102: Chapter 102 The Battle of the Heart, Against Xiao Li!

The minor internal injuries left behind from previously forcing a Divine Soul attack had also completely healed.

His Divine Sense strength was already far beyond his peers due to the jade booklet, the Ice Lotus Imprint, and his multiple uses of the "Soul-Shocking Spike."

Now, with the help of the "zixia spirit-nourishing pill," it had progressed even further.

He felt that if he were to use the "Soul-Shocking Spike" again now...

...it would not only be more powerful and consume less energy but also be more concealed and difficult to guard against.

With his cultivation, True Essence, and Divine Soul all advancing together, Ye Chen's strength had undergone a transformative change.

Although he was still at the Early Stage of the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, his true combat power was something even he found difficult to estimate.

"There are only ten days left. It's time to familiarize myself with this new power and deduce the final tactics."

Ye Chen stood up, walked out of the guest quarters, and arrived at a secluded, deserted valley in the back mountains of Danding Peak.

The terrain here was open and undisturbed, making it suitable for practicing Moves and integrating his new strength.

He summoned the ice scar sword and began practicing his sword techniques.

The sword light flashed, at times like continuous autumn water as he performed the defensive Sword Intent of "Hunyuan Defensive Wall."

At other times, it was like thunder and lightning as he executed the penetrating strike of "Hunyuan Armor-Piercing Awl."

And then it would turn into grey sword circles that seemed to swallow light, simulating the dissipating power of "Hunyuan Vortex."

He perfectly integrated his newly broken-through cultivation and refined True Essence into his sword Moves; every swing carried heavy pressure and an eerie force.

Wherever the sword wind passed, deep furrows were left in the ground, and the rocks beside him shattered silently; its power was terrifying.

After finishing his sword practice, he began to Cultivate his movement techniques.

Supported by his cultivation at the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, his "Phantom Step" became faster and its variations more bizarre.

Combined with his powerful Divine Sense, he could almost anticipate an enemy's Moves, dodging and weaving in a small space with a ghost-like figure that was hard to track.

Finally, he began trying to integrate and simplify "Hunyuan Return to Void" and "Ice Fire Annihilation Domain" at a deeper level.

Although "Hunyuan Return to Void" was powerful, its consumption was terrifying, and its preparation time was slightly long, making it unsuitable for rapid combat.

Ye Chen tried to restrain its power and shrink its range, forming a more condensed and faster-to-activate "Minor Return to Void."

He attached it to his sword Moves to serve as a finishing blow for surprise attacks.

He also tried to solidify the embryonic form of the "Ice Fire Annihilation Domain."

Forming an auxiliary Domain that could briefly affect the surrounding space and slow down opponents.

Although its range was extremely small and its duration very short, it might have a miraculous effect at a critical moment.

In addition to this, he also refined several more Talismans and drew some simple Formation Plates.

To be prepared for any emergency, he made full preparations for battle.

Ten days flew by in a blur of frantic cultivation and deduction.

As the sun set on the final day, Ye Chen sheathed his sword and stood still, exhaling a long breath of turbid air.

Standing there, his Aura was as heavy as a mountain, and his eyes were as deep as a cold pool.

Though his clothes were simple, he possessed the dignified bearing of a Grandmaster, appearing like a completely different person from a month ago.

A month of bitter cultivation had completely transformed him.

A cultivation at the Early Stage of the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, and Hunyuan True Essence condensed to the extreme.

A Divine Soul strength comparable to the Fifth or even Sixth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm.

More refined and fierce sword and movement techniques, as well as several hidden trump cards.

This was everything he relied on to face Xiao Li.

"Tomorrow, the Heavenly Punishment Platform..."

Ye Chen looked toward the Main Peak, his eyes showing neither joy nor sorrow, only a cold Battle Intent.

...

Just as Ye Chen ended his seclusion, in a luxurious, fiery Immortal Cave on Golden Flame Peak.

Xiao Li sat cross-legged on a crimson prayer mat, Golden Flames dancing around him, illuminating the entire Immortal Cave.

He had a handsome face, but his brow carried a pressing arrogance and sharpness.

He was like an unsheathed sword, his sharpness fully revealed.

His Aura was vast, clearly at the Peak of the Fifth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm; furthermore, his Foundation was extremely solid, and his True Essence was scorching and explosive.

It faintly carried a sharp metallic texture, far surpassing Cultivators of the same rank.

Elder Wang He sat on a jade chair opposite him, his expression gloomy and a cold light flickering in his eyes.

His gaze toward Ye Chen's direction was full of resentment.

"Li'er, in tomorrow's battle, you are only allowed to win, not lose! You must not only win but win beautifully and thoroughly! Ideally, you should 'accidentally' cripple his cultivation or severely damage his Divine Soul, turning him into a useless person forever!"

Wang He's voice was cold, every word carrying ruthlessness.

"This boy has repeatedly opposed my Golden Flame Peak, causing the deaths of Qin Lie, Liu Kun, and Chen Ao, and he's undoubtedly involved in Liu Yunfei's death! If we don't eliminate this scoundrel, where will Golden Flame Peak's dignity be? How will we stand in the Sect in the future?"

Xiao Li slowly opened his eyes, Golden Flames flashing through them briefly; his voice was calm but carried immense confidence.

"Don't worry, Revered Master. He's just a clown who luckily broke through to the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm and obtained some inheritance from an Evil Path."

"Tomorrow, this Disciple will let him know what the true number one of the Inner Sect is and what despair feels like. His strange methods are nothing but a joke in the face of absolute strength."

"Do not be careless," Wang He reminded him.

"This boy was able to survive the Secret Realm and kill Liu Yunfei and Liu Kun; he must have extraordinary qualities. The Cultivation Technique he practices seems to be able to restrain the power of flame, so you must be careful."

"Restrain flames?" A disdainful arc curved at the corner of Xiao Li's mouth, his face full of indifference.

"My 'Golden Flame' is a supreme True Essence that fuses the sharpness of metal with the explosiveness of fire; how can it be compared to the ordinary flames of people like Qin Lie and Liu Kun? No matter how strange his Cultivation Technique is, I will simply crush it with sheer force."

"Tomorrow, I will use this 'Golden Flame Heaven-Burning Technique' to incinerate him along with his strange True Essence into ashes!"

"Good! With such ambition, I can rest easy."

Wang He nodded with satisfaction, then took out a Medicinal Pill that was as red as blood, with what looked like magma flowing inside.

Along with a small golden shield engraved with flame patterns.

"This is the 'Essence-Bursting Pill,' which can increase your True Essence's explosive power by thirty percent for a hundred breaths."

"This is the 'Golden Flame Spiritual Shield,' a defensive Spiritual Artifact I used in my early years. It's enough to withstand a full-strength blow from a Cultivator at the Sixth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm. Keep it safe, just in case."

A flicker of heat flashed in Xiao Li's eyes as he hurriedly took the pill and the spiritual shield, bowing in respect.

"Thank you, Revered Master! With these two items, success is even more certain!"

...

Zixia Peak, the bamboo building.

Leng Ningshuang's injuries were eighty percent healed; she was standing by the window, gazing at the fading clouds on the horizon.

She had changed into a purple combat outfit that was easy to Move in.

It outlined her graceful figure, and her cold countenance appeared even more exquisite in the twilight.

Yet, a faint trace of worry lingered between her brows.

At some unknown point, Murong Bai had quietly appeared outside the bamboo building, standing with his hands behind his back, looking in the same direction with a peaceful expression.

"Junior Sister Leng, what do you think are Ye Chen's chances of winning tomorrow's battle?"

Murong Bai asked warmly, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry.

Leng Ningshuang remained silent for a moment before speaking slowly.

"I don't know. Junior Brother Ye Chen has progressed at a lightning speed; after not seeing him for a month, his Aura has become as deep as an abyss, to the point where even I can't quite see through him."

"But Xiao Li... after all, he has cultivated for many years and has a deep Foundation. His Golden Flame True Essence is overbearingly peerless, and he has the treasures bestowed by Elder Wang. The outcome should be fifty-fifty, or perhaps Junior Brother Ye Chen is at a slight disadvantage."

"Fifty-fifty?"

Murong Bai smiled, his gaze deep as he looked toward the Heavenly Punishment Platform.

"I, however, feel that Ye Chen's chances of winning might be a bit higher. This boy always manages to create miracles. I have high hopes for him."

"I hope so."

Leng Ningshuang whispered softly, silently praying for Ye Chen in her heart.

...

Danding Peak, Cold Mist Pavilion.

Elder Li stood before the Pill Furnace, but he wasn't performing Alchemy.

He just quietly watched the earth fire dancing in the furnace, as if he were pondering something.

His expression carried a hint of solemnity.

Zhou Tong stood respectfully to the side, not even daring to breathe loudly.

"Zhou Tong, do you think Ye Chen can win tomorrow?"

Elder Li suddenly spoke, breaking the silence within the pavilion.

Zhou Tong was startled, and after a moment's thought, he spoke truthfully.

"This Disciple... does not know. Junior Brother Ye is a genius of the heavens, and his progress is inconceivable. But Senior Brother Xiao Li has been famous for a long time, and his strength is obvious to all. This battle is extremely perilous."

"Yes, perilous."

Elder Li sighed, his gaze looking out the window as if it could pierce through the mountains to see the Heavenly Punishment Platform.

"But this is a hurdle he must cross. If he does, the world will open up to him, the Sect's resources will tilt in his favor, and his future will be promising. If he doesn't... even if I can save his life, his Dao Heart will be damaged, and his future will be difficult. Everything depends on tomorrow."

...

Outer Sect, Lin Qingxue's courtyard.

Lin Qingxue had taken the Medicinal Pills Ye Chen left behind; her body had greatly improved, and the cold qi was completely gone.

She was just still a bit weak.

She knelt on a prayer mat in the courtyard, her hands clasped together, silently praying to the sky, her eyes slightly red.

"Heaven bless him, Brother Ye Chen must be safe tomorrow, he must win..."

The young girl's prayer was soft and devout, echoing quietly in the courtyard.

...

This night was destined to be sleepless for many.

Ye Chen's name and his battle with Xiao Li have become the focus of heated discussion within the entire Inner Sect, and even the Outer Sect, of the Tianyun Sword Sect.

Everyone wants to know if this newly promoted Disciple, who has been in the Sect for less than a year yet has repeatedly created miracles and stirred up countless waves...

...can truly create a legend once again against the number one person in the Inner Sect, Xiao Li.

Or will he be like a meteor, shining brilliantly for a moment before fading away and falling?

The next day, as the morning sun rose, ten thousand golden rays of light spilled across the entire Tianyun Sword Sect.

The Heavenly Punishment Platform is located on the flank of the Main Peak.

It is a hundred-foot square platform cast entirely from black profound iron, covered in ancient Restrictions and mottled bloodstains.

This place has historically been where the Sect dealt with serious criminals and resolved irreconcilable disputes.

After countless years, a murderous Aura permeates the air, inspiring awe and fear in all who behold it.

Today, the area around the Heavenly Punishment Platform is a sea of people.

Inner and Outer Sect Disciples, as long as they had no urgent matters, were almost all present, surrounding the platform so tightly that not even water could trickle through, with discussions rising and falling.

Many Elders from various Peaks also came, watching this much-anticipated duel either openly or secretly.

Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng of the Law Enforcement Hall personally presided over the proceedings from a high platform by the side, flanked by several Law Enforcement Hall Deacons.

With solemn expressions, they maintained order at the scene.

Elder Li and Elder Wang He also sat to one side, their expressions calm.

But when their gazes met, sparks seemed to collide, and the atmosphere grew slightly tense.

Before long, a white-robed figure walked slowly toward them.

Ye Chen, in a simple white robe with the ice scar sword on his back, looked calm as he stepped onto the Heavenly Punishment Platform one step at a time.

His appearance immediately triggered a mountain-shaking roar of discussion.

"Is that Ye Chen? He looks so young!"

"Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm? Didn't they say he was only at the Third Level of the Wheel Sea Realm a month ago? This Breakthrough speed is too terrifying..."

"His Aura is so steady; he doesn't look like someone who just broke through at all. His Foundation is very deep."

"To be so calm facing Senior Brother Xiao Li? This mindset is extraordinary!"

Amidst the discussions, Xiao Li's figure also suddenly appeared.

Like a burning meteor streaking across the sky, he crashed down onto the other end of the Heavenly Punishment Platform, his Aura flamboyant and overbearingly aggressive.

Xiao Li wore a crimson-gold robe and held a golden spear, the tip of which flickered with a foot-long Golden Flame.

Surrounded by Golden Flames, he looked like a god of war descending to the world, instantly drawing all eyes to him.

"Senior Brother Xiao Li!"

"What a powerful Aura! This is the strength of the number one person in the Inner Sect!"

"Golden Flame True Essence truly lives up to its reputation; I can feel the heat even from this far away!"

"Ye Chen is in danger this time; the gap looks too large!"

Xiao Li's gaze was like lightning, instantly locking onto Ye Chen, his lips curling into a cold and contemptuous arc.

"Ye Chen, your courage in standing here is commendable. Unfortunately, courage cannot save you. Today, I will let you know the difference between an ant and a true Dragon."

"I will cripple your cultivation, sever your Meridians, and leave you crawling off this Heavenly Punishment Platform like a dead dog!"

Facing Xiao Li's vicious provocation, Ye Chen's expression didn't ripple in the slightest; he merely slowly unsheathed the ice scar sword.

The deep blue blade was clear and translucent, reflecting his calm and unruffled eyes.

No fear, no panic, only pure Battle Intent.

"Enough talk. If you want to fight, then let's fight."

Ye Chen's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly spread across the entire Heavenly Punishment Platform.

The entire scene instantly fell silent.

A Golden Flame flashed in Xiao Li's eyes as he laughed in extreme anger.

"Good! Very good! Then let me see if your bones are as hard as your mouth!"

Before his voice even faded, his figure suddenly lunged forward!

His crimson-gold robe left an afterimage in the air.

The golden spear was like a venomous dragon emerging from its hole, the Golden Flame at the tip surging as it transformed into a baring-clawed fire dragon, piercing straight toward Ye Chen's face!

This thrust was fast, vicious, and accurate—no frills, just pure crushing power and speed.

As the spear wind passed, the air crackled from being scorched, and the high temperature forced the Disciples in the front rows below the platform to retreat several steps.

"Golden Flame Heaven-Burning Spear: Fire Qilin Break!"

Xiao Li's first Move was a killing strike!

He wanted to use thunderous momentum to crush Ye Chen and establish his unshakable authority!

Facing this peerlessly aggressive spear strike, Ye Chen's pupils constricted slightly.

Xiao Li's speed was even thirty percent faster than he had anticipated!

The sharpness and explosiveness contained within those Golden Flames stung his skin even from several yards away.

But he didn't retreat; he advanced!

He took half a step forward with his left foot and swung the ice scar sword upward at an angle.

Upon the blade, the greyish Hunyuan True Essence flowed—no brilliant light, no world-shaking momentum.

There was only a heavy, condensed rhythm that seemed capable of annihilating everything.

"Primal Chaos Defense!"

The tip of the sword precisely struck the side of the spear tip, three inches from the point—one of the nodes where the force of this strike flowed!

Clang—!

The sound of metal clashing rang through the entire area, the piercing sound waves making the eardrums of many lower-cultivation Disciples ache.

The expected scene of Ye Chen being sent flying by a single spear strike did not happen.

That seemingly heavy and overbearing Golden Flame spear light, the moment it touched the greyish Sword Qi...

...actually seemed to be swallowed by an invisible vortex, dissipating a portion of its power, causing the spear's momentum to veer slightly.

Ye Chen used the force to spin, his ice scar sword drawing an arc to shed the remaining strength.

His figure drifted back three yards and landed steadily.

The crowd erupted!

"He blocked it? Senior Brother Xiao Li's full-strength spear strike was blocked just like that?"

"What is that grey True Qi? How eerie!"

"It was a trick! Ye Chen found the node of the spear's momentum!"

On the high platform, Elder Wang He's eyes narrowed, while Elder Li nodded slightly.

Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng remained expressionless, but a strange glint flashed in his eyes.

Xiao Li's face darkened.

Although that spear strike wasn't his full power, he had used seventy percent of his strength, yet it was neutralized by the opponent in such a clever way.

Ye Chen's understanding of power and grasp of timing exceeded his estimates.

"Interesting, but not enough!" Xiao Li barked coldly, his spear vibrating as the Golden Flames rose again. "Let's see how many strikes you can take!"

He no longer held back; his figure was like lightning as the golden spear transformed into a sky full of spear shadows.

Every thrust carried scorching Golden Flames, whether piercing, sweeping, or smashing, completely enveloping the space several yards around Ye Chen.

The spear wind howled and the Golden Flames blazed; the entire Heavenly Punishment Platform seemed to turn into a furnace, the temperature rising sharply, and the black surface of the platform began to glow red from the heat.

"Golden Flame Heaven-Burning Spear: Prairie Fire Hundred Strikes!"

This was an area attack, using power to crush and momentum to force, leaving Ye Chen no room for clever evasion!

Ye Chen took a deep breath, circulating his Hunyuan True Essence to its limit, the ice scar sword in his hand turning into a mass of deep blue light and shadow.

He didn't meet every spear shadow head-on; instead, he pushed his Divine Sense to the extreme.

Coordinating with "Phantom Step," he wove and dodged through the dense shadows of the spear.

His movement technique was eerie and unpredictable, sometimes like willow catkins in the wind, sliding dangerously past the spear light.

Other times, he was like a phantom teleporting, slipping through the gaps in the spear shadows in the blink of an eye.

The ice scar sword occasionally tapped out, each time precisely hitting the weak points where the spear's force transitioned.

A continuous "ting-ting-ting" of crisp sounds rang out.

The greyish Hunyuan True Essence clung to the blade, constantly colliding with and wearing down the Golden Flame spear light.

The inclusive and annihilating characteristics of the Hunyuan True Essence were utilized to their limit, continuously neutralizing the scorching and sharp force within the Golden Flames.

However, Xiao Li's True Essence was ultimately vast and majestic, and the Golden Flames were even more overbearing.

With every collision, Ye Chen felt his arm go numb and his blood surge, and his Hunyuan True Essence was also being rapidly consumed.

"Sshhh—"

A spear beam grazed Ye Chen's left shoulder, tearing his clothes and leaving a charred scorch mark deep enough to see bone.

The power of the Golden Flames invaded his body, burning his Meridians, and a sharp pain followed.

Ye Chen groaned, and his Hunyuan True Essence immediately surged forward, wrapping, decomposing, and annihilating that scorching and sharp foreign True Qi.

The Dark Red Ember in his Wheel Sea flickered slightly, releasing a warm current; the burning pain at the wound actually lessened quickly, and the flesh showed signs of healing.

"Hmm?"

Xiao Li noticed that Ye Chen seemed largely unaffected after being hit, and the fierce look in his eyes grew even stronger. "I'll see how long you can hold out! Golden Flame Domain, open!"

He slammed his spear onto the ground!

Boom—!

With him as the center, a visible ripple of Golden Flames suddenly expanded, covering a radius of twenty yards!

Within the Domain, the temperature soared, the air distorted, and the dense fire-attribute Spiritual Qi rioted, forming a powerful suppression.

Ye Chen suddenly felt his body grow heavy, as if he had fallen into a swamp; his movements became sluggish, and even the circulation of his True Essence was somewhat affected.

Meanwhile, Xiao Li was like a fish in water within the Domain; his speed, power, and spear momentum suddenly increased by more than thirty percent!

"It's the Golden Flame Domain! Senior Brother Xiao Li is getting serious!"

"This is a pseudo-domain power that can only be unleashed when the Golden Flame Heaven-Burning Technique is cultivated to a profound level!"

"Ye Chen is finished! Under the Domain's suppression, he'll find it hard even to dodge!"