56: Chapter 56 The Turbulent Journey Home, Selection Ahead of Schedule

The morning light was faint, dispelling the chill of the mountains and forests.

The group found a flat valley with a cliff at its back and a stream in front to temporarily settle down.

After a night of meditation and using the Medicinal Pills brought out from the Molten Fire Abyss,

the breathing of Scarface, Lin Dong, and the others, who were most heavily injured, had stabilized significantly; at least they had regained the ability to move.

Liu Yiyi used clean stream water to help Chen Feng wash his wounds and reapplied medicine.

Lin Qingxue sat alone on a large rock by the stream, holding the now completely dull profound ice token, gazing at the gurgling water.

Her expression was calm, and it was unclear what she was thinking.

Ye Chen sat cross-legged under an ancient tree, eyes closed in internal meditation.

The situation inside his body could be described as earth-shattering.

His Meridians had been widened and strengthened by the Ice and Fire Origins to an incredible degree.

They were as tough as dragon tendons and as wide as rivers; True Essence surged through them, emitting a faint roar.

Within his Dantian, the Profound Ice True Essence had turned into a deep, profound blue.

It was interspersed with wisps of gold-red currents, and the two no longer conflicted.

Instead, they rotated slowly like a Taiji fish, forming a miniature ice-fire vortex.

This was the brand-new True Essence formed after the initial Fusion of the Ice Lotus Imprint and the Earth-Core Fire Crystal's power; its quality far exceeded that of an ordinary Wheel Sea Realm Early Stage Cultivator.

It could even rival the True Essence of the Wheel Sea Realm Middle Stage.

His cultivation was stable at the Meridian Opening Sixth Level Peak, only a step away from the Wheel Sea Realm.

Ye Chen felt that if he wished, he could try to break through now with at least a fifty percent chance of success.

But he was not in a hurry for quick results. Although his Foundation was exceptionally solid due to the Origin tempering from these successive Breakthroughs,

his state of mind and combat experience still needed honing, especially his control over new powers like the 'Ice Fire Seal.'

He was far from reaching the point of total mastery.

He needed time to let it settle.

Moreover, Ye Chen still had that mass of 'fire spirit marrow' in his hands.

This was the essence of an Earth Rank fire spirit root, containing the Earth Fire Origin.

It was gentler and purer than the fire crystal he had absorbed, making it easier to refine and assimilate.

If he fully refined it, it would not only stabilize the balance of ice and fire but also temper his Physical Body.

The certainty of breaking through to the Wheel Sea Realm would increase to at least eighty percent.

However, the most urgent matter at hand was to determine their position and return to Qingyun City.

Xiao Yu was still at the Lin Manor; he had to go back as soon as possible.

Lin Qingxue also needed to return to handle Family affairs; after all, the Lin Family had suffered significant losses during this trip to the mining area.

“Brother Ye, where do we go next?”

Lin Dong finished tending to his wounds and came over to ask.

After the journey through the Molten Fire Abyss, he was completely convinced by Ye Chen and followed his every word.

Ye Chen opened his eyes and looked at Scarface.

“Brother Scarface, can you identify our general location?”

Scarface stood up, looked around, and climbed a nearby high rock to scout for a moment before coming down with a grave expression.

“Looking at the mountain trends and that large river in the distance, we are likely on the northwest side of the Black Wind Mountain Range, at least five or six hundred miles away from Qingyun City. Moreover, it seems we've left the actual control of the City Lord's Mansion and are nearing the territory of 'Liuyun City.'”

“Liuyun City?”

Ye Chen frowned slightly.

That was another major city in the north of Qingyun Prefecture, which had always competed with Qingyun City, and their relationship was not harmonious.

“Indeed. Liuyun City is the territory of the 'Iron Sword Sect.' They usually mind their own business regarding the three great families of Qingyun City and the City Lord's Mansion, but there is friction over interests. In our current state, being injured, approaching rashly might cause unnecessary trouble,”

Scarface analyzed.

Five or six hundred miles was not too far for a Cultivator.

But the group was injured, and they had two outsiders, Liu Yiyi and Chen Feng, making them too large a target.

Furthermore, who knew if Wang Mang, the Ghost Old Man, and the others would set an ambush on the way back.

Although Ye Chen was not afraid, he did not want to invite complications.

“We’ll return to Qingyun City first. Bypass the main roads and take the mountain paths; try to avoid populated areas.”

Ye Chen made the decision.

“Everyone focus on recovering; we depart at noon. Brother Scarface, I’ll trouble you to lead the way.”

“Yes, Young Master Ye.” Scarface nodded.

...

At noon, the group packed their gear and set off toward Qingyun City along the secret path chosen by Scarface.

Ye Chen walked at the front, his Divine Sense projected outward, alert to any movement in the surroundings.

Lin Qingxue walked slightly behind him at his side; her aura was still somewhat weak, but her complexion was much better.

Liu Yiyi and Chen Feng followed behind.

Liu Yiyi’s gaze involuntarily fell upon the tall and straight back in front of her.

The mountain roads were rugged, the forests deep and lush.

Fortunately, the group's cultivation was not weak, and with an old hand like Scarface leading the way, their progress was not slow.

Along the way, they encountered a few low-level Yao Beasts that didn't know any better; they were easily dealt with and became rations for the group.

Traveling by day and resting by night like this, after three days, they were less than two hundred miles from Qingyun City.

Traces of human activity began to appear: felled tree stumps, abandoned mine pits.

Occasionally, wisps of cooking smoke could be seen rising from distant mountain hollows.

“Further ahead, we’ll enter the patrol range of Qingyun City. We’d better find a place to rest and change into clean clothes to avoid drawing attention.”

Scarface suggested.

The group stopped by a hidden mountain spring, washed up, and changed into the spare clean clothes from their packs.

Ye Chen also changed into a set of ordinary green martial attire, wrapping the ice scar sword in cloth strips and carrying it on his back.

His aura was completely restrained, making him look like an ordinary traveling youth.

“Ten miles ahead is a small town called 'Qingshi Town.' It’s a supply point for those entering and exiting the Black Wind Mountain Range, home to all sorts of people. We can gather news there and buy some dry rations and horses; the rest of the journey will be much easier.”

Scarface pointed ahead.

The group had no objections.

Near dusk, the group arrived outside Qingshi Town.

The town was not large, built against the mountain and named for its production of a type of bluestone slab.

At the town entrance were crude wooden fences, guarded by several guards in tattered leather armor who stood askew.

They were indifferent to those entering and exiting, only collecting 'road fees' from hunters and miners carrying prey or Ore.

Ye Chen and the others paid the fee and successfully entered the town.

The streets were narrow, lined with wooden and stone houses of varying heights; wine banners fluttered, and the sound of voices was clamorous.

The air was thick with the smell of wine, sweat, animal droppings, and the aroma of roasted meat.

Rough hunters walked by carrying bloody animal skins, and shrewd vendors set up stalls by the road hawking medicinal herbs and Ores.

There were also men with flickering eyes squatting in corners, sizing up the passersby.

Scarface was familiar with the place and led the group to a small inn on the west side of town that looked reasonably clean.

The sign for 'Yuelai Inn' swayed in the evening breeze.

The shopkeeper was a chubby middle-aged man who, seeing Scarface's extraordinary bearing,

and that he was with several young people, immediately put on a smile and came forward to greet them.

“Honored guests, are you here for a meal or to stay the night?”

“We need three upper rooms, some hot water and food, and to ask about some matters.”

Scarface tossed over a few pieces of broken silver.

“Right away! Guests, please come upstairs!”

The shopkeeper beamed and personally led the group upstairs.

The rooms were quite tidy.

The group divided the rooms: Ye Chen and Lin Qingxue each had one, Scarface and Lin Dong shared one, and Liu Yiyi and Chen Feng shared one.

After a simple wash, the group gathered in Ye Chen's room while Scarface went downstairs to gather news.

Before long, Scarface brought up some food, but his expression was somewhat grave.

“What did you find out?” Lin Dong asked.

Scarface closed the door and lowered his voice.

“Qingyun City has been... unsettled lately. News of Wang Teng's death and Grand Elder Ye Rushan's demise in the Molten Fire Abyss has already reached back.”

“The Wang Family is furious, the power of the Grand Elder's faction in the Ye Family has taken a hit, and internal fighting is intense. The City Lord's Mansion's attitude is ambiguous. But the biggest news is...”

He paused and looked at Ye Chen.

“The envoys from the Tianyun Sword Sect have arrived in Qingyun City ahead of schedule! It’s said they are currently inspecting the young disciples recommended by the various families and the City Lord's Mansion; the selection might be moved forward!”

“Furthermore, there are rumors that this selection is not limited to the city; Loose Cultivators or disciples of small families may also get a chance if they have enough strength or special talent!”

The Tianyun Sword Sect envoys arrived early?

The selection might be moved forward?

Ye Chen's eyes narrowed. This was faster than he had anticipated.

“Also,”

Scarface continued.

“The Wang Family and the Grand Elder's faction of the Ye Family are secretly offering rewards for Young Master Ye's whereabouts, dead or alive, and the bounty is extremely high. The Black Wind Stockade also seems to have some movement. Right now, there are many eyes inside and outside Qingyun City. If we return like this, we’ll likely be spotted as soon as we enter the city.”

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense.

Although they had expected this, hearing the confirmed news still made their hearts heavy.

“It seems we can't return to the city directly.”

Lin Qingxue spoke up, her voice cold.

“Ye Chen, you are now the target of everyone. The Wang Family, the remnants of the Ye Family, the Black Wind Stockade, and possibly others coveting the treasures you possess will all be watching you. Returning directly is too dangerous.”

“Young Miss is right.”

Scarface nodded.

“Young Master Ye, why don't you find a place outside the city to hide for a while? Wait until the Tianyun Sword Sect selection officially begins before you make a public appearance. By then, with everyone watching and the City Lord's Mansion and the Tianyun Sword Sect envoys present, they won't dare to act openly.”

Ye Chen was silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head.

“Xiao Yu is still at the Lin Manor; I’m not at ease. Besides, hiding is not my wish.”

He looked at Lin Qingxue.

“Qingxue, do you have a way for me to contact the Lin Family without revealing my tracks?”

Lin Qingxue pondered.

“Yes. The Lin Family has several secret businesses and contact points outside. I can have Scarface contact someone my father trusts to secretly bring Xiao Yu out to meet you. You can also temporarily hide at one of those contact points until the selection begins.”

“Good, let's do that.” Ye Chen nodded.

“I’ll trouble Brother Scarface to make the trip. Qingxue, your injuries aren't healed yet, and you are a conspicuous target; it’s best if you don't return yet either, to avoid being watched and implicating the Lin Family. We’ll find a place and wait for your father to send someone to meet us.”

“Mm.”

Lin Qingxue had no objections.

She knew that if she returned now, she might indeed become a target and make things difficult for her father.

With the plan decided, the group quickly ate some food and decided to leave Qingshi Town that night.

They headed for a more secret Lin Family outer outpost that Lin Qingxue knew of,

located at a place called 'Luoxia Valley' on the edge of the Black Wind Mountain Range.

However, just as they settled the bill and went downstairs to leave the inn, trouble found its way to them.

In the inn's lobby, seven or eight burly men had appeared at some point; each of their auras was not weak, the lowest being at the Meridian Opening Fourth Level.

The leader, a One-eyed Man, even had a cultivation at the Meridian Opening Seventh Level.

They occupied two tables and were loudly playing drinking games, but their eyes frequently swept toward the stairs.

When Ye Chen and the others came downstairs, the One-eyed Man's eyes immediately lit up, and he stared fixedly at Ye Chen.

He then looked at Lin Qingxue and Liu Yiyi beside him, a lewd and greedy smile appearing on his face.

“Yo, brothers, look who this is?”

The One-eyed Man stood up, swaying as he walked over with a wine jar, blocking the way, and laughed with a breath full of wine.

“Isn't this the one everyone in the city has been talking about lately... Ye Chen, the great Genius Ye? What, you came back from the Molten Fire Abyss with your life and even brought two such succulent little ladies?”

“Where are you going to have your fun? How about bringing us brothers along to enjoy ourselves too?”

The lobby suddenly went silent; other diners lowered their heads, hurried their eating, or quietly slipped away.

The shopkeeper shrank behind the counter, his face turning pale.

Scarface, Lin Dong, and the others immediately stepped forward, blocking Ye Chen and Lin Qingxue, their eyes cold.

Ye Chen looked at this group of thugs who were clearly sent by someone to test them.

He glanced at several figures faintly moving outside the inn and sneered in his heart.

It seemed some people were already impatient.

Fine, I’ll use you to test my current strength and also... to kill the chicken to warn the monkeys.