a stack of yellow paper.

Su Ye took them and checked them, nodding in satisfaction.

"Thank you, Junior Martial Uncle. I'll invite you to Purple Bamboo Peak for tea another day."

"No! I can't afford to drink your Purple Bamboo Peak's tea; I'm afraid it'll shorten my life."

Qian Tong waved his hands repeatedly, wishing he could send this plague god away immediately.

Su Ye didn't mind, put away his things, and walked out of the private room.

Just as he went downstairs, his footsteps suddenly paused.

In his mind, the System notification sounded abruptly:

[Ding! A special treasure fluctuation has been detected thirty meters ahead.]

[Item: Fragmented Scabbard.]

[Grade: Appears to be scrap iron, but actually contains a wisp of the undying Sword Intent of an Ancient Sword Emperor.]

[Suggestion: Host should quickly acquire it. Combined with Lin Qianxue's Innate Sword Heart, it can help her comprehend the Sword Emperor's Legacy.]

Su Ye's heart stirred, and his gaze swept toward a corner near the entrance of Many Treasures Pavilion.

There was a temporary street stall there, and the stall owner was a young girl wearing the uniform of an Outer Sect Disciple.

The girl looked to be about sixteen or seventeen years old, with delicate features, though she was a bit thin. At this moment, she was timidly shrinking into the corner.

Her stall had a few Low Grade Ores, several somewhat withered Spiritual Plants, and... a ragged, rusty scabbard.

People were coming and going, but few stopped at her stall.

Occasionally someone would take a look and walk away with a Face full of disdain.

"How much for this?"

A gentle voice sounded above the girl's head.

The girl looked up abruptly and saw a handsome, noble-looking Senior Brother in purple robes squatting in front of her.

That Face was one she had seen countless times in portraits.

"Senior... Senior Brother Su!"

The girl's Face turned pale with fright, and her speech was a bit stuttered. "You... you want to buy something?"

Su Ye had a harmless smile on his Face as he pointed to that pitch-black piece of Ore.

"How much for this Black Iron Ore?"

The girl froze for a moment. This Black Iron Ore was something she had picked up in the back mountain; it wasn't worth much at all.

"Only... only five Low-Grade Spirit Stones."

The girl cautiously held up five fingers, then guiltily retracted two. "Three... is also fine."

"Alright, I'll take this piece."

Su Ye directly threw out a Mid-Grade Spirit Stone (equivalent to one hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones).

"Keep the change."

The girl clutched that Mid-Grade Spirit Stone, completely stunned.

Happiness came too suddenly, like a whirlwind.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Su! Thank you, Senior Brother Su!"

The girl was so excited she was about to kowtow.

"Wait."

Su Ye waved his hand, his gaze seemingly casually falling on that rusty scabbard.

"This thing looks quite unique. I happen to be lacking a fire poker, so give this to me as well?"

The girl glanced at the broken scabbard.

That was also something she had picked up, originally intended to be sold as scrap iron to a recycling station.

Since Senior Brother Su had given so many Spirit Stones, giving him a piece of junk was naturally no problem.

"If Senior Brother likes it, please take it."

The girl hurriedly picked up the scabbard, wiped the dust off with her sleeve, and respectfully handed it to Su Ye.

Su Ye took the scabbard; it was heavy in his hand, and an extremely faint but incredibly sharp aura was instantly perceived by the Supreme Bone.

It really is a good item!

"Then, thank you."

Su Ye put the scabbard into his storage ring, feeling secretly delighted.

This is the joy of picking up a hidden gem.

Using one Mid-Grade Spirit Stone to exchange for an Ancient Sword Emperor's Legacy—this was a massive profit!