66: Chapter 66 Victory, Farewell

It was not shattered, but rather, by the ice-fire harmony and the Yin and Yang circulation's Law and Concept contained within that Taiji diagram, it was forcefully "assimilated" and "decomposed" into the most primal fire-attribute energy.

Then it was absorbed and converted by the Taiji diagram, in turn strengthening the Taiji diagram itself!

The destructive "Heavenly Fire" had actually become nutrients to nourish the "Taiji"!

"Impossible... Impossible!"

Duan Tianya's eyes were about to split, watching helplessly as his strongest strike was neutralized and absorbed by the opponent in such an eerie and unreasonable manner.

His mind lost its defense in an instant, and a mouthful of blood surged up his throat.

The Ice-Fire Taiji diagram absorbed a portion of the "Heavenly Fire" blade aura's energy, its light shining even brighter as it rotated and slowly drifted toward Duan Tianya.

Its speed was not fast, but it carried a grand trend of Heaven and Earth that was impossible to dodge or resist.

Duan Tianya wanted to raise his blade to block, but found his whole body stiff and his True Yuan sluggish.

Under the shroud of the Ice-Fire Taiji diagram's Concept, it was difficult for him to even move a single finger!

He could only watch helplessly as that small Taiji diagram imprinted itself onto his chest.

"Pfft!"

Duan Tianya felt as if he had been struck by a heavy hammer, his burly body shaking violently, but he was not sent flying.

He looked down and saw that the clothes on his chest were intact.

But inside his body, it felt like a turbulent sea!

A pure and peaceful ice-fire force penetrated his body, instantly flowing through his limbs and bones without causing any damage.

Instead, in a domineering yet gentle manner, it forcefully combed through and smoothed out the True Yuan in his body that had been somewhat chaotic and rampant due to the forced activation of his ultimate move.

It even purified it by a sliver!

But at the same time, a deeper sense of powerlessness and frustration swept over his mind.

Duan Tianya understood that Ye Chen had shown mercy.

If this strike had contained killing intent, he would likely be a corpse right now.

"I... lost."

Duan Tianya's face was ashen, and he slowly lowered the long blade in his hand.

His voice was dry, but it carried the magnanimity of a Martial Artist after defeat.

"I am convinced. Brother Ye's cultivation is profound, and his Concept is mysterious; I am far from his equal."

"You are too kind."

Ye Chen also slowly withdrew the ice scar sword, and the Ice-Fire Taiji diagram at the sword tip quietly dissipated.

His face turned a few shades paler, and his aura weakened as well; having continuously used major moves, his consumption was immense.

But he still stood straight.

"The finals, Ye Chen, wins! He obtains the title of Champion of the Qingyun City division for this Tianyun Sword Sect selection!"

The referee's voice, trembling with excitement, resonated through the clouds.

"Whoa—!!!"

A wave of sound, more enthusiastic than any before, erupted and soared straight into the clouds!

The entire Qingyun City seemed to be boiling for this moment!

"Ye Chen! Champion!"

"A Champion at the Meridian Opening Realm! Unprecedented!"

"Ye Chen! Ye Chen! Ye Chen!"

Countless people shouted Ye Chen's name wildly, the waves of sound rising higher and higher.

Loose Cultivators and Disciples of small families seemed to see hope, the myth of a grassroots counterattack.

The Lin Family area became an ocean of joy.

Lin Dong, Scarface, and the others hugged each other in excitement.

Although Lin Qingxue was still wearing her veil.

Her slightly trembling shoulders and moist eyes betrayed her inner excitement.

The Wang and Ye Families were completely silent, their faces ashen.

Ye Chen reaching the top meant that the landscape of the younger generation in Qingyun City had changed completely from then on.

Ye Chen would carry the prestige of the Champion into the Tianyun Sword Sect, with a future that was limitless.

They would never be able to catch up to him again.

On the northern viewing platform, the two Tianyun Sword Sect Envoys also revealed satisfied smiles on their faces.

Ye Chen's performance could be called perfect.

Not only was his combat power Heaven-Defying, but what was even rarer was his comprehension and control of the Concept, which had already touched the edge of the Law.

His Heart-Nature was also steady and resilient, and he knew how to exercise restraint.

This child was absolutely the biggest surprise of this selection.

He could even rank among the top in the entire history of Tianyun Sword Sect recruitment.

"Quiet!"

An Envoy stood up; his voice was not loud, but it clearly suppressed the noise of the entire venue.

Everyone quieted down, looking with awe at this big figure from the superior Sect.

The Envoy's gaze swept across the venue, finally landing on Ye Chen in the center of the ring, and he smiled.

"Ye Chen, with your Meridian Opening Realm cultivation, you have defeated strong enemies in succession and reached the top as Champion; your strength, Heart-Nature, and talent are all top-tier."

"After our assessment, we grant you a 'Special Grade' evaluation for this selection; you may directly enter our Tianyun Sword Sect as an Inner Sect Disciple! Furthermore, you may select one Profound Rank Medium Grade Cultivation Technique or Martial Skill from the first floor of the Sect's Scripture Pavilion!"

Inner Sect Disciple! A choice of a Profound Rank Medium Grade Cultivation Technique or Martial Skill!

Sounds of gasping and envious exclamations rang out from under the stage once again.

An Inner Sect Disciple of the Tianyun Sword Sect held a revered status, far beyond what an Outer Sect Disciple could compare to.

And a Profound Rank Medium Grade Cultivation Technique or Martial Skill was already akin to a Family-protecting treasure in a place like Qingyun City!

This was the treatment of a Champion!

"Many thanks, Envoy!"

Ye Chen suppressed the excitement in his heart and cupped his hands in a salute.

He had finally taken the first step toward a broader world!

"Duan Tianya, your performance was also outstanding; you are granted a 'Grade A' evaluation and may enter the Outer Sect, with priority for promotion to the Inner Sect assessment."

The Envoy said to Duan Tianya.

Duan Tianya quickly saluted and thanked him.

Although it was only the Outer Sect, being able to enter the Tianyun Sword Sect was already a tremendous Opportunity.

Next, the Envoy announced the evaluations and destinations of several other outstanding performers.

Although Zhao Feng was defeated, due to the powerful sword Dao talent he displayed, he was rated as 'Grade A Plus.'

He could also enter the Outer Sect and receive special attention.

Lin Dong and several other Wheel Sea Realm Cultivators also received 'Grade B' or 'Grade C' evaluations.

They were qualified to participate in the subsequent Outer Sect selection or become a Named Disciple.

The selection results were announced, and the whole venue cheered again.

Some were happy, some were disappointed.

But today was destined to be a day recorded in the history books of Qingyun City.

"Ye Chen, in three days, gather at the City Lord's Mansion to return to the Tianyun Sword Sect with us. Prepare well."

The Envoy instructed Ye Chen.

"Yes, this Disciple obeys."

Ye Chen acknowledged.

The selection event thus came to an end.

But the legend of Ye Chen had only just begun.

That night, the Lin Family mansion was decorated with lanterns and colored streamers, hosting a grand banquet to celebrate Ye Chen winning the Champion title.

The Lin Family also shared in the honor.

Lin Zhennan personally accompanied him; his attitude toward Ye Chen was completely like treating a nephew or even a peer, and his words were full of appreciation and expectations.

The Lin Family Elders and Disciples held Ye Chen in even higher regard.

After the banquet dispersed, Ye Chen returned to the quiet courtyard arranged for him by Lin Qingxue.

Xiao Yu had long been brought back and was currently having fun playing with a few newly acquainted young maids of the Lin Family.

Seeing him return, she immediately rushed over and hugged his leg, her little face full of pride.

"Brother! You are so amazing! Everyone says you are the most amazing!"

Ye Chen smiled and touched her head, his heart feeling soft.

Wasn't everything he did just to protect this innocent smile?

"Ye Chen."

Lin Qingxue's voice came from behind him.

She had removed her veil and changed into a moon-white casual outfit; under the moonlight, she was peerlessly beautiful.

But her face was still somewhat pale.

"Qingxue, your injuries..."

Ye Chen asked with concern.

"It is nothing, I will be fine after recuperating for a few days."

Lin Qingxue shook her head, walked to the stone stool in the courtyard and sat down, signaling for Ye Chen to sit as well.

"Congratulations on winning the Champion title and entering the Inner Sect directly."

"It is also thanks to your contribution. Without your Medicinal Pill and profound ice token, I would not have reached this day."

Ye Chen said sincerely.

Lin Qingxue shook her head slightly, not dwelling on this topic, and after a moment of silence, said softly.

"In three days, you will be leaving."

"Yes."

Ye Chen nodded and looked at her.

"What... are your plans for the future? Has Uncle Lin made any arrangements?"

He knew that because of her relationship with him, as well as her own Profound Yin Body and the matter of the 'bone-eroding pill.'

Lin Qingxue's situation was not easy.

"Father will arrange for me to go to a secluded place for closed-door cultivation to try to resolve the Cold Poison in my body, while also avoiding trouble."

Lin Qingxue said, her gaze looking toward the distant starry sky.

"The Tianyun Sword Sect is a good place. There is a broader world and more Opportunities there; perhaps you can find a way to completely solve the problem on me."

"You... must take care. Entering the Sect is not like being at home; geniuses are gathered there, and the competition is more intense and cruel. You need to be careful everywhere."

"I will."

Ye Chen looked at her cold side profile, and an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart.

The life-and-death shared experiences and mutual support during this period had long since planted an inseparable bond between the two.

"You must also take care. If... if you find a solution there, or need anything, you must tell me."

Lin Qingxue turned her head, her gaze meeting Ye Chen's; under the moonlight, her eyes were as clear as water, as if they could reflect the human heart.

She gave a soft 'Mn,' then shifted her gaze away, her earlobes seeming slightly red.

"This, for you."

She took out the profound ice token, which had completely dimmed and looked like an ordinary jade plaque, and handed it to Ye Chen.

"Although this token has exhausted its power, its material is special; perhaps in the future, if there is an Opportunity, it can be reactivated, or it may have other uses. Keep it with you; perhaps it will be a keepsake."

Ye Chen took the token. It felt cool and gentle to the touch, and it seemed to still retain her scent and warmth.

He solemnly put it away: "Thank you. I will keep it safe."

The two remained silent for a moment, as if they had a thousand words to say but didn't know where to begin.

Eventually, Lin Qingxue stood up.

"It is late. You should rest early; we have a long journey in three days. I... am going back."

"I will see you off." Ye Chen also stood up.

"No need, it is only a few steps."

Lin Qingxue shook her head and turned to walk toward the courtyard gate.

When she reached the gate, she paused, but without turning back, she simply said softly.

"Ye Chen, see you at the Tianyun Sword Sect."

With that said, her figure disappeared into the night outside the gate.

Ye Chen stood in the courtyard, holding the cool profound ice token, gazing in the direction she had disappeared, remaining motionless for a long time.

"See you at the Tianyun Sword Sect."

He repeated it in a low voice, a flash of determination in his eyes.

He would. He definitely would.

He not only had to go to the Tianyun Sword Sect to become stronger.

He also needed to find a way to resolve the "bone-eroding pill" and the Profound Yin Body.

He also had to... uncover the truth about his parents' disappearance and the true identities of the "Shadow Fiend" and the mastermind behind it all.

The road ahead was long and arduous.

But at this moment, Ye Chen's heart was full of hope and strength.

...

Three days later, outside the North Gate of Qingyun City.

In front of the City Lord's Mansion, quite a crowd had gathered on the plaza.

Besides Ye Chen, Zhao Feng, Duan Tianya, and the others who were about to leave for the Tianyun Sword Sect.

There were also friends and Family who had come to see them off, as well as onlookers.

Lin Zhennan brought Lin Dong, Scarface, and others to see Ye Chen off.

Little Yu was held by Lin Qingxue; the little girl was crying uncontrollably, holding tightly onto Ye Chen's neck, refusing to let go.

Ye Chen comforted her for a long time, promising that he would definitely come back to see her in the future.

Only after entrusting Lin Zhennan and Lin Qingxue to take good care of her did Little Yu tearfully loosen her grip.

"Young Master Ye, take care on your journey!"

Scarface, Lin Dong, Chen Feng, and others all cupped their hands in salute.

"Everyone, take care! If fate allows, we will meet again!"

Ye Chen solemnly returned the salute to everyone, his gaze finally resting on Lin Qingxue.

She was still wearing a veil today, revealing only her clear eyes as she nodded slightly at him.

"The time has come. Depart!" The voice of the Tianyun Sword Sect envoy rang out.

The two envoys summoned a flying Spiritual Artifact.

It was a white jade flying boat several zhang long, shimmering with light and hovering in mid-air.

Ye Chen and the others boarded the flying boat one by one.

...

The flying boat pierced through clouds and mist, traveling ten thousand li a day.

Standing at the bow, looking down at the mountains, rivers, cities, and villages rapidly receding below.

A surge of indescribable pride and emotion welled up in Ye Chen's heart.

This was the speed of a flying Spiritual Artifact.

This was the wider world.

It was completely different from trekking on foot, like heaven and earth.

On the flying boat, besides the two Tianyun Sword Sect envoys, there were the few people selected this time.

Ye Chen, Zhao Feng, and Duan Tianya.

There were also three other young Cultivators who had received a "Grade B" rating and were qualified to participate in the Outer Sect selection—two men and one woman.

The two men: one was named Sun Wu, from a small Family, at the Lunhai Realm First Level, and was reticent.

The other was named Li Hao, a Loose Cultivator.

At the Wheel-Sea Realm Second Level, he had a lively personality, looking around constantly along the way and marveling at everything.

The woman was named Su Yuyan, about seventeen or eighteen years old.

She wore a light green dress, was beautiful in appearance, had a gentle temperament, and her cultivation was also at the Lunhai Realm First Level.

She came from a Family in Qingyun Prefecture known for its medical skills.

Zhao Feng sat cross-legged in a corner of the cabin, eyes closed, adjusting his breathing; his face was still somewhat pale, but his aura had stabilized quite a bit.

Broken bone injuries were not fatal for a Cultivator. Coupled with the Spirit Medicine from the City Lord's Mansion, he was recovering quickly.

He occasionally opened his eyes, his gaze always sweeping over Ye Chen's back with a thoughtful look.

There was Battle Intent, inquiry, and a hint of admiration.

Duan Tianya sat carelessly at the stern, holding his dark red long blade, staring at the sea of clouds, lost in thought, wondering what he was thinking about.

"Brother Ye, this time was truly... damned satisfying!"

Li Hao leaned over to Ye Chen's side, his face full of admiration.

"Slashing a Wheel Sea Realm, and a Third Level one at that, while in the Meridian Opening Realm! What was that move you used at the end? It was simply divine! That Ice-Fire Taiji Diagram, tsk tsk, it made my eyeballs almost pop out!"

Ye Chen smiled and replied evasively:

"Just luck, a bit of Opportunity."

"How can this be luck!"

Li Hao persisted.

"Brother Ye, after we enter the Sect, you must look after this little brother! I, Li Hao, have no other skills, but I am first-class at running errands and gathering information!"

Sun Wu, who was silent on the side, also glanced at Ye Chen, a flash of approval in his eyes.

Su Yuyan covered her mouth and chuckled, her gaze toward Ye Chen also filled with curiosity.

Ye Chen was helpless and had to respond with a few words.

He knew that his performance this time was too astonishing.

It would inevitably attract attention, or even... trouble.

A tree that stands above the forest will be destroyed by the wind.

In a place like the Tianyun Sword Sect where geniuses gathered, he, this "Meridian Opening Realm champion," would likely not have much peace.

The two envoys, Zhou and Wu, did not interfere too much with their conversation.

They only occasionally offered pointers about the geography and customs outside the flying boat.

Or reminded them of some Sect rules.

They flew like this for three days, crossing who knows how many ten thousand li of mountains and rivers.

On this day, Envoy Zhou, who was standing at the bow, suddenly spoke:

"Ahead is the Tianyun Mountain Range."

Everyone's spirits lifted, and they all crowded to the bow to look.

They saw that on the horizon ahead, a continuous, towering mountain range that reached into the clouds had appeared!

The mountain range stretched for who knows how many tens of thousands of li, its main peak piercing straight into the sky, with the upper half hidden in the rolling sea of clouds.

One could only see the lower half of the mountain covered in pristine white snow, shimmering with holy radiance under the sunlight.

Countless shorter peaks clustered around the main peak, like subjects paying homage to a king.

The entire mountain range was filled with Spiritual Qi, and one could feel its vastness and purity from afar.

The Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi far exceeded that of Qingyun City by a thousand times!

In the sky, giant spiritual birds occasionally flew by, emitting clear, resonant cries.

Among the mountains and forests, one could vaguely see jade pavilions and towers, waterfalls, and flowing springs.

There were even many sword lights and escape lights shuttling back and forth between the mountains, like a fairyland.

"So... so spectacular!"

Li Hao opened his mouth wide and muttered.

Su Yuyan's beautiful eyes were also filled with shock.

Sun Wu clenched his fists, his eyes burning.

Duan Tianya also stood up, carrying his blade, his Battle Intent rising in his eyes.

Zhao Feng had also walked over at some point.

Gazing at the cloud-shrouded main peak, his expression was complex.

There was yearning, and also a hint of gravity.

Ye Chen took a deep breath, and the rich Spiritual Qi flowed into his body with his breath.

It refreshed his spirit, and all the pores on his body relaxed.

This was a true blessed land for cultivation!

Compared to this place, Qingyun City was simply a backwater.

The jade pendant on his chest grew slightly warm.

The jade booklet in his Sea of Consciousness also vibrated gently, seemingly quite satisfied with the Spiritual Qi environment here.

"That is where the mountain gate of the Tianyun Sword Sect is located—Tianyun Peak."

Envoy Zhou pointed to the highest main peak, his tone filled with a hint of pride.

"My Tianyun Sword Sect has been established for three thousand years, governing Qingyun Prefecture and several surrounding prefectures, and is one of the three major Sects within a radius of one hundred thousand li. Within the Sect, there are four ranks of Disciples: Outer Sect, Inner Sect, Core, and True."

"There are tens of thousands of Outer Sect Disciples, residing on the outer peaks; thousands of Inner Sect Disciples, residing on the inner spiritual peaks; and only a few hundred Core Disciples, who can establish an Immortal Cave near the main peak. As for the True Disciples."

He paused, a look of reverence appearing in his eyes.

"They are the future of our Tianyun Sword Sect. There are only a few in each generation, receiving the full cultivation efforts of the Sect, and their status is transcendent."

Everyone listened, their hearts yearning.

Tens of thousands of Outer Sect, thousands of Inner Sect...

What a colossal force this was!

Compared to this, the three major Families of Qingyun City were simply fireflies compared to the bright moon.

Envoy Wu added:

"You have just entered the Sect, so you must remember the Sect rules. It is strictly forbidden to kill fellow Disciples, strictly forbidden to betray the Sect, and strictly forbidden to pass on Sect Cultivation Techniques privately. Offenders will, at the very least, have their cultivation crippled and be expelled from the Sect, and at worst, their bodies and souls will be destroyed!"

"Within the Sect, competition is encouraged. There are 'Trial Towers,' 'Sword Fighting Platforms,' 'Mission Halls,' etc. Disciples can obtain contribution points by completing Sect missions, challenging trials, and sparring with each other, which can be exchanged for Cultivation Techniques, Medicinal Pills, Spiritual Artifacts, Immortal Caves, and all other cultivation resources. The strong rise, the weak fall; this is the eternal Law of the cultivation world."

While speaking, the flying boat had already entered the Tianyun Mountain Range.

The Spiritual Qi was even denser, even forming faint spiritual mist.

Below, one spiritual and beautiful mountain after another swept by.

Some had large fields of Spirit Medicine cultivated, with the fragrance of Spirit Medicine drifting about.

Some had towering halls built upon them, with a majestic and magnificent atmosphere.