71: Chapter 71 Chen Ao is in trouble, heading to the Scripture Pavilion

"Senior Brother, I do not understand what you are talking about. I did indeed have a brief encounter with Senior Brother Liu Feng at the Mission Hall, but I have not seen him since. Where does this talk of me killing him come from? Senior Brother, please do not believe in rumors."

"Rumors?"

Chen Ao sneered, taking a step forward, the pressure of his Fifth Level of Wheel Sea Realm bearing down on Ye Chen like a mountain.

"Liu Feng accepted a mission and left three days ago; he has yet to return, and his soul lamp has extinguished! The last time he appeared was to accept a mission in the same Shadow Gorge area as you! And you, you just happened to return from completing a mission in the Shadow Gorge!"

"How can there be such a coincidence in the world? Speak! Did you kill him for his wealth, or because of that minor conflict at the Mission Hall, you ambushed Junior Brother Liu Feng?!"

The powerful pressure made Ye Chen's breath hitch, and the surrounding air seemed to solidify.

However, he stood straight, the Ice Lotus Imprint circulating slightly, neutralizing and dispelling that pressure.

He furrowed his brows slightly, and his voice turned cold.

"Senior Brother Chen, one must speak with evidence. My conflict with Senior Brother Liu Feng was merely a verbal dispute; why would it lead to murder? As for what mission he accepted or where he went, what does that have to do with me?"

"The soul lamp extinguishing could be due to mission failure, death at the jaws of a Yao Beast, or some other accident. Senior Brother, you have no proof and are relying solely on conjecture to slander a fellow Disciple here; isn't that too arbitrary?"

"Could it be that this Tianyun Sword Sect is a place where you have the final say, and you can convict people at will?"

Ye Chen's words were neither servile nor overbearing, even carrying a hint of retort, causing many surrounding Disciples to nod secretly.

Indeed, convicting someone based solely on speculation was too overbearing.

Chen Ao's eyes turned cold.

He had not expected Ye Chen to remain so calm under his pressure, and his words were even sharper.

He indeed had no concrete evidence, as the bodies of Liu Feng and the others had been disposed of by Ye Chen.

But he was almost certain that Liu Feng had died at the hands of this youth!

This youth could complete dangerous missions while in the Meridian Opening Realm; his strength was definitely not as simple as it appeared on the surface.

Ambushing Liu Feng and the other two was not impossible.

More importantly, Liu Feng was a capable subordinate of his, and even more so, a confidant of his cousin.

If he died so inexplicably and he just ignored it, how could he establish himself in Golden Flame Peak in the future?

Moreover, he vaguely felt that this kid named Ye Chen had secrets.

Perhaps it was related to something he had been investigating recently.

"Sharp-tongued."

Chen Ao suppressed the killing intent in his heart, knowing that he was under the watchful eyes of everyone in the Mission Hall.

Without evidence, he could not do anything to Ye Chen.

But would he let him go so easily?

"Whether there is evidence or not, we will know after an investigation. Ye Chen, I suspect you are involved in Liu Feng's disappearance. Now, come with me back to Golden Flame Peak to accept an investigation!"

As he spoke, Chen Ao actually reached out and grabbed towards Ye Chen's shoulder!

True Essence flickered on his palm, carrying a restraining force; he clearly intended to forcibly take Ye Chen away!

Once taken back to Golden Flame Peak, it would truly be a case of crying to heaven with no response and crying to the earth with no answer!

"Senior Brother Chen! Private violence is prohibited inside the Mission Hall! Do you wish to violate the Sect rules?!"

The Deacon Disciple behind the counter changed his expression and shouted sternly.

Although Chen Ao was an Elite Disciple, the Sect rules were strict, so he had to speak up to stop him.

A cold light flashed in Ye Chen's eyes, and his True Essence was already raised.

He would absolutely not go with the other party!

Just as he was preparing to resist, even if it meant exposing part of his strength—

"Chen Ao, such great might you have."

A clear, calm voice, yet carrying an unquestionable dignity, suddenly came from the entrance of the main hall.

The voice was not loud, but it instantly drowned out all the noise in the hall, clearly reaching everyone's ears.

Everyone looked towards the source of the sound.

They saw a young man wearing a purple robe, with a handsome face and an otherworldly temperament, slowly walking into the hall.

He looked to be only twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a gentle smile on his lips.

But his eyes were as deep as a sea of stars, as if they could see through a person's heart.

Hanging from his waist was a purple jade pendant, emitting a faint pressure.

Purple robe! A Core Disciple!

The entire Mission Hall instantly became so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

Everyone held their breath, looking at the purple-robed youth with awe.

Core Disciples held exalted positions in the Tianyun Sword Sect and were rarely seen in daily life.

Who would have thought that one would appear in the Mission Hall today!

Chen Ao's hand, which was grabbing towards Ye Chen, stopped abruptly in mid-air.

His expression changed slightly, and he turned to look at the purple-robed youth, a trace of wariness flashing in his eyes.

He hurriedly withdrew his pressure, cupped his hands, and saluted.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Murong."

Murong?

Ye Chen's heart stirred, and he also looked at the purple-robed youth.

He saw that the other party's gaze was also falling on him, carrying a hint of curiosity and a faint scrutiny.

"What is going on?"

Senior Brother Murong walked closer, his tone calm, yet he naturally possessed an aura.

Chen Ao quickly said, "Replying to Senior Brother Murong, this kid Ye Chen is suspected of harming Junior Brother Liu Feng, and I am about to take him back for investigation."

"Oh? And the evidence?" Senior Brother Murong asked.

"This... before Liu Feng's soul lamp extinguished, his last known whereabouts coincided with Ye Chen's mission location, and the two had a conflict in the Mission Hall previously. He is a major suspect."

Chen Ao said, biting the bullet.

"In other words, there is no concrete evidence, only speculation?"

Senior Brother Murong smiled and looked at Ye Chen.

"You are Ye Chen? The new Disciple who obtained the Special Grade evaluation while in the Meridian Opening Realm?"

"Disciple Ye Chen, greetings, Senior Brother Murong."

Ye Chen saluted, neither servile nor overbearing.

"Hmm."

Senior Brother Murong nodded and said to Chen Ao, "Junior Brother Chen, the Sect rules are strict; you cannot arrest people at will without proof. Since there is no evidence, let this matter rest for now. If you truly have suspicions, you may report it to the Law Enforcement Hall, and the Law Enforcement Hall will investigate according to the rules. Arresting people privately is against the rules."

Chen Ao's expression was somewhat ugly, but in front of a Core Disciple, he dared not act rashly and could only lower his head and say, "Yes, Senior Brother Murong is right. This Junior Brother was reckless."

"Hmm, go." Senior Brother Murong waved his hand.

Chen Ao dared not say anything more and gave Ye Chen a deep look.

The warning and resentment in that look were undisguised.

Then, he took his subordinates and turned to leave the Mission Hall.

Senior Brother Murong then looked at Ye Chen and smiled, "Junior Brother Ye, you have attracted attention upon first entering the Inner Sect; whether this is a blessing or a curse remains to be seen. Take care of yourself."

After saying this, he did not wait for Ye Chen's reply, turned around, and walked towards the stairs to the second floor.

His figure soon disappeared around the corner of the stairs.

Ye Chen stood in place, his thoughts racing.

Why did this Senior Brother Murong appear just in time to help him out of the predicament?

Was it a coincidence? Or was it intentional?

And what did his last sentence mean?

Ye Chen suddenly felt that he seemed to have been drawn into some invisible whirlpool.

The hostility of Chen Ao from Golden Flame Peak, the appearance of the mysterious Senior Brother Murong.

And that "Shadow Fiend" hiding in the dark, along with the mastermind...

The waters of the Tianyun Sword Sect were indeed very deep.

However, now was not the time for deep thought.

Ye Chen gave a distant bow in the direction where Senior Brother Murong had left, then put away his identity token and contribution points.

Under the varied gazes of the surrounding Disciples, he walked out of the Mission Hall with a calm expression.

The most urgent task was to improve his strength as quickly as possible, exchange for resources, and deal with more trouble that might come.

He touched the warm identity token in his bosom.

Inside, there were the 850 contribution points he had earned with hard work.

It was time to go take a look at the Scripture Pavilion.

...

The disturbance outside the Mission Hall seemed to be just a small interlude in Ye Chen's Inner Sect career.

But the undercurrents contained within made him feel vigilant.

Chen Ao's hostility was undisguised, and that mysterious Senior Brother Murong also appeared unfathomable.

In this Tianyun Sword Sect, where geniuses gathered and factions abounded, without strength and background, one could step into a trap at every turn.

"Strength, it is still strength!"

The thought in Ye Chen's heart became increasingly clear.

He needed to break through to the Wheel Sea Realm as soon as possible, needed stronger Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills.

He needed more cultivation resources. And for all of this, contribution points were key.

Leaving the Mission Hall, Ye Chen did not immediately return to that remote Immortal Cave on Flowing Cloud Peak.

Carrying the 850 contribution points, he walked straight towards another important location in the Inner Sect: the Scripture Pavilion.

The Scripture Pavilion was a crucial place for the Sect's Legacy.

It housed countless Cultivation Techniques, Secret Manuals, Martial Skills, divine abilities, Pill Formulas, Formation diagrams, and strange tales and eccentric records; it was a place all Disciples yearned for.

Contribution points were hard currency here.

Following the map guide in his identity token, Ye Chen passed through several spiritual peaks and arrived at a valley covered in faint clouds in the central area of the Inner Sect.

At the entrance of the valley stood a nine-story high tower.

The tower was ancient and simple, built from unknown cyan jade, exuding the heavy aura of accumulated time and a vast scholarly atmosphere.

Above the tower hung a huge plaque.

On it were written three large, flourishing characters that soared with Sword Qi—Scripture Pavilion.

In front of the tower was a white jade plaza, and many Disciples were entering and exiting at this moment.

But compared to the bustle of the Mission Hall, this place was much quieter and more solemn.

[part:gemini-3.0-flash]

Most of the Disciples walked with light steps and focused expressions; any conversations were held in low whispers.

Ye Chen stepped into the first floor of the tower.

The space on the first floor was extremely vast, resembling a massive library.

Rows of bookshelves, several Zhang high, were arranged neatly.

They were densely packed with Jade Slips, bamboo slips, and paper books, all emitting various faint glows.

The air was filled with a faint scent of ink and spiritual resonance.

The vaulted ceiling was embedded with countless luminous pearls, their soft light illuminating every corner.

A counter was set up near the entrance.

Behind it sat a white-haired old man with a profound aura, resting with his eyes closed.

Ye Chen could sense that although this old man appeared ordinary,

the mountain-like, deep-water-like aura he possessed was even more unfathomable than Chen Ao's or even Senior Brother Murong's!

He was at least at the Late Stage of the Wheel Sea Realm, or perhaps even a higher-level existence!

He was a Sect Senior stationed at the Scripture Pavilion.

"New here?"

The old man did not open his eyes, yet his aged voice clearly reached Ye Chen's ears.

"Disciple Ye Chen, a newly promoted Inner Sect Disciple, has come to the Scripture Pavilion to consult the classics."

Ye Chen hurriedly bowed respectfully.

"Mm. You know the rules, right? Identity token."

The old man's eyes remained closed.

Ye Chen presented his identity token with both hands.

The old man tapped the air, and the token vibrated slightly.

A stream of information flooded into Ye Chen's mind, detailing the rules of the Scripture Pavilion:

"The Scripture Pavilion is divided into nine floors. The first floor houses Cultivation Techniques, Martial Skills, and miscellaneous studies from Low Grade Yellow Rank to Low Grade Profound Rank. It is open to all Inner Sect Disciples, with contribution points deducted based on the grade of the classic and the duration of the loan. A deposit of your identity token is required for borrowing. Damage is forbidden, as is private copying or external distribution; violators will be severely punished."

"The second floor, containing Medium Grade to High Grade Profound Rank, requires Elite Disciple status or a one-time payment of a high amount of contribution points."

"The third floor and above are open to Core Disciples, True Disciples, and Sect Elders, or those with special contributions who enter with authorization..."

"Furthermore, noise and fighting are prohibited within the pavilion, as is the use of Divine Sense to forcibly probe the contents being read by others..."

The information was clear and concise.

Ye Chen was currently just an ordinary Inner Sect Disciple, and he only had 850 contribution points.

He could only operate on the first floor at most. If he borrowed Low Grade Profound Rank classics, he probably couldn't keep them for very long.

"This Disciple understands." Ye Chen took back his token.

"Go then. Once you've made your selection, come here to register and have your contribution points deducted."

The old man waved his hand.

Ye Chen bowed again and then walked into that vast sea of books.

The space on the first floor was too large, with countless classics.

Ye Chen did not search blindly; instead, he first went to the classification signboards.

The signboards roughly divided the first-floor classics into the 'Cultivation Technique Area', 'Martial Skill Area', and 'Miscellaneous Studies Area'.

The Miscellaneous Studies Area included Alchemy, Artifact Refining, Formations, Talismans, Medicine, Geography, History, Yao Beast Records, and so on.

Ye Chen pondered for a moment and decided to check the 'Cultivation Technique Area' first.

Although he had the Profound Ice Art (obtained from Lin Qingxue),

it was only a foundation and leaned toward Yin coldness. Coupled with his own realization of the Dao of Ice and Fire, his knowledge was not yet a complete System.

If he could find a Cultivation Technique that matched his own ice and fire attributes, even just as a reference,

he might be able to understand other things by analogy, accelerating his Cultivation speed and perhaps even finding an opportunity for a Breakthrough to the Wheel Sea Realm.

The bookshelves in the Cultivation Technique Area were even taller, and the spiritual light emitted by the classics varied in intensity.

Ye Chen walked slowly along the shelves, his gaze scanning the introductory jade plaques beneath each classic.

"Raging Flame Art, High Grade Yellow Rank, a fire-attribute foundational technique; the Raging Flame True Essence cultivated is fierce and overbearing..."

"Cold Ice Strength, High Grade Yellow Rank, an ice-attribute foundational technique, focusing on the condensation of cold qi with strong lethality..."

"Thick Earth Art, High Grade Yellow Rank, earth attribute..."

"Green Wood Eternal Spring Art, Low Grade Profound Rank, a wood-attribute health-preserving technique; its True Essence is upright and peaceful, with miraculous effects on healing..."

"Geng Metal Sword Qi Art, Low Grade Profound Rank, a metal-attribute sword Dao technique; its True Essence is sharp and can condense Sword Gang..."

Most were foundational or low-tier techniques of a single attribute.

Occasionally, he saw one or two dual-attribute ones, such as the Wind Fire Art or Lightning Water Skill.

However, they were just shallow parallel cultivation, not true Fusion.

Ye Chen looked for a long time and shook his head slightly.

These techniques were not high in grade, and their attributes didn't perfectly match, offering him limited help.

What he needed was a technique that could guide the path of ice-fire harmony and Yin-Yang balance, even if it was just a theoretical exposition.

He didn't give up and walked deeper.

Finally, on the bottom shelf of a remote corner,

Ye Chen saw an inconspicuous grey Jade Slip covered in a thick layer of dust.

The writing on the introductory plaque beneath the Jade Slip was somewhat blurred:

"ice fire same origin speculation record, author unknown. Not a Cultivation Technique, but a discussion and speculation by a predecessor on the principles of coexistence, mutual generation, and mutual restraint of the two extreme spiritual power attributes of ice and fire. Contains much absurd language; for reference only. Grade: None. Borrowing fee: 10 contribution points/day."

Ice and fire from the same origin? Speculation?

Ye Chen's heart stirred.

Although it was labeled as "absurd," for him,

any discourse regarding ice and fire attributes could potentially bring inspiration. Moreover, the borrowing fee was extremely low.

Ye Chen took down that grey Jade Slip, brushed off the dust, and walked to the counter to register.

"ice fire same origin speculation record? That's certainly obscure."

The pavilion guardian old man opened his eyes to glance at the Jade Slip and shook his head slightly, seemingly unimpressed.

However, he still skillfully operated Ye Chen's identity token and deducted 10 contribution points.

"Borrowed for one day; return it at this time tomorrow. No damage allowed."

"Yes, thank you, Senior."

Ye Chen took the Jade Slip and tucked it away carefully.

He had 840 contribution points left.

Next, he headed toward the 'Martial Skill Area'. While he didn't have a suitable Cultivation Technique for now, Martial Skills could enrich his combat methods.

Especially sword techniques; although he had his own ice-fire Sword Intent,

if he could learn from the orthodox sword techniques of the Tianyun Sword Sect,

he might be able to make up for some deficiencies, making his sword moves more systematic and sharp.

The Tianyun Sword Sect was founded on the sword, and its collection of sword techniques was extremely rich.

More than half of the Martial Skill Area was filled with various secret sword manuals.

From the most basic Thirteen Styles of Foundational Sword Art,

to Yellow Rank techniques like Flowing Cloud Sword Art, Light-Splitting Shadow-Capturing Sword, and Great Sun Heaven-Burning Sword (Incomplete Manual).

And then to Low Grade Profound Rank ones like Surging Waves Sword Art, Fallen Blossom Divine Sword Palm, and so on—a dazzling array.

Ye Chen selected carefully.

What he needed was a sword technique that could harmonize with his Ice Fire True Essence and Nirvana Concept, or one that could provide different perspectives on the sword Dao.

Ultimately, he chose two.

One was the Low Grade Profound Rank sword technique, Surging Waves Sword Art.

This sword technique simulated the surging waves of the ocean, with sword momentum that was continuous and unending.

One wave would rise before the previous one had settled; it emphasized overwhelming the opponent with momentum and required high True Essence thickness and control.

What Ye Chen valued was its Concept of "continuity" and "stacking."

Perhaps it could be combined with the "endless cycle" of his Ice Fire True Essence.

Borrowing fee: 50 contribution points/day.

The other was a peculiar sword technique, the Two Extremes Separating Light Sword (Incomplete Manual).

The introduction claimed this sword technique contained the principles of Yin-Yang transformation, allowing one to differentiate sword light, creating reality from illusion with unpredictable power.

Unfortunately, it was an Incomplete Manual, containing only the first three styles.

When Ye Chen saw the words "Yin-Yang transformation," his heart stirred.

This might provide inspiration for his understanding of ice-fire balance and the differentiation of sword light.

Even though it was an Incomplete Manual, the borrowing fee was as high as 30 contribution points/day, as it involved the Dao of Yin and Yang.

The two sword techniques, plus the earlier Speculation Record, meant a fixed daily consumption of 90 contribution points.

His 850 points would only last for eight or nine days.

Ye Chen gritted his teeth and registered the loan.

Contribution points were meant to be spent; using them to improve his strength was worth it.

Finally, he came to the 'Miscellaneous Studies Area'.

He needed to find information regarding the bone-eroding pill and the Profound Yin Body.

He also needed a deeper understanding of the Tianyun Sword Sect and the surrounding regions.

Perhaps he could even find clues about his parents' whereabouts and information on the Shadow Fiend organization.

The classics in the Miscellaneous Studies Area were as vast as the sea.

Ye Chen first found the 'Alchemy and Medicine' category and carefully searched for records of the bone-eroding pill and the Profound Yin Body.

After flipping through dozens of related classics and Pill Formula commentaries,

he finally found a brief description of the bone-eroding pill in an old book titled "Records of Strange Poisons":

"...bone-eroding pill, an ancient strange poison. Legend has it that it is refined with the 'Nine Serenity Bone-Corroding Flower' as the primary ingredient, supplemented by various Yin-cold poisonous substances.

In the Early Stages, the victim shows no obvious symptoms. As the poison penetrates deeper, the bone marrow and Meridians are gradually eroded by the Yin-cold poisonous force, causing unbearable pain and making cultivation progress difficult.

Ultimately, the victim's Qi and blood will be exhausted, leading to death."