35: Chapter 35 Aftermath and Undercurrents

Roaring cheers like a tsunami echoed through the Trial Valley, making people's eardrums buzz.

Countless gazes were fixed on the youth in green robes in the center of the arena, who was covered in blood yet stood straight, filled with fanaticism, awe, and disbelief.

Ye Chen accepted the storage ring, the black tortoise armor, and the heavy cloud-patterned token handed over by the City Lord.

As his fingertips touched the cold texture of the token, a sense of unreality welled up in his heart.

The Tianyun Sword Sect... that once unreachable behemoth.

Now, he actually had a chance to step through its gates.

But he had no time to dwell on this glory right now; the empty Meridians in his body and the waves of weakness reminded him that the crisis was far from over.

Wang Teng's corpse still lay not far away, and the resentful, almost tangible gaze of Wang Mang was about to pierce through him.

The faces of Grand Elder Ye Rushan and the others were also frighteningly ugly.

"Ye Chen, congratulations."

Lin Qingxue's cold, clear voice rang in his ears, carrying a trace of imperceptible concern.

She was still supporting his arm, and a gentle True Essence was channeled into his body to help him stabilize his injuries.

"Thank you."

Ye Chen said in a low voice, steadying his stance with her support.

At this moment, Lin Qingxue's support was like timely assistance.

The City Lord Zhao scanned the audience, pausing especially on Wang Mang and Grand Elder Ye Rushan, and said in a deep voice.

"The result of the Grand Competition is decided; no one shall object! The champion, Ye Chen, has obtained the qualification to explore the Black Iron Mining Area and a recommendation slot for the Tianyun Sword Sect, which is well-deserved! If anyone seeks revenge in private, do not blame this City Lord for being heartless!"

This was both an announcement and a warning. Wang Mang's face turned livid; he clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his flesh, but he dared not act out.

Grand Elder Ye Rushan snorted coldly, flicked his sleeves, and turned away, leading the ashen-faced Ye Hu and others to leave first.

The Wang Family members also carried Wang Teng's corpse and retreated in embarrassment amidst the suppressed wailing and cursing.

The air was filled with a heavy smell of blood and lingering smoke.

The crowd began to disperse gradually, and discussions rose one after another. Today's battle was destined to shake the entire Qingyun City, and the name of Ye Chen would be known to everyone.

"Can you still walk?"

Lin Qingxue asked in a low voice. Her own breath was a bit disordered; she had consumed quite a bit of energy healing Ye Chen just now.

"Yes," Ye Chen nodded, took a deep breath, and suppressed the surging blood and Qi.

He scanned the area and saw Xiao Yu, protected by the Scar-faced Guard, trying to rush over with teary eyes.

He shook his head slightly at her, signaling her to remain calm.

"Let's return to the manor first."

Lin Qingxue made a prompt decision and gave a look to the Scar-faced Guard.

The Scar-faced Guard understood, immediately brought his men forward, guarded Ye Chen and Lin Qingxue, parted the crowd, and headed towards the Lin Manor.

The Lin Family disciples also crowded behind, forming a protective circle.

On the way back to the city, the atmosphere was heavy. The people from various factions encountered along the way looked at Ye Chen with incredibly complex gazes.

There was admiration, wariness, and hidden greed.

That token of the Tianyun Sword Sect was too tempting.

After much difficulty, they returned to the Lin Manor, entered the bamboo courtyard, and dismissed the others, leaving only Ye Chen, Lin Qingxue, and the anxiously waiting Xiao Yu.

"Brother!" Xiao Yu immediately rushed over, hugged Ye Chen's leg, and burst into tears.

"You lost so much blood... You scared me to death!"

"It's okay, Xiao Yu, Brother won."

Ye Chen smiled reluctantly, stroked her head, and a wave of dizziness struck him, causing his figure to sway.

Lin Qingxue hurriedly helped him sit down and took out several more fragrant Medicinal Pills.

"These are the 'rejuvenation pill' and the 'Condensing Yuan Pill'. Take them quickly to heal. Your Meridians are severely damaged and you need to rest for a few days."

Ye Chen did not decline, took the Medicinal Pills, and swallowed them. The pure medicinal power dissolved, nourishing his dried-up Meridians, and the pain subsided slightly.

He looked at Lin Qingxue and said solemnly: "Miss Lin, thank you for today."

If it weren't for Lin Qingxue providing the Medicinal Pills in time and publicly expressing her support, he would likely have faced the Wang Family's crazy retaliation the moment he stepped off the arena.

Lin Qingxue shook her head, her expression serious.

"No need to thank me. You won face for my Lin Family, so it is only right that I protect you. However, regarding Wang Teng's death, the Wang Family will never let this go. Wang Mang is a man who seeks revenge for the slightest grievance and uses ruthless methods."

"And Grand Elder Ye Rushan will surely see you as a thorn in his side. Although you now have fame and the temporary protection of the City Lord's Mansion, it is easy to dodge an open spear, but hard to guard against a hidden arrow."

Ye Chen's eyes were cold: "I know. I will deal with whatever comes my way."

His strength had greatly increased, and he had the black tortoise armor to protect him, so he was not without the power to fight back.

Moreover, having obtained the qualification to enter the Black Iron Mining Area, perhaps there were resources he needed there.

"The most urgent task is for you to recover your strength as soon as possible."

Lin Qingxue said.

"For these three days, you can heal here with peace of mind. I will send more people to guard the courtyard and will never let anyone disturb you. Three days later, the Black Iron Mining Area will open, and then my Lin Family will send people to go with you."

"Okay," Ye Chen nodded.

He certainly needed time and a safe environment now to digest what he had gained from this battle and stabilize his cultivation.

The life-and-death battle with Wang Teng had given him a deeper understanding of the Nirvana of the Profound Ice Origin, and he had faintly touched the threshold of breaking through to the Late Stage of the fifth level.

Lin Qingxue gave a few more instructions and then got up to leave. She also had to go back to adjust her breathing and handle the Family affairs after the Grand Competition.

For the next three days, Ye Chen did not step out and focused entirely on healing in seclusion.

Xiao Yu was very sensible; she didn't make a fuss and stayed quietly in the courtyard playing by herself.

The Medicinal Pills provided by the Lin Manor were extremely effective, and coupled with Ye Chen's own strong recovery ability, his injuries improved at an astonishing speed.

The damaged Meridians became tough again under the nourishment of the Profound Ice True Essence, and he even benefited from the misfortune, broadening them a bit.

On the evening of the third day, Ye Chen woke up from his meditation. He opened his eyes, and a flash of light vanished in them.

Not only had his injuries fully recovered, but his cultivation was also completely stabilized at the Peak of the Middle Stage of the fifth level. He was only one opportunity away from stepping into the Late Stage! His strength was even better than before!

He walked out of the quiet room, and the afterglow of the setting sun spilled over the courtyard. Xiao Yu was sitting on a stone stool, holding her chin and watching ants move house.

"Brother! Are you better?"

Seeing Ye Chen come out with stable breath and a rosy complexion, Xiao Yu jumped up happily.

"Yeah, I'm better."

Ye Chen smiled, feeling the surging power in his body, and a sense of pride welled up in his heart.

At this moment, footsteps came from outside the courtyard, and the voice of the Scar-faced Guard rang out.

"Young Master Ye, the Young Miss invites you to the study for a talk."

Ye Chen tidied his clothes and said to Xiao Yu: "Brother will be back soon."

Arriving at Lin Qingxue's study, she was checking a map.

Seeing Ye Chen, a flash of surprise crossed her eyes.

"Your injuries... are they all healed?" This recovery speed was simply too astonishing.

"Just a stroke of luck, thank you for the Medicinal Pill, Miss Lin," Ye Chen said.

Lin Qingxue looked at him deeply, did not pursue the question, and pointed to the map.

"This is the outer map of the Black Iron Mining Area. The mining area is located deep in the Black Wind Mountain Range and is shrouded by a natural maze formation. It weakens once every three years, allowing entry. Inside, there are not only Ores but also some rare medicinal herbs that may grow there, but it is also full of crises, with powerful Yao Beasts lurking."

She paused, her expression serious.

"For this exploration of the mining area, the Wang Family and the Ye Family will definitely send people. You killed Wang Teng, so they are very likely to be unfavorable to you in the mining area. Although according to the rules, during the exploration, everyone relies on their own ability and must not kill each other, in the wilderness, the rules are just a formality. My Lin Family will send Lin Dong to take a team of experts to go with you, but you still need to be extremely careful."

Ye Chen looked at the dangerous areas marked on the map, his gaze sharp: "I understand."

Risks and opportunities coexist; he was already mentally prepared.

"In addition," Lin Qingxue pondered for a moment and lowered her voice.

"I received news that the Black Wind Stockade leader 'Black Wind Fiend' has returned to the mountain. Upon learning that the second and third leaders were dead and the stockade was ransacked, he was furious and is searching everywhere for the murderer. You need to be wary of them after your last time in the Black Wind Mountain Range."

Ye Chen's heart was solemn. Black Wind Fiend, a master of the Wheel Sea Realm! This was indeed a big trouble.

"I will be careful."

Coming out of the study, the night was deep. Ye Chen returned to the courtyard, calculating the trip to the mining area in his heart.

Strength, he still needed stronger strength!

He touched the storage ring in his bosom and sank his consciousness into it.

The ring space was not big, about the size of a room. Inside was a small mountain of Spirit Stones, shimmering with light, totaling five hundred!

On the side lay the earthy yellow black tortoise armor, emitting a steady fluctuation of spiritual power.

Besides that, there were several bottles of Medicinal Pills labeled "Healing" and "Qi Recovery".

Really... an overnight fortune.

With these resources, it was enough for him to Cultivate for a long time.

But Ye Chen was not carried away by wealth. He knew deeply that possessing a treasure is a crime.

Now he didn't know how many pairs of eyes were staring at him in the dark.

He must convert resources into strength as soon as possible!

He took out the black tortoise armor and dripped blood to recognize it as his master.

The spiritual armor turned into a yellow light and entered his body. With a thought, it could appear on the surface of his body to form a defense.

With this armor to protect him, his life-saving ability was greatly increased.

Subsequently, he took out a large number of Spirit Stones, set up a simple Spirit Gathering Array in the room, and began to absorb Spiritual Qi crazily to consolidate his cultivation.

At the same time, he pondered the gains and losses in the battle with Wang Teng, especially the application of the Nirvana concept.

Just as Ye Chen was concentrating on Cultivating, the undercurrents of Qingyun City were quietly surging.

Scene change

Wang Family, secret room.

Wang Mang's face was ferocious as he roared at a Black-robed Man.

"Investigate! Investigate clearly for me! What kind of lucky encounter does that little bastard have? And that bitch Lin Qingxue, why is she protecting him so much? How is the contact with the Black Wind Stockade going?"

Ye Family, ancestral hall.

Grand Elder Ye Rushan's face was gloomy.

"This kid has already become a climate, leaving him will surely become a big trouble! The mining area is an opportunity. Tell Ye Hu, no matter the cost, he must let him stay inside forever!"

City Lord's Mansion, study.

City Lord Zhao played with his teacup and said to the shadows.

"Why did Zhao Feng admit defeat? Has it been investigated clearly? This Ye Chen is a bit interesting; keep an eye on him, but don't intervene for the time being."

The night was thick, covering countless conspiracies and murderous intent.

And Ye Chen, who was at the center of the storm, was racing against time to improve his strength, preparing to meet greater challenges.

The Black Iron Mining Area will be his next battlefield!