109: Chapter 109 lists him as a true successor.

Ye Chen and Liu Yurou supported each other, speeding at full sprint towards the Tianyun Mountain Range.

Leng Ningshuang's cultivation was profound, already at the Peak of the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, close to a Breakthrough.

Her movement technique was swift, and even carrying one person did not slow her down in the slightest.

Although Ye Chen was injured, he had taken Medicinal Pills and had Liu Yurou assisting from the side, barely managing to keep up.

No words were spoken along the way, everyone focused their efforts on traveling.

Leng Ningshuang seemed extremely familiar with the paths, deliberately choosing remote, easily concealed trails.

Ye Chen also forced himself to stay alert, frequently using his powerful Divine Sense to probe the surroundings, avoiding potential dangers in advance.

...

Two days later, the four of them had entered the outskirts of the Tianyun Mountain Range.

Less than three hundred miles from the Sect's mountain gate, it could be considered a relatively safe area.

Finding a hidden mountain cave, everyone stopped to rest briefly.

After continuous travel, Liu Yurou's injuries were not yet healed, and she was already showing signs of fatigue.

Liu Mingxuan was even more exhausted, his small face pale as he leaned against his sister's embrace and fell into a deep sleep.

Ye Chen sat cross-legged to regulate his breathing. The efficacy of the Purple Dawn Soul-Returning Pill was extraordinary, combined with the Hunyuan One-Qi Art.

His injuries had stabilized, and his True Essence had recovered by twenty to thirty percent.

However, the damage to his Divine Soul and Meridians could not be healed in a short time.

Leng Ningshuang stood guard at the cave entrance. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the branches and leaves, spilling onto her cool, elegant figure, like a Fairy from the moon palace.

'Senior Sister Leng, we owe you a great deal this time.'

Having finished regulating his breathing, Ye Chen walked to the cave entrance and thanked Leng Ningshuang.

'It was my duty.'

Leng Ningshuang turned, looking at Ye Chen. Under the moonlight, her features appeared even more exquisitely beautiful and transcendent.

'It was you. To save the Liu siblings, you didn't hesitate to fight the 'Shadow Fiend' to the death, nearly losing your life. This isn't like your usual style.'

Ye Chen knew Leng Ningshuang was referring to him not being a reckless or impulsive person. He smiled bitterly.

'The 'Shadow Fiend' and I share a deep-seated blood feud. Since we crossed paths, naturally there was no reason to stand idly by. Moreover, the Liu family has ties with Elder Li. By both sentiment and reason, I should have helped.'

'A deep-seated blood feud?'

A flicker of doubt passed through Leng Ningshuang's beautiful eyes, but she did not probe further. Everyone had their own secrets.

'I won't inquire into your grudge with the 'Shadow Fiend'. But for the 'Shadow Fiend' to go to such lengths for the Liu family this time, I'm afraid it's not as simple as killing and seizing treasure. The ancient medicine garden map Miss Liu mentioned might be the key.'

Ye Chen nodded.

'I think so too. For the 'Shadow Fiend' to care so much, even to the point of exterminating a family, the value of that ancient medicine garden at 'Falling Star Lake' must be immeasurable. However, the map is in Miss Liu's hands, and it's an incomplete one, with the exact location unknown. The 'Shadow Fiend' probably won't give up so easily.'

'We need to report this to Revered Master and the Sect as soon as possible,' Leng Ningshuang said.

'The 'Shadow Fiend's' activities are becoming increasingly rampant, their ambitions not small. If that ancient medicine garden truly exists and falls into the 'Shadow Fiend's' hands, the consequences would be unthinkable. The Sect might send people to investigate 'Falling Star Lake'.'

Ye Chen's heart stirred.

If the Sect organized an investigation of Falling Star Lake, it might be an Opportunity.

It could both stop the 'Shadow Fiend' and possibly allow him to gain some Opportunities, accelerating his own growth.

'By the way, Senior Sister Leng, you mentioned earlier that Elder Li received news that the 'Shadow Fiend' has been frequently active in the southeastern region. Apart from the Liu family incident, were there any other anomalies?'

Ye Chen asked.

Leng Ningshuang pondered for a moment before speaking.

'Revered Master did not explicitly state it, but from his tone, it seemed the 'Shadow Fiend' in the southeastern region was searching for something, or perhaps meeting someone. Moreover, recently, there have been faint traces of 'Shadow Fiend' scouts active near the Sect as well.'

'Revered Master suspects it might be related to the exploration of the Netherworld Ruins three years from now. They might be making preparations in advance or probing the Sect's movements.'

Ye Chen's gaze sharpened.

The 'Shadow Fiend' indeed couldn't forget the Netherworld Ruins, even beginning to operate around the Sect already.

This heightened his vigilance even more.

'It seems these three years are destined not to be peaceful,' Ye Chen murmured.

'Strength is the fundamental basis for dealing with all disturbances.'

Leng Ningshuang looked at him, her cool eyes appearing exceptionally bright under the moonlight.

'Your injuries are severe. After returning to the Sect, you need to focus on recuperation and recover as soon as possible. For the Netherworld Ruins exploration, you have already been internally selected. There will inevitably be fierce battles then. I also need to go into seclusion to attempt a Breakthrough to the Dao Palace Realm. I hope to see a stronger you when I emerge.'

'I will definitely live up to Senior Sister's expectations.'

Ye Chen said solemnly.

The two conversed for a few more sentences, mainly about arrangements after returning to the Sect and how to settle the Liu siblings.

Leng Ningshuang suggested that the Liu siblings could first be settled at Danding Peak.

Under Elder Li's care, it would be relatively safe.

Ye Chen also thought it appropriate.

After resting for the night, at dawn the next day, the four set off again.

...

Half a day later, the majestic mountain gate of the Tianyun Sword Sect was already in sight.

Seeing the familiar Sect scenery, both Ye Chen and Leng Ningshuang breathed sighs of relief.

Liu Yurou's eyes also revealed hope and excitement. They were finally temporarily safe.

The gate-keeping Disciples recognized Ye Chen and Leng Ningshuang. Seeing them bring two strangers,

and Ye Chen's aura weak, bearing injuries, they were all startled.

But they did not obstruct them, only giving the Liu siblings a few extra glances.

Entering the mountain gate, Leng Ningshuang said to Ye Chen,

'I'll take them to Danding Peak first to see Revered Master. Your injuries are severe, return to Ziyun Peak first to regulate your breathing. Once Revered Master makes proper arrangements, he will naturally notify you.'

'Thank you for your trouble, Senior Sister.'

Ye Chen nodded.

He indeed needed to heal his injuries as soon as possible.

Leng Ningshuang took Liu Yurou and her brother, heading towards Danding Peak.

Ye Chen returned alone to Ziyun Peak.

Returning to Cave Residence Bing-9, which he had left over two months ago, and activating the Restriction, Ye Chen finally completely relaxed.

Within the Sect, it was temporarily safe.

He first inspected the Immortal Cave. Everything was as usual.

Then he immediately sat down cross-legged, took Medicinal Pills, and began healing his injuries with full effort.

The injuries from this battle at Black Stone Town were more severe than those from the Heavenly Punishment Platform.

Especially forcibly invoking the concept of ice-fire annihilation, which caused significant damage to his Foundation.

Fortunately, the Purple Dawn Soul-Returning Pill stabilized him, combined with the powerful recovery ability of the Hunyuan One-Qi Art and the solid Foundation laid during the two months in the snow valley.

Given time, he should be able to recover, and might even use this to further solidify his Foundation.

Cultivation makes one unaware of the passage of time. Another five days passed in the blink of an eye.

Under the effects of Medicinal Pills and dedicated recuperation, Ye Chen's injuries were mostly healed, and his True Essence had recovered by fifty to sixty percent.

His Meridians had basically healed, though they were still somewhat fragile and needed gentle nurturing.

The damage to his Divine Soul had also improved greatly. He could already use Divine Sense, but Divine Soul attack secret techniques like the 'Soul-Shocking Spike' could not be executed for a short time.

His right arm, however, had recovered very well. The Meridians and bones reshaped by the mystic ice jade marrow were exceptionally tough.

On this day, while he was consolidating his cultivation, the Restriction on his Immortal Cave rippled. It was a message Talisman. Receiving it, it was the voice of the Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple.

'Junior Brother Ye, Elder Li requests your presence. Come quickly to the Cold Mist Pavilion. Arrangements for the Liu siblings have been made, and there are other important matters to discuss.'

Ye Chen's spirits lifted. He straightened his clothes, left the Immortal Cave, and headed for Danding Peak.

Arriving again at the Cold Mist Pavilion, Elder Li, Leng Ningshuang, and the Liu siblings were all present.

Liu Yurou had changed into the attire of an Outer Sect Disciple of Danding Peak. Her complexion was much better, and she was whispering something to Liu Mingxuan.

Liu Mingxuan also sat quietly to the side. Although still somewhat timid, his eyes were much more lively, curiously observing his surroundings.

Seeing Ye Chen enter, both siblings showed expressions of gratitude and closeness.

'Disciple Ye Chen pays his respects to the Elder.' Ye Chen bowed.

'No need for formalities, sit.'

Elder Li motioned for Ye Chen to sit, his gaze sweeping over him and giving a slight nod of approval.

'Recovering well. Your Foundation is undamaged, even more refined. It seems this life-and-death struggle wasn't entirely a bad thing for you.'

'It was merely luck,' Ye Chen said.

'Regarding the Liu family matter, Yurou has already informed this old man in detail.'

Elder Li's expression turned serious.

'The 'Shadow Fiend' is utterly ruthless, stopping at nothing to achieve their goals, exterminating an entire family. This enmity, our Tianyun Sword Sect will remember. Yurou and Mingxuan will stay at Danding Peak for now. This old man will arrange for them to first become Outer Sect Disciples.'

'Studying the Dao of Alchemy will allow them to settle down and also inherit a bit of the Liu family's Legacy. Once their cultivation reaches a certain level, we can plan for the future. What do you think?'

The last sentence was directed at the Liu siblings.

Liu Yurou quickly pulled her brother up, and they both bowed deeply to Elder Li.

'We will follow the Elder's arrangements entirely! The great kindness of the Elder and Senior Brother Ye, the Liu family will never forget for generations!'

Liu Mingxuan also clumsily copied his sister's bow.

'Good children, rise.'

Elder Li sighed.

'Your father and I were old friends. In the past, we even discussed alchemy techniques. Who would have thought... alas. Settle down here with peace of mind. Although Danding Peak cannot be called impregnable, protecting your safety is not a problem. As for the matter of revenge, it needs careful planning. You must not act impulsively.'

'Yurou understands.'

Liu Yurou nodded, tears in her eyes.

'Ye Chen,'

Elder Li looked at Ye Chen, his eyes carrying approval and a trace of gravity.

'This time, you did very well rescuing the Liu siblings and fighting the 'Shadow Fiend'. However, you have also completely exposed yourself to the 'Shadow Fiend's' sight. According to Yurou, the Move you executed at the end was quite bizarre.'

[part:gemini-2.5-flash]

"The ability to trigger attacks at the Divine Soul level, instantly incapacitating two Fifth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm assassins. Such a method, while powerful, will inevitably draw extra attention from 'Shadow Fiend' and even some influential individuals within the Sect. You must be mentally prepared."

Ye Chen's heart tightened.

When he used "Ice-Fire Annihilation Trigger," he was already at his limit, yet he didn't expect Liu Yurou to have seen through it.

However, Liu Yurou was present at the time, so it wasn't surprising that she noticed.

But if this matter were to spread...

"This Disciple understands. The situation was critical then, and I had no choice but to use it."

Ye Chen said.

"Mm. This Elder will help you conceal it somewhat, saying that you used some special Talisman or secret treasure. But paper cannot cover fire forever; you must be even more careful in the future."

Elder Li admonished, then changed the subject.

"Today I called you here, besides the matter of the Liu family, there are two other important matters."

Ye Chen listened intently.

"First, it's about the ancient medicinal garden in Falling Star Lake."

Elder Li took out a Jade Slip.

"Based on the clues provided by Yurou and some ancient records in the Sect's Scripture Pavilion, this Elder and several Grand Elders proficient in geomancy and pharmacology worked through the night to deduce the approximate location of Falling Star Lake."

"That is an ancient dangerous land located at the border between the Tianyun Mountain Range and the sphere of influence of the DivineXiao Sect. It is perpetually shrouded in poisonous miasma and fog, with unstable space and occasional Void Realmcrack appearing, making it extremely perilous."

"In ancient times, it seems there was indeed a Sect that established medicinal fields there, but it has long since perished. Who would have thought that a fragment of a map would be passed down?"

He handed the Jade Slip to Ye Chen.

"This contains the compiled information about Falling Star Lake and a rough restoration of the map fragment's location. The Sect has decided to dispatch a reconnaissance team composed of Core Disciples and Inner Sect elites."

"They will head to the periphery of Falling Star Lake, first to investigate the movements of 'Shadow Fiend,' and second to confirm the authenticity of the ancient medicinal garden. Murong Bai will be in charge of this matter. You are also on the list."

Murong Bai is in charge?

Ye Chen took the Jade Slip, and his Divine Sense sank into it. It indeed recorded the perilous environment of Falling Star Lake and the potential dangers.

As well as a blurry map outline, marking several possible safe entrances and dangerous areas.

"This trip is no less dangerous than the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm. 'Shadow Fiend' has likely also obtained some clues, and may even have entered ahead of you. You must be extremely careful. The time is set for one month from now; you will gather at the Sect Plaza and depart then."

Elder Li said.

One month from now?

The time was ample, enough for him to fully recover from his injuries and further improve his strength.

Ye Chen nodded: "This Disciple obeys."

"The second matter,"

Elder Li's expression became even more serious, even carrying a hint of solemnity.

"It's about your parents, Ye Lingtian and Lin Suxin."

Ye Chen's whole body trembled, and he suddenly looked up at Elder Li.

Leng Ningshuang also showed surprise; clearly, it was her first time hearing about this. Liu Yurou and her brother, however, looked bewildered.

"Elder, you..."

Ye Chen's voice was a bit dry.

"Fellow Daoist Bai Chen informed the Sect Master and this Elder, along with a few other Elders who knew about the old events, of your background."

Elder Li slowly said, his eyes filled with reminiscence and a touch of sorrow.

"Your father, Ye Lingtian, was exceptionally brilliant back then, and together with your mother, Lin Suxin, they were both pillars of the Righteous Path. Their fate is a regret for our generation. The Sect Master learned that you are their son, and seeing your extraordinary talent, Heart-Nature, and strength."

"He has decided to include you in the Sect's 'True Disciple Seed' candidate list, with resources tilted towards you forKey training. But the prerequisite is that you must perform remarkably well in the Netherworld Ruins exploration three years from now, proving your worth."

True Disciple Seed!

Ye Chen's heart was greatly shaken.

Tianyun Sword Sect Disciples are divided into handyman, Outer Sect, Inner Sect, Core, and True Disciples.

True Disciples are the future pillars of the Sect, enjoying esteemed status, countless resources, and receiving meticulous guidance from the Sect's highest Legacy!

Every True Disciple is a peerless Genius, one in ten thousand.

He himself was actually placed on the candidate list?

"Furthermore,"

Elder Li continued, his tone even lower.

"Regarding the whereabouts of your parents, after years of covert investigation, combined with the clues provided by Fellow Daoist Bai Chen and some recent unusual movements of 'Shadow Fiend,' we suspect that they may not have perished back then."

"Instead... they might have been trapped in some desperate land, or perhaps, with the help of that legendary supreme treasure, they went into hiding. And that place is very likely related to the Netherworld Sect Ruins, or Falling Star Lake."

His parents might still be alive?

Ye Chen's heart suddenly leaped, an indescribable excitement and hope instantly surging through him.

Although it was just a suspicion, this was undoubtedly a light suddenly appearing in the darkness!

"Whether it's the Netherworld Ruins or Falling Star Lake, both will be your Opportunity, and also a great danger you face."

Elder Li looked at Ye Chen, speaking earnestly.

"You need to grow up quickly to have the ability to explore and to face it. These three years are your most crucial time. The Sect Master has specially approved partial access to the third floor of the Scripture Pavilion for you; you can go and choose a suitable Cultivation Technique or Martial Skill. Also, this is what the Sect Master entrusted me to give you."

Elder Li took out an ancient-looking Storage Pouch and handed it to Ye Chen.

Ye Chen took it, and with a sweep of his Divine Sense, his breath hitched.

Inside were mountains of High-Grade Spirit Stones!

There were tens of thousands of them!

And several bottles of High Grade Medicinal Pills labeled "dao origin pill," "Soul Condensing Pill," etc., which had miraculous effects on Wheel Sea Realm Cultivators.

As well as several Spiritual Artifacts and Talismans emitting powerful fluctuations, meant for protection!

This was an astonishing fortune!

Enough to support his Cultivation until the Late Stage of the Wheel Sea Realm, and even to impact the Dao Palace!

"The Sect Master said this is what you deserve. Your parents back then made great contributions to the Sect and to the Righteous Path. Since you are their son and have shown such potential, the Sect will naturally spare no effort to Cultivate you."

"I hope you make good use of it, do not disappoint this expectation, and do not... disappoint your parents' reputation."

Elder Li said solemnly.

Ye Chen held the Storage Pouch, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Excitement and worry for his parents' whereabouts, gratitude for the Sect's generous treatment.

Even more, a heavy sense of responsibility and a determination to become stronger.

He took a deep breath, put away the Storage Pouch, and bowed deeply to Elder Li, and also towards the main Peak where the Sect Master resided.

"Disciple Ye Chen will certainly not fail the Sect's high expectations, nor the name of my parents!"

His voice, though soft, was resolute and carried an unwavering determination.

Leaving the Cold Mist Pavilion, Ye Chen's heart remained restless for a long time.

The possibility of his parents still being alive was like a stone thrown into the lake of his heart, stirring ripples of hope and worry.

The status of a True Disciple Seed candidate, and the immense resources that came with it.

Made him feel unprecedented pressure and motivation.

Ye Chen did not immediately return to Ziyun Peak, but instead, holding the token given by Elder Li, headed straight towards the main Peak.

To one of the most sacred and mysterious places in the Tianyun Sword Sect—the Scripture Pavilion.

...

The Scripture Pavilion is located on the back mountain of the main Peak, "Tianyun Peak."

It is an ancient and magnificent nine-story pagoda, built entirely from a peculiar bluish-gray stone material that is neither metal nor jade.

It is covered with traces of erosion from time and countless profound defensive and warning runes.

This place houses countless Cultivation Techniques, Martial Skills, secret arts, and classics collected and inherited by the Tianyun Sword Sect over thousands of years since its establishment.

It is the true Foundation of the Sect.

Ordinary Inner Sect Disciples, with sufficient contribution points, can only enter the first and second floors.

To select some Yellow Rank and Low Grade Profound Rank Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills.

Core Disciples can enter the third and fourth floors, accessing Mid Grade and High Grade Profound Rank, and even some Earth Rank Incomplete Manuals.

As for the higher floors, five and above, only True Disciples, Elders from various Peaks.

And those who have rendered great service to the Sect are qualified to enter.

Ye Chen, holding the token given by Elder Li, which bore a special Sect Master's seal, passed unimpeded.

After careful inspection by the guarding Elder, he stepped through the heavy doors of the Scripture Pavilion.

Inside the door was not the imagined rows of bookshelves.

The first thing that caught his eye was an extremely vast, towering grand hall whose ceiling could not be seen.

The hall's floor was paved with warm white jade, inscribed with complex spirit-gathering and mind-calming Formations.

The air was filled with a faint, soothing scent of old books and sandalwood.

The walls around the hall were not solid, but rather huge light screens, flowing slowly like water waves and emitting a soft white glow.

Several old men with profound auras, meditating with closed eyes, sat on futons around the hall, like sculptures, clearly the Elders guarding this place.

Occasionally, Cultivators dressed in Inner Sect or Core Disciple robes.

Respectfully walked to a light screen and pressed their identity tokens or some other token onto the screen.