74: Chapter 74 Breaking Through the Sea of ​​Wheels Realm, the Law Enforcement Hall Appears!

A crazy thought flashed through his mind.

The balance of ice and fire did not necessarily have to be a fifty-fifty split; it could also be a dynamic cycle of ebb and flow.

But right now, he needed to "add fuel to the fire" first!

No more hesitation!

Ye Chen grabbed the crimson crystal fragment he had obtained from Black Wind Fiend!

He had studied this fragment before; it contained extremely violent and pure fire-attribute Spiritual Qi.

It might even contain a trace of earth-core fire poison, making it extremely dangerous, so he had never dared to absorb it lightly.

But at this moment, he could not care about that!

"I'll risk it!"

He gripped the crystal fragment in his palm, circulated his Cultivation Technique, and forcibly extracted the violent, scorching fire-spirit power within it!

"Boom!"

It was like a volcano erupting in his palm!

A scorching, violent, and pure fire-spirit power that seemed capable of burning everything to ashes rushed madly along his Meridians and into his Dantian!

Wherever it passed, his Meridians felt like they were being seared by a branding iron, the pain piercing his heart!

But Ye Chen had already disregarded the pain at this moment.

The injection of this violent fire-spirit was like throwing a torch into a powder keg that was about to explode!

Inside his Dantian, the golden-red fire current surged instantly, its light flaring brightly, and in turn, it suppressed and devoured the ice-blue cold current!

His entire liquid Wheel Sea was instantly dyed crimson, and the temperature rose sharply.

It felt as if it were going to burn him to ashes from the inside out!

"Now is the time! ice lotus! Suppress!"

Ye Chen roared, and the Ice Lotus Imprint in the depths of his Soul shone with unprecedented brilliance.

That Profound Ice Palace fragment also resonated with it.

A surge of Chaos cold qi, far purer and more ancient than before, carrying the Concept of annihilation and rebirth, rushed into his Dantian.

It did not collide head-on with the crimson sea of fire, but acted like a needle to calm the sea.

It pierced into the center of that violent sea of fire, forcibly stabilizing its core.

Using itself as a medium, it guided the terrifying fire-spirit to follow a trajectory like the Yin and Yang fish.

It began to slowly rotate and flow.

At the same time, the ice-blue liquid droplets formed by Ye Chen's original Profound Ice True Essence were not completely devoured.

Instead, like maggots on bones, they tightly entwined and permeated the crimson fire current, interweaving and fusing with it.

Extreme heat and extreme cold, destruction and rebirth.

Under the harmonization of this Chaos cold qi and the forceful command of his own will, they began to achieve a new balance in an profound and dynamic way.

The crimson sea of fire gradually ceased to be violent.

At the center, that speck of Chaos cold qi was like a seed, taking root and sprouting, merging with the fire-spirit.

It derived wisps of grayish Origin Qi that contained the Dao rhyme of ice and fire.

Crimson and ice-blue were no longer distinct.

Instead, they contained each other, rotating slowly.

Forming a stable, strange Wheel Sea vortex with a chaotic color inside and flowing ice-fire light on the outside!

"Hum!"

A soft hum echoed within his Dantian, as if some shackle had been broken.

The Wheel Sea vortex stabilized completely, rotating slowly and absorbing the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi from the outside world on its own.

The quality of the liquid True Essence contained within was far superior to that of ordinary Wheel Sea Realm Cultivators.

It was filled with the violence of ice and fire and the profundity of annihilation, and even carried a trace of the ancient charm of the beginning of Chaos.

His Dantian space was also more than ten times wider and exceptionally tougher than that of an ordinary Meridian Opening Realm Cultivator.

Lunhai Realm First Level! Success!

However, just as Ye Chen succeeded in his Breakthrough.

And his mind relaxed slightly as he prepared to carefully experience this brand new power, an unexpected change occurred!

That crimson crystal fragment, which had dimmed significantly after he had extracted most of its fire-spirit power, suddenly shattered with a "crack"!

And at the core of the fragment, a tiny, almost imperceptible dark red spark, as if it had a life of its own, suddenly darted out.

It followed the True Essence that Ye Chen had not yet withdrawn and instantly submerged into his Dantian.

It merged into the center of the newly formed, chaotic-colored Wheel Sea vortex!

"What?!"

Ye Chen was greatly alarmed and quickly looked inward.

He saw that after the dark red spark merged into the Wheel Sea, it did not trigger an explosion or conflict.

Instead, like a drop of water into the sea, it disappeared silently.

But immediately after, he felt that his Wheel Sea vortex seemed to have gained an indescribable "Concept" that seemed capable of burning everything, yet also contained vitality.

It formed a deeper resonance with the annihilation cold intent of the Ice Lotus Imprint.

At the same time, his Soul felt a slight heat, as if it had established a faint, tenuous connection with some extremely distant, extremely scorching existence.

"Is this the Origin Imprint of that crystal? Or some kind of Legacy mark?"

Ye Chen was filled with doubt and suspicion, but at this moment, the spark had already completely merged.

There was no discomfort; on the contrary, it instantly stabilized his newly broken through, somewhat floaty Wheel Sea Realm.

It even felt faintly more refined.

The chaotic color at the center of the Wheel Sea vortex also seemed to have deepened a little.

It was hard to tell if this was a blessing or a curse.

But right now, the success of the Breakthrough was the most important thing.

Ye Chen suppressed the doubts in his heart and began to consolidate his Realm with all his might, adapting to the surging power.

Three days later, Ye Chen slowly opened his eyes.

Deep in his pupils, a flash of chaotic-colored light flickered and vanished, and his aura was restrained.

Yet, it gave people a feeling of being unfathomable.

He clenched his fist gently, feeling the Ice Fire True Essence within his body, which was surging like a river and of a quality far superior to before.

A surge of powerful self-confidence welled up in his heart.

Now, even without using killer moves like the "Ice Fire Seal".

Relying solely on his Lunhai Realm First Level Ice Fire True Essence and his powerful Physical Body, he was enough to fight against a Lun Hai Jing Fourth Level.

Or even a Fifth Level of Wheel Sea Realm ordinary Cultivator!

If he used his trump cards, a Sixth Level of Wheel Sea Realm might not be impossible to contend with!

"Finally... I have taken this step."

Ye Chen rose to his full height and stretched his muscles and bones, his whole body emitting cracking sounds, full of a sense of power.

He walked to the water mirror and looked at the person in the mirror.

His appearance was still handsome, but there was less immaturity between his brows, and more steadiness and sharpness, his eyes deeper.

His skin was smooth and lustrous, with a faint precious light flowing through it.

This was the manifestation of his Physical Body having been tempered twice by Ice Fire and the opening of the Wheel Sea.

Ye Chen changed into a clean white robe and pushed open the stone door of his Immortal Cave.

Sunlight spilled down, and the air was fresh.

Breaking through to the Wheel Sea Realm was not only a leap in strength.

It also meant that he truly had the capital to gain a foothold in the Tianyun Sword Sect Inner Sect.

Not to mention the purple robes of True Disciples and the treatment of Core Disciples.

At the very least, he could compete for the blue robes of Elite Disciples!

With the status of an Elite Disciple, he could access higher-level Cultivation Techniques and resources.

His Immortal Cave could also be moved to a peak with richer Spiritual Qi.

"I should go to the 'Promotion Hall' to report and change my identity token and clothing."

Ye Chen thought to himself and prepared to leave Flowing Cloud Peak.

However, he had not gone far from his Immortal Cave when he ran into two people.

One of them was actually Lin Dong, whom he hadn't seen for many days!

The other was a middle-aged man with a stern face, wearing the attire of an Inner Sect Deacon Disciple.

"Brother Ye! You have finally come out of seclusion!"

Seeing Ye Chen, Lin Dong's face showed surprise, but there was also a hint of anxiety and worry in his eyes.

He stepped forward quickly and lowered his voice, saying.

"Brother Ye, have you broken through to the Wheel Sea Realm? That's great! But have you gotten yourself into some big trouble recently?"

Ye Chen's heart tightened as he looked at the stern-faced Deacon Disciple beside Lin Dong.

This person's aura was at the Fifth Level of Wheel Sea Realm. Judging by his attire, he was not an ordinary Deacon Disciple; there was a pattern of crossed swords embroidered on his cuffs.

People from the Law Enforcement Hall!

"Brother Lin Dong, who is this?"

Ye Chen asked calmly.

"Junior Brother Ye Chen."

The Law Enforcement Hall Deacon spoke first, his voice stiff.

"I am the Law Enforcement Hall Deacon, Enforcement Hall Deacon. On the orders of the Hall Master, I ask you to come to the Law Enforcement Hall to assist in the investigation of the case from a few days ago regarding the killing of fellow Disciples in the 'Emerald Shadow Bamboo Forest' and the suspected collusion with the Sect's wanted criminal 'Shadow Fiend'. Please cooperate, Junior Brother."

As expected, they came!

Ye Chen's eyes narrowed slightly.

The battle in the bamboo forest had caused quite a commotion, so it was expected that the Law Enforcement Hall would intervene.

But the other party's wording was severe, directly labeling him with "killing fellow Disciples" and "colluding with Shadow Fiend"; they clearly came with ill intentions.

I am afraid it is not as simple as an investigation.

"Enforcement Hall Deacon, what is the meaning of this?"

Ye Chen's expression did not change.

"A few days ago, this Disciple was indeed attacked by unidentified assassins in the 'Emerald Shadow Bamboo Forest' and fought to protect himself, repelling them. Where does this talk of 'killing fellow Disciples' come from?"

"As for 'Shadow Fiend', this Disciple has only heard the name and has never colluded with him. If the Law Enforcement Hall wants to investigate, this Disciple will naturally cooperate, but this Disciple cannot accept unfounded charges."

Enforcement Hall Deacon stared at Ye Chen, seemingly wanting to see a flaw on his face.

But Ye Chen's gaze was calm, and his aura was steady.

But the cultivation of the Lunhai Realm First Level could not be faked.

This made him feel a bit surprised and suspicious.

This kid had really broken through, and his aura was refined, far beyond what an ordinary First Level could compare to.

No wonder he could survive such an attack and even kill back.

"Whether it is unfounded, there will be a conclusion after the investigation."

Enforcement Hall Deacon's tone softened slightly, but it remained tough.

"Since Junior Brother Ye has a clear conscience, come with me. The Hall Master and several Elders are waiting for you. As for Junior Brother Lin Dong..."

He glanced at Lin Dong.

"He is a witness related to this case and also needs to come along."

Lin Dong hurriedly said to Ye Chen.

"Brother Ye, I was summoned yesterday. They asked me about some things regarding you, and also... about the conflict between you and Liu Feng before he went missing. I told them everything truthfully. Today, they happened to bring me to find you."

Ye Chen understood clearly in his heart.

It seemed that regarding the death of Liu Feng, the Golden Flame Peak was indeed not letting it go; they were using the incident in the bamboo forest to cause trouble.

Moreover, the Law Enforcement Hall had come knocking so quickly; I fear Chen Ao, or even the people behind him, had already exerted their influence.

It is either a blessing or a disaster, and if it is a disaster, it cannot be avoided.

Since they have come to the door, then I will go and meet this Law Enforcement Hall!

"Very well. Since the Hall Master and the Elder have summoned me, this Disciple shall naturally go."

Ye Chen nodded and said to Lin Dong.

"Brother Lin Dong, let's go. We will go together and explain everything clearly."

"Junior Brother Ye, please." The Enforcement Hall Deacon stepped aside and gestured.

Ye Chen straightened his robes, his expression calm, and went with Lin Dong.

Under the "escort" of the Enforcement Hall Deacon, they left Flowing Cloud Peak.

They headed towards the core area of the Inner Sect, the stern place that symbolized the Sect's precepts and punishments—the Law Enforcement Hall.

Ye Chen knew that this trip would definitely not be easy.

But he was now in the Wheel Sea Realm, and with many trump cards on his person, he was no longer the Meridian Opening Realm Disciple who could be kneaded by others at will.

Whether this Law Enforcement Hall was a dragon's pool or a tiger's den, he would only know after he had ventured through it.

...

The Law Enforcement Hall was located on a steep black stone peak on the flank of the main Tianyun peak.

The palace was towering, constructed entirely of profound black boulders, with eaves like swords pointing to the sky, exuding an aura of stern Killing Intent.

Before even getting close, it made one feel a heavy weight in their heart, not daring to speak loudly.

Ye Chen and Lin Dong, under the "escort" of the Enforcement Hall Deacon, walked up the steep stone steps.

Along the way, they encountered several squads of patrolling Law Enforcement Disciples, all of whom had fierce auras and sharp gazes.

Upon seeing the Enforcement Hall Deacon, they saluted one after another, but when their gazes swept over Ye Chen and Lin Dong, they carried scrutiny and indifference.

Arriving at the summit, a huge profound black palace stood before them.

Above the palace gate hung the characters "Law Enforcement" in iron-drawn silver hooks, filled with Killing Intent. The square in front of the palace was empty.

Only a few scattered Law Enforcement Disciples were coming and going, and the atmosphere was oppressive.

The Enforcement Hall Deacon led the two of them straight into the main hall.

The space inside the hall was vast, but the light was somewhat dim.

On both sides were thick black stone pillars, and the floor was polished enough to reflect a person's image.

Directly in front were several steps, and above the steps was a huge profound iron desk, with no one behind it.

On both sides of the desk were several slightly smaller chairs.

At this moment, two people were already sitting on the two chairs on the left.

One was Ye Chen's "old acquaintance"—the Golden Flame Peak Elite Disciple Chen Ao!

The other was an old man wearing an Elder's robe, with a gaunt face and sinister eyes.

His aura was even deeper than Chen Ao's, remarkably at the Wheel Sea Realm Sixth Level!

Judging by the patterns on his cuffs, he was also an Elder of Golden Flame Peak.

The seats on the right were empty.

And in the center of the main hall, two people were already standing.

One was the Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple Zhou Tong, whom he had met briefly at the Mission Hall.

Ye Chen did not recognize the other person, but judging by his attire, he was also a Danding Peak Disciple, with a cultivation of the Wheel Sea Realm Third Level.

Seeing Ye Chen enter, a cold light flashed in Chen Ao's eyes, and his mouth curled into a cold sneer.

The sinister Elder also looked up.

His gaze, like a cold knife, scraped across Ye Chen's body.

Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple Zhou Tong gave Ye Chen a bitter smile and shook his head slightly, signaling that the situation was not good.

The Enforcement Hall Deacon brought Ye Chen and Lin Dong to a stop in the hall, then walked over to the side of the desk to stand and wait.

"Disciples Ye Chen and Lin Dong, we have come as ordered."

Ye Chen and Lin Dong bowed in the direction of the empty desk.

"Hmm."

A plain yet authoritative voice came from behind the hall.

Immediately after, an old man wearing a purple Elder's robe, with a stern face and an imposing manner that did not need anger to be intimidating, walked out.

He walked slowly out from the rear hall and went straight to sit behind the desk.

His aura was as deep as the sea; Ye Chen could not see through it at all. He was at least at the Late Stage of the Wheel Sea Realm, or perhaps even higher!

He was one of the Law Deputy Hall Master Yan Fengs, Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng.

Immediately after, another person walked in from outside the hall.

This person wore the purple robe of a Core Disciple, with a handsome face and a gentle temperament.

It was Senior Brother Murong who had helped Ye Chen out of the predicament at the Mission Hall before!

He nodded slightly towards Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng, then sat down on the empty chair on the right, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall.

It lingered on Ye Chen for a moment, carrying a trace of imperceptible profound meaning.

Senior Brother Murong had actually come too?

Ye Chen felt a slight movement in his heart.

It seemed that today's matter involved quite a lot.

"Everyone is here."

Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng spoke, his voice not loud, but it clearly entered everyone's ears, carrying an unquestionable authority.

"Today, I have summoned you all to investigate the ambush case in the Emerald Shadow Bamboo Forest three days ago, as well as the disappearance case of Inner Sect Disciple Liu Feng. The two cases may be connected and need to be investigated together. Enforcement Hall Deacon, present the preliminary investigation results."

"Yes."

The Enforcement Hall Deacon stepped forward, took out a Jade Slip, and respectfully handed it to Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng.

Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng's Divine Sense swept over the Jade Slip, and his gaze looked towards Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple Zhou Tong.

"Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple Zhou Tong, you speak first. Where were you on the afternoon three days ago? Have you seen Ye Chen?"

Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple Zhou Tong hurriedly bowed and said.

"Reporting to Hall Master Yan, on the afternoon three days ago, this Disciple was on duty at the Hundred Herbs Pavilion of Danding Peak. Junior Brother Ye Chen did indeed come; he sought to see Elder Li regarding the matter of the shadow leopard demon core."

"This Disciple introduced him, and Elder Li met with Junior Brother Ye Chen at the Cold Mist Pavilion for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. After that, Junior Brother Ye Chen left. As for where he went afterwards, this Disciple does not know."

"Has Elder Li confirmed this?" Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng asked.

"This Disciple has already asked Elder Li, and Elder Li confirmed it was correct, stating that Ye Chen only asked questions about alchemy and there was nothing unusual."

Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple Zhou Tong said.

Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng nodded and looked at Ye Chen.

"Ye Chen, where did you go after you left Danding Peak? Did you pass through the Emerald Shadow Bamboo Forest?"

Ye Chen answered calmly.

"After this Disciple left Danding Peak, I intended to return to my Immortal Cave on Flowing Cloud Peak. While passing through the Emerald Shadow Bamboo Forest, I was attacked by four masked killers in black."

"The opponents used poison-tipped hidden weapons and coordinated tacitly; their cultivation levels were all above the Wheel Sea Realm Third Level. This Disciple fought back with all my might and luckily managed to repel them, though I sustained some injuries myself and returned to my Immortal Cave to heal until now."

"Repelled them?"

The sinister Golden Flame Peak Elder on the left suddenly spoke gloomily, his voice hoarse.

"According to the on-site investigation, there are traces of a fierce battle in the Emerald Shadow Bamboo Forest, with residual Ice Fire True Essence spiritual energy, and even a strange scorch mark suspected to have been caused by a powerful Martial Skill. According to the deduction, at least three of the four killers were killed on the spot, leaving no bones behind!"

"You, a brat who just broke through to the Lunhai Realm First Level, could repel and even counter-kill four well-trained killers whose cultivation was higher than yours? Do you think the Law Enforcement Hall is so easy to fool?"

His tone was aggressive, directly questioning Ye Chen's statement.

Ye Chen looked at the old man, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Reporting to Elder, this Disciple was indeed lucky. My Cultivation Technique is special; I Cultivate both ice and fire, and in a moment of crisis, I used a secret technique, which allowed me to protect myself."

"As for the identity of the killers, this Disciple does not know, but their methods were ruthless and quite similar to the rumored 'Shadow Fiend' killer organization."

"Shadow Fiend?" Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng frowned.

"Do you have any evidence?"

"This Disciple has no direct evidence. But before and after entering the Sect, I have encountered suspected 'Shadow Fiend' killer attacks many times, and the opponents were always relentless. This ambush used the exact same methods."

Ye Chen said.

"Hmph! One-sided words!"

Chen Ao snorted coldly, stood up, pointed at Ye Chen, and said sternly.

"Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng, Elders, Senior Brother Murong, this brat is full of lies! He is clearly colluding with the 'Shadow Fiend', self-directing and acting out this ambush, intending to clear himself of suspicion, and even frame others!"

"Moreover, my Golden Flame Peak Disciple Liu Feng had a conflict with him at the Mission Hall before, and then mysteriously disappeared after going out on a mission, his Soul lamp extinguished!"

"It must be that this brat held a grudge, made a move in the dark, and killed him to seize his treasures! Now he is acting mysteriously, talking about some 'Shadow Fiend' attack; it is simply ridiculous!"

"Senior Brother Chen, without any proof or evidence, how can you spit blood on people?"

Lin Dong could not help but speak out.

"Brother Ye is upright and open, how could he do such a thing? Senior Brother Liu Feng's disappearance might be due to a failed mission or an unexpected accident; how can you blame Brother Ye?"

"Is it your turn to speak here?"

Chen Ao glared sternly at Lin Dong, the pressure of the Fifth Level of Wheel Sea Realm faintly pressing towards him.

Lin Dong's face turned pale, and he took half a step back.

"Junior Brother Chen, calm down."

Senior Brother Murong's gentle voice sounded, but it carried an invisible force.

It easily neutralized Chen Ao's pressure.

"In the Law Enforcement Hall, we emphasize evidence. Junior Brother Ye Chen, you said you were attacked by four 'Shadow Fiend' killers; do you have any physical evidence? For example, the killers' weapons, Storage Pouches, etc.?"