100: Chapter 100 Healing at Dan Ding Peak

Ye Chen shook his dizzy head and opened his eyes.

The dazzling sunlight made him squint slightly.

He found himself standing on the massive white jade plaza in front of Tianyun Hall, surrounded by familiar Sect buildings and countless watching Disciples.

Beneath him was the exit of the teleportation passage that had sent them into the Secret Realm, opened by three Elders.

At this moment, the light was slowly fading.

"I'm back! Finally, I have returned to the Tianyun Sword Sect!"

He hurriedly looked beside him.

Leng Ningshuang's face was pale, and she was leaning on his shoulder, her aura weak, but she was still alive.

Liu Qingqing was also standing weakly, while Zhao Feng and Duan Tianya were supporting each other, their faces showing the relief of surviving a catastrophe.

Murong Bai and the other Core Disciples also appeared one after another, mostly injured and looking exhausted.

One by one, twenty figures finally appeared on the plaza.

Fifty had gone, but only twenty had returned!

Moreover, everyone was injured, and several Core Disciples were even severely wounded and unconscious.

The tragic scene caused the watching Disciples to gasp and whisper among themselves.

"Silence!" A majestic voice rang out.

Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng of the Law Enforcement Hall, along with several Elders, including Elder Li Yushan and Elder Wang He of Golden Flame Peak, had long been waiting on the side.

Seeing such heavy casualties, the expressions of the Elders were very grim.

"All Disciples who have returned from the Secret Realm, rest where you are and do not leave! Later, you must report the situation encountered in the Secret Realm one by one, tally your gains, and verify casualties!" Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng ordered in a deep voice.

Immediately, Law Enforcement Hall Disciples stepped forward to maintain order and provide healing Medicinal Pills to the severely wounded.

Ye Chen entrusted Leng Ningshuang to the Zixia Peak female Disciples who had rushed over.

He himself sat cross-legged, took a Medicinal Pill, and began to regulate his breathing.

Back in the Sect, his tense nerves could finally relax a little.

But the subsequent questioning and potential storms would likely be numerous.

His gaze swept over, and he saw the two surviving Disciples from Golden Flame Peak, who were keeping their heads down, not daring to look in this direction.

Elder Wang He's expression was terrifyingly gloomy.

His gaze scanned the returned Disciples, and especially when he saw Ye Chen and the unconscious Leng Ningshuang, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

But when his gaze met Elder Li's calm yet profound eyes, he quickly looked away.

"Ye Chen!" Elder Li's voice rang in Ye Chen's ears; it was a voice transmission.

"Follow me."

Ye Chen stood up, nodded to Zhao Feng and the others, and followed Elder Li, leaving the noisy plaza and heading towards Danding Peak.

He knew that the real test might only be beginning now.

...

Arriving at Cold Mist Pavilion, they dismissed everyone else.

Elder Li set up a sound-isolating Restriction and his gaze fell on Ye Chen, examining him carefully.

"You are severely injured, but your Foundation is undamaged; in fact, it is even more solid. Your Cultivation has also reached the Late Stage of the Third Level of the Wheel Sea Realm. Not bad."

Elder Li nodded, a trace of satisfaction appearing in his eyes, but then he immediately became serious.

"What exactly happened in the Secret Realm? Why did Liu Yunfei, Liu Kun, Chen Ao, and others not come out? And the traces of the 'Shadow Fiend,' as well as the ruins of the Netherworld Sect—you must tell me everything in detail, without the slightest concealment."

Ye Chen knew that concealment was useless and impossible.

Apart from his core secrets like the "Hunyuan Return to Void" and "Ice Fire Annihilation Domain," as well as inexplicable encounters like the jade booklet and the Dark Red Ember, he recounted his experiences in the Secret Realm, including encountering the "Shadow Fiend" and discovering the yinhun fruit and the Netherworld Altar.

He gave a rough account of the conflict with Liu Yunfei and killing him in return, the ambush by Liu Kun and killing him, and the thrill of the final teleportation.

He also handed over the Jade Slip containing the map of the "Shadow Fiend" and the "netherworld token."

Of course, he glossed over the specific details of killing Liu Yunfei and Liu Kun in return.

He only said that the other party wanted to kill him and seize his treasures, and that he and Leng Ningshuang were forced to fight back and luckily won.

Regarding the origin of the "netherworld token," he also said it was obtained from Liu Yunfei.

Elder Li's expression changed constantly as he listened.

Especially when he heard about the "Shadow Fiend" being active in the Secret Realm, Liu Yunfei colluding with Golden Flame Peak to harm fellow Disciples, and the Netherworld Sect ruins, his brows furrowed tightly, and cold glints flashed in his eyes.

"Liu Yunfei deserved to die. Liu Kun also brought it upon himself."

After listening, Elder Li was silent for a long time before slowly speaking, his voice carrying a chill.

"This matter has huge implications, involving Core Disciples, Golden Flame Peak, and even the 'Shadow Fiend' and an ancient evil Sect. It is truly not easy that you and Leng Ningshuang were able to return alive."

"I will personally hand this 'netherworld token' and the map Jade Slip to the Sect Master and Deputy Hall Master Yan of the Law Enforcement Hall. I will try to maneuver on your behalf regarding your killing of Liu Yunfei and Liu Kun."

"After all, it was self-defense, and you have Leng Ningshuang as a witness. However, Golden Flame Peak, especially Wang He, will never let this rest and will definitely use it as an excuse to stir up trouble."

"This Disciple understands." Ye Chen cupped his hands.

"You are currently too prominent, possess great treasures, and have formed a deadly feud with Golden Flame Peak. Although the Sect prohibits killing fellow Disciples, underhanded methods are hard to guard against. You must be more careful and cautious in your future actions."

"Take this 'Purple Heart Soul-Protecting Pill'; it will help you recover from your Divine Soul injuries as soon as possible. Additionally, since the crimson sun vermilion fruit has been obtained, I will refine the 'red sun yin-resolving powder' for you as soon as possible."

"As for the yinhun fruit, it is yin and evil and not very useful to you. I can exchange it for other treasures of equal value, how about that?" Elder Li said, taking out a purple Medicinal Pill and a Storage Pouch.

"I will leave it all to Elder's arrangement."

Ye Chen took the Medicinal Pill and Storage Pouch. He believed Elder Li would not treat him unfairly.

"Hmm. You should stay at Danding Peak first and heal properly. Do not leave the area of Danding Peak without my permission. Once your injuries have healed and the storm has subsided a little, we will make other plans." Elder Li instructed.

"Yes, this Disciple will take his leave."

Ye Chen exited Cold Mist Pavilion and, under the arrangements of Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple Zhou Tong, moved into a quiet guest house on Danding Peak.

Activating the Restriction, he took the "Purple Heart Soul-Protecting Pill," sat cross-legged, and began to heal with all his might.

The Medicinal Pill entered his abdomen, turning into a cool and pure medicinal power that rushed straight to his Sea of Consciousness, nourishing his damaged Divine Soul.

The waves of needle-like pain were immediately relieved significantly.

Ye Chen circulated the "Hunyuan One-Qi Art," absorbing the rich Spiritual Qi of Danding Peak, and combined with the Medicinal Pill, repaired the damage to his Physical Body and Meridians.

This time, he was severely injured and needed time.

What he did not know was that just as he was in seclusion healing, various news about the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm, especially the rumors that many Inner Sect elites such as Liu Yunfei, Liu Kun, and Chen Ao had fallen, and that it was suspected to be related to Ye Chen and Leng Ningshuang, had already begun to spread quietly among the high-level Inner Sect members and Disciples, causing an uproar.

Elder Wang He of Golden Flame Peak even went personally to the Law Enforcement Hall and the Sect Master to accuse Ye Chen of harming fellow Disciples, a heinous crime.

A new storm was quietly brewing within the Tianyun Sword Sect.

And Ye Chen was right at the center of this storm.

...

Ye Chen remained in seclusion in the guest house on Danding Peak for seven days.

The "Purple Heart Soul-Protecting Pill" was indeed a treasured pill from Elder Li's collection, having miraculous effects on Divine Soul injuries.

In seven days, combined with the nourishment from the jade booklet's clear radiance, his Divine Soul, which had been damaged by forcibly activating the "Ice Fire Annihilation Domain" and "Soul-Shocking Spike," had already recovered more than half.

There was no longer any stinging or dizziness, only a slight weakness that needed time to slowly nourish.

The injuries to his Physical Body recovered even faster.

The Hunyuan True Essence was naturally good at repairing, and under the circulation of the "Hunyuan One-Qi Art," combined with the abundant Spiritual Qi of Danding Peak and the remaining Medicinal Pills, his broken Meridians had basically healed.

They were even wider and tougher, and his Wheel Sea had become full and surging again; his injuries were more than eighty percent healed.

His Cultivation at the Late Stage of the Third Level of the Wheel Sea Realm had completely stabilized, and he was vaguely touching the threshold of the Peak.

What surprised Ye Chen the most was that after the tempering of repeated life-and-death battles, as well as the repeated casting and comprehension of ultimate techniques like "Hunyuan Return to Void" and "Annihilation Domain," his understanding of the "Hunyuan One-Qi Art" was deeper, his Hunyuan True Essence was more pure and condensed, and it flowed smoothly and perfectly when circulated.

The fusion of Ice Fire True Essence had also reached a new balance.

After his Divine Soul was repaired, it seemed to have become even stronger and more condensed due to the thousand-fold tempering of the "Soul-Shocking Spike" and the nourishment of the yinhun fruit's Soul Power.

His Divine Sense detection range and control precision had both significantly improved.

"Although I barely survived death, the gains are also huge."

Ye Chen finished regulating his breathing, opened his eyes, and felt the powerful strength flowing within his body, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

With his current strength, if he were to face Liu Yunfei or Liu Kun in their prime again, even without risking his life, he would have the power to fight, and could even defeat them.

He stood up and stretched his bones, his whole body emitting a series of crisp "crackling" sounds, full of a sense of power.

Pushing open the door of the quiet room, sunlight spilled in, and the air was fresh.

Outside the guest house was an independent small courtyard planted with some common Spiritual Plants, quiet and elegant.

"Junior Brother Ye, you have come out of seclusion?" The voice of Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple Zhou Tong came from outside the courtyard.

He walked in carrying a food box, his face filled with concern.

"Elder Li instructed that if you come out of seclusion, you can first have some Spiritual Meal, and then go to Cold Mist Pavilion to see him."

"Thank you, Senior Brother Zhou."

[part:gemini-3.0-flash]

Ye Chen thanked him and took the food box. Inside was a carefully prepared medicinal meal containing Spiritual Qi, which was of great benefit to his recovery of Origin Qi.

He asked as he ate.

"Senior Brother Zhou, what has the situation outside been like these past few days?"

Zhou Tong looked around and lowered his voice.

"The waves are quite large. Your return from the Secret Realm saw heavy casualties, especially with the fall of Liu Yunfei, Liu Kun, Chen Ao, and others, which caused a massive uproar in the Inner Sect."

"Elder Wang of Golden Flame Peak is adamant that you and Senior Sister Leng harmed your fellow Disciples. These past few days, he has been constantly pressuring the Law Enforcement Hall and the Sect Master, demanding severe punishment. Over at the Law Enforcement Hall, Deputy Hall Master Yan seems to still be investigating; no conclusion has been reached yet."

"The Sect Master hasn't taken a stance yet either. However, the remaining two Disciples from Golden Flame Peak are reportedly telling the same story, identifying you and Senior Sister Leng as the killers. Fortunately, after Senior Sister Leng's injuries stabilized slightly, she also gave her account of the events to the Law Enforcement Hall."

"It confirmed that Liu Yunfei, Liu Kun, and the others had conspired first to kill and rob you, and that you were acting in self-defense. Senior Brother Murong and several other Core Disciples also seem to have spoken up, but the specifics are unclear."

Ye Chen nodded; the situation was even more complicated than he had anticipated.

With so many elites of Golden Flame Peak dead, Wang He would certainly not let the matter rest and would surely use all his power to put him to death.

Fortunately, Leng Ningshuang had testified, Murong Bai seemed to be vaguely on their side, and Elder Li would also mediate on his behalf.

What the final outcome would be still depended on the maneuvering among the Sect's high-level members.

"How are Senior Sister Leng's injuries?" Ye Chen asked.

"Senior Sister Leng was injured more severely than you and lost a lot of blood. Fortunately, Zixia Peak has deep resources; after using many good medicines these past few days, her life is no longer in danger, but she still needs to rest quietly for a while."

Zhou Tong said.

"Additionally, Zhao Feng, Duan Tianya, and Liu Qingqing also came to see you. Seeing that you were in seclusion, they left some Medicinal Pills and greetings before returning to their respective Peaks."

"Thank you for letting me know, Senior Brother." Ye Chen felt a slight warmth in his heart.

Quickly finishing the spiritual meal, Ye Chen changed into a clean white Inner Sect robe.

After adjusting his condition to its Peak, he left the guest house and headed to Cold Mist Pavilion.

Stepping into Cold Mist Pavilion again, the Pill Furnace remained as before, and the earth fire blazed.

Elder Li was standing by the window with his back to him, looking at the sea of clouds outside, lost in thought.

"Disciple Ye Chen pays his respects to the Elder."

Ye Chen bowed respectfully.

Elder Li turned around, his gaze falling upon Ye Chen. As he sensed carefully, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"You've recovered even faster than I expected. It seems your Cultivation Technique indeed has its unique merits."

"It was just luck, thanks to the pill the Elder bestowed."

Ye Chen said.

"Sit and talk."

Elder Li motioned for Ye Chen to sit, his expression slightly solemn.

"Your recovery is a good thing. But the storm outside has not subsided. That old ghost Wang He is determined to see you dead this time."

"Not only is he accusing you of harming your fellow Disciples, but he's also implying that you possess a Demonic Technique and have obtained some unspeakable Opportunity, which allowed you to rival the likes of Liu Yunfei and Liu Kun. He even suspects you of colluding with the 'Shadow Fiend'."

Ye Chen's gaze turned cold.

"Nonsense."

"Whether it's nonsense or not depends on the evidence and people's hearts."

Elder Li said in a heavy voice.

"Those two Disciples from Golden Flame Peak insist they personally saw you and Martial Niece Leng kill Liu Yunfei and Liu Kun. Although Martial Niece Leng's testimony is in your favor, it is, after all, uncorroborated. Murong Bai and the others only said they didn't see you initiate the killing, but they admitted there was a conflict between you."

"As for the matter of the 'Shadow Fiend', the Jade Slip map you provided does indeed point to their activities in the Secret Realm, but Wang He could completely turn it back on you, saying you forged it or that the 'Shadow Fiend' gave it to you in the first place. After all, your grudge with the 'Shadow Fiend' is based only on your word."

"Then what is the intention of the Sect's high-level members?"

Ye Chen asked.

"The Sect Master's attitude is unclear. Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng of the Law Enforcement Hall seems more inclined to uncover the truth rather than listening only to one side. However, Wang He has operated in the Inner Sect for many years and has considerable influence, with many Elders on good terms with him who are applying pressure behind the scenes. This matter has reached a stalemate."

Elder Li looked at Ye Chen.

"The only way forward now is for you to provide more compelling evidence or demonstrate enough value for the Sect to take notice, making those who are wavering feel that protecting you is more meaningful than yielding to Golden Flame Peak."

Ye Chen fell silent.

Evidence?

He indeed had no direct evidence to prove that Liu Yunfei was the one who attacked first.

Value?

He was just an Inner Sect Disciple at the Third Level of the Wheel Sea Realm; no matter how high his talent or how great his potential, in the eyes of those high-and-mighty Elders...

Was he truly worth a complete falling out with the Golden Flame Peak lineage?

"However, you don't need to worry too much."

Elder Li changed the subject.

"Since I have intervened, I will see it through to the end. The 'netherworld token' you brought and the clues regarding the Netherworld Sect ruins are of immense value. The Sect Master and several Grand Elders have been alerted and are currently deliberating in secret."

"This item might buy you some time or even provide a turning point. Additionally, I have finished refining the 'red sun yin-resolving powder'; you may come to collect it at any time. Once the poison in that girl is neutralized, you will have one less thing on your mind and can focus on dealing with the current situation."

Ye Chen's spirits lifted.

"The yin transformation powder is finished? Thank you, Elder!"

"Yes. But before that, there is something you need to know and make a choice about."

Elder Li's expression became even more serious.

"The Sect Master and several Grand Elders take the Netherworld Sect ruins very seriously, believing they may hide secrets concerning the rise and fall of the Sect, and might even be related to a great catastrophe from ancient times."

"They intend to organize a team for in-depth exploration the next time the Secret Realm opens. And you are one of the few Disciples who has entered the periphery of the ruins and had contact with the 'Shadow Fiend'. The Sect Master's wish is for you to participate in this exploration as well."

Explore the Netherworld Sect ruins?

Ye Chen felt a chill in his heart.

He had experienced the dangers of that place firsthand.

The soul-eroding yin wind, the Netherworld Altar, and the possible schemes of the 'Shadow Fiend'.

Venturing deep inside would be fraught with peril.

But this was also an Opportunity; if he could perform meritorious service in this exploration and gain the recognition of the Sect's true high-level members...

The current crisis might be easily resolved, and he might even obtain an even greater Opportunity.

"This Disciple is willing to go."

Ye Chen agreed without much hesitation.

Wealth and honor are sought in danger; he had long been accustomed to walking on the edge of a blade.

Moreover, he was full of curiosity about the Netherworld Sect ruins and the purpose behind the 'Shadow Fiend'.

"Good! You have courage!"

A hint of admiration flashed in Elder Li's eyes.

"However, it will be another three years before the Secret Realm opens again. These three years will be crucial for you to improve your strength and establish a firm foothold."

"You must reach a Breakthrough to the Middle Stage of the Wheel Sea Realm, or even higher, as soon as possible to be qualified to participate and have enough strength to protect yourself. As for the trouble at hand..."

He paused and then said slowly.

"The Sect's high-level members have reached a decision. Regarding the deaths of Liu Yunfei, Liu Kun, and the others, because the evidence is insufficient and both sides have their own stories, no conclusion will be made for the time being."

"However, Golden Flame Peak's accusation of you harming your fellow Disciples has had a terrible impact, and an explanation must be given to the entire Sect. Therefore, it has been decided that the Law Enforcement Hall will preside over a 'Battle of Heart-Inquiry' on the 'Heavenly Punishment Platform'."

"Battle of Heart-Inquiry?"

Ye Chen was puzzled.

"The so-called 'Battle of Heart-Inquiry' is not a life-and-death struggle, but a special form of combat. It will be a public match between you and the accuser, Golden Flame Peak, on the 'Heavenly Punishment Platform', witnessed by the Law Enforcement Hall and various Elders."

"In the match, weapons and Talismans may be used, but forbidden Demonic Techniques or one-time-use high-power Talisman Treasures are prohibited. It will be a match where restraint is exercised, and the outcome will determine right from wrong. If you win, it proves you are upright and honorable, and that your strength is sufficient for self-defense, causing the accusation to fall apart."

"The matter will then be settled, and Golden Flame Peak may no longer use it as a pretext for provocation. If you lose, you must undergo further investigation by the Law Enforcement Hall and may even be temporarily imprisoned until the truth is uncovered," Elder Li explained.

"In other words, let strength do the talking?"

Ye Chen understood.

This seemed fair, but it was actually in Golden Flame Peak's favor.

They could send out a Disciple whose strength far exceeded his own, and under the rule of showing restraint...

...defeat him or even "accidentally" wound him severely, which would both strike at him and restore their reputation.

If he won, however, he could completely clear his name and deter any petty characters.

"Exactly. The candidate sent by Golden Flame Peak is Wang He's closed-door Disciple and currently the number one person in the Inner Sect of Golden Flame Peak—Xiao Li."

"This person's cultivation has already reached the Peak of the Fifth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm. He practices the 'Golden Flame Heaven-Burning Technique' and has formidable combat strength, having once clashed with a Core Disciple without being disadvantaged. You must be careful."