29: Chapter 29 Heavenly Cloud Sword Sect

His figure flickered, ghost-like as he passed through the window, merging into the thick night and vanishing.

Lin Qingxue lay on the bed, listening to the faint, nearly imperceptible sound of wind receding outside the window, remaining motionless for a long time.

Inside the room, a trace of aura belonging to Ye Chen still lingered—piercingly cold yet somehow strangely comforting.

She lifted her slightly weak hand, gazing at her wrist where a lingering sensation of coolness and a vast yet gentle sense of Nirvana seemed to remain, her eyes complex and inscrutable.

This time was different from any before. She clearly felt that Ye Chen's cold qi had undergone a qualitative change; that sense of Nirvana even faintly suppressed the deepest layer of Cold Poison within her body.

This was absolutely not something that could be explained by a mere 'chance gain.'

Just how many secrets was he still hiding?

And why did her heart ripple because of his 'intrusion,' her composure slightly disturbed by his 'be careful'?

Lin Qingxue closed her eyes, forcibly suppressing the chaotic thoughts, circulating her meager true essence to feel the long-lost stability within her body—weak but no longer painful.

Now was not the time to think about these things. The Great Competition was approaching, winds and clouds were stirring; she had to recover her strength as soon as possible.

However, the seed named 'Ye Chen' had inadvertently fallen into the depths of the icy plain, quietly awaiting germination.

Elsewhere, Ye Chen silently slipped out over the high wall of the Lin Family estate, like a bat in the dark night, reuniting with Scarface who was waiting in the shadows outside the estate.

Seeing Ye Chen's slightly pale complexion and the fluctuations of cold qi around him that had not yet completely settled, a flash of surprise and understanding passed through Scarface's eyes, but he asked nothing, only speaking in a low voice.

'Young Master Ye, the Young Miss has given all the instructions. I will accompany you out of the city to fetch the person.'

Both were experts, taking advantage of the darkest hour before dawn.

Like two wisps of green smoke, they silently slipped out of the heavily guarded city, merging into the vast wilderness of mountains and forests outside.

Worried about Xiao Yu, Ye Chen pushed his speed to the limit. Scarface followed closely in silence, his regard for this youth growing ever stronger.

Before long, they returned to the dense forest where Xiao Yu was hidden.

'Brother!'

Xiao Yu, who had been waiting nervously, saw Ye Chen's figure and immediately slid down from the hiding tree, throwing herself into his arms, her small body still trembling slightly.

'It's alright, Xiao Yu, we're going into the city.'

Ye Chen picked up his sister, feeling her dependence, a wave of tenderness washing over his heart.

'Into the city?'

Xiao Yu looked up, her large eyes full of confusion and a trace of unease.

'Mm, to a safe place.'

Ye Chen patted her back reassuringly and nodded to Scarface.

The return journey was equally smooth.

Arriving once more at the concealed side gate of the Lin estate, Scarface had already made arrangements.

A taciturn old servant was already waiting at the door. Seeing the three of them, he bowed silently and led them into the estate.

They wound their way through corridors and courtyards, deliberately choosing secluded paths, turning this way and that, finally arriving before a quiet, independent small courtyard deep within a bamboo forest.

The small courtyard had white walls and blue-gray tiles, nestled within a sea of emerald bamboo. A babbling stream flowed before the gate; the environment was excellent, truly as secluded as Lin Qingxue had said.

'Young Master Ye, the Young Miss has instructed that you stay here for the time being. Daily meals and necessities will be provided by dedicated personnel. If not necessary, please try not to wander outside the courtyard casually, to avoid unnecessary trouble.'

Scarface explained in a deep, serious tone.

'Thank you for your trouble, Brother Scarface. I understand,' Ye Chen said, cupping his hands in a solemn expression of gratitude.

Scarface nodded, then glanced at Xiao Yu who was curiously looking around, his gaze softening slightly.

Only then did he turn and leave with the old servant, disappearing at the end of the bamboo forest path.

'Brother, is this where we're staying? It's so beautiful!'

Xiao Yu broke free from Ye Chen's embrace, running around the clean, tidy small courtyard, touching bamboo leaves, looking at stone stools, the fear on her face replaced by novelty.

'Mm, we'll stay here for now.'

Ye Chen watched his sister's lively figure, the fatigue from days of travel seeming to dissipate a little.

He walked into the main room. The furnishings inside were simple and elegant, spotlessly clean, complete with beds, tables, and chairs; the windows were bright and the room tidy.

All daily necessities were fully provided, the arrangements very considerate.

After settling Xiao Yu and instructing her to stay obediently in the courtyard and not run around, Ye Chen sat down on a stone stool in the yard.

The sky was already turning the color of a fish's belly, the first light of dawn emerging, dispelling the night's chill.

He took a deep breath of the moist air carrying the fresh scent of bamboo leaves, his thoughts churning within.

Staying at the Lin estate was both an opportunity and a challenge.

There were five days left until the Three Families Great Competition. He had to use this final time to adjust his condition to its Peak.

To completely digest and absorb the insights from the Profound Ice Origin, and to solidify his cultivation at the Peak of the Fifth Level of Meridian Opening Middle Stage.

More importantly, Lin Qingxue... her actions today, the subtle ripples beneath her seemingly calm surface, all clearly told him.

The relationship between them had quietly changed; it was no longer merely a cold transaction. This sentiment was heavy and precious.

Ye Chen touched the warm jade pendant on his chest, and the indigo-blue bond chain connected to Lin Qingxue within his Sea of Consciousness.

It seemed more solid and brighter than before, like a clear spring under moonlight, flowing quietly.

The sky had brightened.

And the real storm was about to arrive.

He had to become stronger to protect those he wished to protect within this vortex.

Morning light filtered through the gaps in the bamboo leaves, casting dappled spots of light.

In the small courtyard, Xiao Yu was already awake, squatting by the wall, curiously watching an early-rising ant struggling to drag a grain of rice residue larger than its own body.

Ye Chen slowly practiced a set of the most basic body-tempering fist techniques in the courtyard, his movements gentle, aiming to loosen his muscles and bones.

Feeling the flow of true essence within his body, adapting to the power after his Breakthrough.

After a night of rest and recuperation, aided by the high-quality Medicinal Pills provided by the Lin Family, most of the true essence he had consumed had recovered, and his injuries were basically healed.

His cultivation at the Fifth Level of Meridian Opening Middle Stage was completely solidified. The true essence within his Dantian was robust, carrying a trace of the Nirvana chill from the Profound Ice Origin as it circulated, its power greater than before.

'Brother, time to eat.'

Xiao Yu walked out of the house carrying a wooden tray with two bowls of steaming rice porridge, a plate of pickled vegetables,

and several white steamed buns. They were delivered early by that silent old servant.

'Mm.'

Ye Chen finished his fist forms, took the bowl and chopsticks. The porridge was cooked just right, the pickles refreshing, the buns soft.

The Lin Family's provisions were indeed meticulous.

Just after finishing the meal, light footsteps sounded outside the courtyard. The figure of Scarface appeared at the end of the bamboo forest path, walking quickly over.

'Young Master Ye.' Scarface cupped his hands, his expression more solemn than yesterday.

'The Young Miss requests your presence.'

Ye Chen knew it was about the Great Competition. He nodded and said to Xiao Yu,

'Xiao Yu, play in the courtyard, don't run around.'

'I know, Brother,' Xiao Yu replied obediently.

Ye Chen followed Scarface, passing once more through the quiet bamboo forest to the small courtyard where Lin Qingxue resided.

The courtyard gate was slightly ajar. Scarface stopped at the entrance, speaking in a low voice.

'The Young Miss is waiting inside. Please make yourself at home, Young Master Ye.'

Having said that, he stood guard outside the door like a statue.

Ye Chen pushed the door open and entered. In the courtyard, Lin Qingxue was sitting by a stone table. On the table sat a teapot and two teacups.

Today she had changed into a light green dress, over which she wore a moon-white gauze outer garment. Her hair was simply tied up with a jade hairpin, without any makeup.

Although her complexion was still somewhat pale, it was much better than last night. Her eyes were clear and bright, having regained her usual calm composure.

'Sit,' she said, pointing to the stone stool opposite.

Ye Chen sat down, his gaze sweeping over her. He could sense her aura was much steadier.

But that deep-seated Cold Poison within her body still surged like an undercurrent, not eradicated.

Last night's efforts had only temporarily suppressed it.

Lin Qingxue lifted the teapot, poured two cups of tea, and pushed one of them in front of him.

The tea was jade green, its fragrance subtle and elegant—it was high-quality spirit tea.

'How are your injuries?' she asked, her tone flat, like an ordinary greeting.

'No serious issues remain.'

Ye Chen picked up the teacup, took a sip. The tea was warm and smooth, carrying Spiritual Qi; it felt warm and very comfortable as it entered his stomach.

'That's good.' Lin Qingxue nodded, put down her teacup, and her expression turned serious.

'I asked you here to discuss the Great Competition. The City Lord's Mansion officially announced the final rules and rewards this morning. There have been some... changes.'

Ye Chen put down his teacup, quietly waiting for her to continue.

'This Great Competition is set to take place at 'Trial Valley,' thirty miles outside the city. The rules are roughly the same as previous years: disciples from the three families under sixteen years old and in the Meridian Opening Realm may participate. Opponents are determined by draw; winners advance until the top three are decided.'

Lin Qingxue spoke at a steady pace.

'What's different is that this Great Competition allows the use of weapons and Talismans, but prohibits taking forbidden drugs that temporarily boost cultivation. Deliberately causing disability or taking lives is also forbidden, with severe penalties for violators.'

Allowing the use of weapons and Talismans?

This undoubtedly increased variables and brutality.

Disciples from major families held a huge advantage in equipment.

'And the rewards?' Ye Chen was more concerned about this.

'The rewards...'

Lin Qingxue paused, a flash of gravity passing through her eyes.

'The top three, besides obtaining the qualification to explore the Black Iron Mining Area, will receive: First place—a Yellow Rank High Grade defensive Spiritual Artifact 'black tortoise armor' and five hundred Spirit Stones; Second place—a Yellow Rank Medium Grade offensive Spiritual Artifact 'Blazing Sun Sword' and three hundred Spirit Stones; Third place—any one Yellow Rank Low Grade Spiritual Artifact and two hundred Spirit Stones.'

Yellow Rank Spiritual Artifacts!

And several hundred Spirit Stones!

The richness of these rewards far exceeded previous years! No wonder all the major families were covetous.

But Lin Qingxue wasn't finished.

'Furthermore, the City Lord's Mansion announced that the most outstanding performer in this Great Competition will receive a recommendation spot to participate in the selection for Outer Sect Disciples of the 'Tianyun Sword Sect' three months later!'

Tianyun Sword Sect!

Ye Chen's pupils contracted slightly. So it was indeed that!

One of the three great Sects ruling this territory!

For Cultivators from a place like Qingyun City, entering the Tianyun Sword Sect was akin to ascending to heaven in a single step!

It meant a broader world, richer resources, more profound Cultivation Techniques!

No wonder Wang Teng, Ye Hu, and the others were so frenzied!

This concerned not only Family interests but also personal futures!

'The news has already spread. The entire Qingyun City is in an uproar now.'

Lin Qingxue looked at him.

'Wang Teng, Ye Hu, and a few previously low-profile collateral disciples are reportedly in seclusion making Breakthroughs, doing their final preparations. This Great Competition will be more intense, even... brutal, than any before.'

Ye Chen was silent for a moment, then asked,

'What ranking does Miss Lin hope I achieve?'

He knew the Lin Family's investment in him must come with expectations.