77: Chapter 77 Desperate Mission: The Swamp of Ten Thousand Poisons!

But Ye Chen was still under "suspicion."

His promotion qualification had been withheld, which to a certain extent limited his development.

Ye Chen was well aware of this.

Returning to his Immortal Cave at Flowing Cloud Peak, he immediately went into seclusion to heal his injuries.

Although he had won the head-on clash against Han Gang, the impact of the opponent's Wheel Sea Realm Fifth Level True Essence still caused his internal organs to suffer some shock, and his Meridians were also slightly damaged.

However, with the nourishment of his Ice Fire True Essence and the assistance of Medicinal Pills, his recovery was quite rapid.

Three days later, his injuries had fully recovered.

Ye Chen did not rush to leave seclusion, but instead began to organize the gains from this battle.

Life-and-death combat with experts is the best way to test and hone oneself.

Especially the battle against Han Gang.

It gave him a clearer understanding of the application of power in the Wheel Sea Realm and the practical effects of his newly created Moves, such as the "Ice Fire Vortex Stab."

At the same time, his comprehension of the illusory and real changes in the "Two Extremes Separating Light Sword" and the stacking of sword momentum in the "Surging Waves Sword Art" had deepened by another level.

"My Ice Fire True Essence is of extremely high quality, and my Wheel Sea is far broader and tougher than those of the same Realm; this is my advantage."

"However, the gap in cultivation Realm, the resulting total amount of True Essence, and the precision in controlling Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi remain my weaknesses. If it weren't for my special Cultivation Technique, sharp Moves, and the protection of the black tortoise armor, I would have certainly lost a prolonged battle against Han Gang."

Ye Chen analyzed calmly.

"Next, in addition to continuing to deduce sword techniques, I must strive to improve my cultivation with all my might. I must reach at least the Wheel-Sea Realm Second Level as soon as possible, or even the third level, so that I can calmly deal with opponents in the Middle Stage of the Wheel Sea Realm without using trump cards like the 'Ice Fire Seal'."

He planned his next steps in cultivation.

Every day, he used the concepts from the "ice fire same origin speculation record" to further perfect his Wheel Sea model and improve his cultivation efficiency.

He continued to comprehend and fuse the two sword techniques, creating Moves that were more compatible with himself and possessed greater power.

At the same time, he needed to earn more contribution points to exchange for Medicinal Pills that would improve his cultivation or find a place to Cultivate with richer Spiritual Qi.

contribution points...

Ye Chen checked his token; there were still over seven hundred points left.

He had consumed quite a lot previously by borrowing classics and purchasing Medicinal Pills.

He had to find a way to increase his income.

Just as Ye Chen was pondering, a voice transmission talisman arrived outside the Restriction of his Immortal Cave again.

This time, it was the Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple, Zhou Tong.

"Junior Brother Ye, is your injury better? Elder Li asked me to inform you that if your injury is not an issue, you may come to the Cold Mist Pavilion at Danding Peak; the Elder has something to ask you."

Elder Li?

Ye Chen's heart stirred.

Could it be about the "Red Sun Yin-Transforming Powder"?

Or was there something else?

He immediately replied, indicating that his injuries had healed and he would arrive shortly.

Tidying up his appearance and changing into a clean white robe, Ye Chen headed to Danding Peak again.

This time, the Inner Sect Disciples he encountered along the way looked at him with gazes vastly different from before.

There were those who were in awe, those who were curious, and those who dodged him.

Clearly, the impact of the battle at the Martial Arts Arena had already spread.

...

Arriving at the Cold Mist Pavilion, Zhou Tong was already waiting outside.

Seeing Ye Chen, his expression was complex, containing both admiration and a trace of worry.

"Junior Brother Ye, you... sigh, go in; the Elder is waiting for you."

Ye Chen thanked him and stepped into the pavilion.

The Pill Furnace remained, and the Earth Fire was blazing, but Elder Li Yushan was not Alchemy.

Instead, he stood with his hands behind his back in front of the window, looking at the sea of clouds outside.

"Disciple Ye Chen pays respects to Elder Li."

Ye Chen bowed.

Li Yushan turned around, his gaze falling on Ye Chen. After carefully observing him for a moment, he nodded slightly.

"Wheel Sea Realm First Level, solid Foundation, condensed Qi, Ice Fire True Essence perfectly fused; it seems you have gained quite a bit. Sit."

"Many thanks, Elder."

Ye Chen sat down on the futon to the side.

"I have heard about the matters in the Outer Sect."

Li Yushan went straight to the point, his tone calm.

"Defeating Han Gang with the Wheel Sea Realm First Level, although you used tricks, it is enough to show your strength and Heart-Nature. However, do you know that you have poked a hornet's nest? Elder Wang He of Golden Flame Peak is famous for being protective of his own and holding grudges."

"Han Gang is his grand-Disciple, and Yan Lie is a collateral descendant of his lineage. Since you crippled both of them, he will absolutely not let this go."

"Although the Law Enforcement Hall has not moved against you for the time being, Chen Ao and others will surely obstruct you. Your future in the Sect will be fraught with thorns."

Ye Chen's expression was calm.

"Disciple understands. But since things have come to this, there is no avoiding it. The only way is to improve my strength to cope with all changes."

"Hmm, not arrogant or impatient, your Heart-Nature is acceptable."

Li Yushan nodded, then changed the subject.

"I called you here today for two things. First, regarding the 'Red Sun Yin-Transforming Powder'."

Ye Chen's spirits lifted.

"The opening of the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm is still half a year away. However, the spots for the Secret Realm are limited, and the competition is fierce. According to convention, the spots are generated through the Sect Great Competition, task contributions, and recommendations from Elders of various peaks."

"Your promotion qualification is currently withheld, so you cannot obtain a recommendation through conventional channels. However, I do have a mission here."

"If you can complete it, not only will you receive a generous amount of contribution points, but I can also use this as proof to fight for a Secret Realm trial spot for you from the Sect."

Li Yushan said slowly.

"Please instruct me, Elder."

Ye Chen cupped his hands.

"The Sect recently discovered a ruin suspected to be an ancient 'Poison Doctor' Immortal Cave on the outskirts of the 'Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp'. The perimeter of the ruins is filled with poisonous miasma, and there are countless poisonous insects and poisonous herbs; it is extremely dangerous."

"However, it is very likely that there are several rare poisonous herbs that have long been extinct growing inside, which are of great value to the study of Alchemy."

"The Sect has already issued an exploration mission with extremely high rewards, but the danger coefficient is also extremely high, designated as a 'Desperate' (Black) level. So far, no one has dared to accept it, or those who did have failed."

Li Yushan looked at Ye Chen.

"You possess the Ice Fire True Essence; ice can restrain part of the poisonous miasma and dampness, and fire can burn poisonous insects. Perhaps you have more of an advantage than other Disciples."

"If you dare to accept this mission and successfully bring back any two of the three designated poisonous herbs, I will, in the name of Danding Peak, guarantee you a spot in the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm. How about it?"

Desperate level mission? Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp? Ancient Poison Doctor Immortal Cave?

Ye Chen felt a chill in his heart.

The danger level of this mission was absolutely far beyond the Shadow Gorge.

But the reward was also tempting enough; not only the Secret Realm spot, but also a high amount of contribution points.

As well as the possibility of gaining further support from Elder Li.

"Disciple is willing to give it a try."

Ye Chen did not hesitate too much.

Danger and Opportunity coexist; he needed this Opportunity.

"Good!"

A trace of appreciation appeared in Li Yushan's eyes.

"This is the mission scroll and the map of the ruins, as well as the diagrams and characteristic descriptions of the three designated poisonous herbs. Keep them safe. The Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp is located three thousand miles southwest of the Sect; the journey is long, and you need to make full preparations."

"Detoxification Medicinal Pills and poison-avoidance Talismans must be fully prepared. Danding Peak can provide some for you, but you need to exchange them with contribution points."

"Yes, Disciple understands."

Ye Chen took the scroll and Jade Slip.

"The second thing."

Li Yushan's expression was slightly serious.

"Do you know why the 'Shadow Fiend' has repeatedly targeted you? Even at the cost of sneaking into the Inner Sect to make a Move?"

Ye Chen shook his head.

"Disciple does not know. Perhaps it is related to my enemies outside, or perhaps... there is something they want on me?"

Li Yushan looked deeply at Ye Chen.

"The 'Shadow Fiend' organization has a long history, and its influence is deeply intertwined; its tentacles may even have reached inside some large Sects. When they accept orders, they do not ask for reasons, only for the price."

"To be able to make them pursue and kill you so persistently, either someone has offered a sky-high price, or you possess a secret or item on you that is enough to make them tempted, far exceeding ordinary value."

He paused and said in a low voice.

"When I was reviewing some ancient books, I once saw a rumor. In the ancient times, there was a 'chaos ice lotus' that appeared in the world, triggering a monstrous catastrophe, and later it shattered and dissipated. Its fragments were scattered everywhere, containing the supreme Dao of Ice and the secret of Chaos; obtaining it allows one to glimpse the supreme Dao path."

"You Cultivate Ice Fire and can initially perform Fusion; I observe your aura and faintly sense a trace of the meaning of Chaos... Is your body related to that 'chaos ice lotus'?"

Ye Chen's heart shook violently!

Elder Li had actually seen some clues about the Ice Lotus Imprint?

As expected of an Alchemy Great Master, his knowledge is extensive.

But Ye Chen remained calm on the surface and said calmly.

"Elder is joking; Disciple was lucky enough to obtain some Opportunity related to Ice Fire attributes, which is why I can perform initial Fusion. As for the 'chaos ice lotus', I have never heard of it."

Li Yushan stared at him for a moment.

Seeing his calm expression, not appearing to be fake, he nodded slowly.

"Perhaps it is just a coincidence. However, you need to be careful. The water behind 'Shadow Fiend' is very deep. Golden Flame Peak may not be clean either."

"You need to be extra vigilant when you go out to perform this mission. Not only must you guard against the dangers in the swamp, but you must also be careful... of the arrows shot from behind."

"Disciple will keep the Elder's teachings in mind."

Ye Chen felt a chill in his heart, knowing that Elder Li was reminding him that Golden Flame Peak and even "Shadow Fiend" might strike again while he is out on the mission.

"Go. After you are prepared, you may set off. Be careful in everything; only by preserving your life will you have a future."

Li Yushan waved his hand.

"Yes, Disciple takes his leave."

[part:gemini-3.0-flash]

Ye Chen bowed and withdrew from the Cold Mist Pavilion.

Leaving Danding Peak, Ye Chen's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.

The desperate mission to the Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp, and Elder Li's speculation regarding the "chaos ice lotus."

As well as the potential threats from Golden Flame Peak and the "Shadow Fiend."

The road ahead was difficult, but it was equally full of opportunities.

Ye Chen did not return to Flowing Cloud Peak immediately.

Instead, he first went to the Mission Hall and formally accepted the desperate mission to "Explore the Ancient Poison Doctor's Immortal Cave Ruins in the Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp."

When the duty Disciple saw him actually take this Black-grade mission that had been hanging there for a long time with no takers,

his eyes nearly popped out of his head.

After confirming several times, he processed the formalities for him with a complex expression.

Mission Reward: Five thousand contribution points!

If he could bring back the specified poisonous herbs, there would be additional rewards.

However, the penalty for mission failure was also extremely heavy.

If he did not return within three months or the mission failed, two thousand contribution points would be deducted; those with negative contribution points would be stripped of their Inner Sect Disciple status.

Five thousand contribution points!

It was enough for Ye Chen to exchange for a large amount of cultivation resources, or even to take a look at the second floor of the Scripture Pavilion.

But the risk was proportional to the reward.

After taking the mission, Ye Chen used his remaining contribution points.

At Danding Peak, he exchanged them for a batch of high-quality detoxification pills and poison-avoiding talismans,

as well as some Medicinal Pills for healing and recovering True Essence.

He nearly exhausted all his contribution points.

Returning to his Immortal Cave, he began making final preparations for the journey.

He inspected the ice scar sword, put on the black tortoise armor close to his skin, and organized his Storage Pouch.

He also drew several "Light Body Talismans" and "Swift Walk Talismans" for backup.

At the same time, he carefully studied the map and the poisonous herb compendium given by Elder Li.

He firmly memorized the geography of the Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp, the dangerous areas, and the poisonous creatures he might encounter,

as well as the characteristics and growth environments of the three target poisonous herbs: "Seven-Heart Bone-Corroding Orchid," "verdant phosphorus ghost flower," and "Ten Thousand Poisons Golden Toad Grass."

Three days later, everything was ready.

Ye Chen did not disturb anyone; in the darkest moment before dawn,

he quietly left Flowing Cloud Peak and the mountain gates of the Tianyun Sword Sect.

He sped off toward the Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp in the southwest.

He needed to increase his strength as quickly as possible; he needed a Secret Realm quota, and he needed contribution points.

More importantly... he needed to temper a sharper sword amidst the wind and rain.

Half a day after Ye Chen left the Sect, within the Immortal Cave of Elder Elder Wang He on Golden Flame Peak.

Chen Ao stood respectfully below, while Elder Wang He sat in the main seat with a gloomy face.

"That little beast has left the Sect?"

Elder Wang He's voice was hoarse.

"Yes, Revered Master. I have had people watching him. He took the desperate mission for the Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp posted by that old ghost Li Yushan of Danding Peak, and left the Sect this morning," Chen Ao said, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes.

"Revered Master, this is a god-given Opportunity! The Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp is unpredictably dangerous, and the 'Shadow Fiend' people are watching. We only need to..."

"Mm."

Elder Wang He nodded, a cold light flickering in his eyes.

"This boy must be eliminated, or he will surely become a great trouble. The secrets on him are also enticing. You make the arrangements; have the people on 'that side' take action. It must be done cleanly and without leaving a trace. Remember, I want him alive—at least until we know the secrets on him before he dies."

"I understand!"

Excitement appeared in Chen Ao's eyes.

"This time, I will ensure he never returns!"

"Furthermore,"

Elder Wang He added.

"That old ghost Li Yushan seems to hold this boy in high regard. Find an Opportunity to pressure Danding Peak, let them know who the future Revered Master of the Tianyun Sword Sect really is."

"Yes!"

...

Meanwhile, at the Tianyun Main Peak, in Murong Bai's Immortal Cave.

A black-clad figure appeared silently and knelt on one knee.

"Young Master, Ye Chen has left the Sect and is heading for the Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp. There is movement on Golden Flame Peak's side. Elder Wang He seems to have contacted outside forces."

Murong Bai toyed with a white chess piece in his hand, his gaze looking toward the southwest.

A meaningful smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

"The Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp... it is quite a good place. How can a golden scale be a creature of a mere pond? It will transform into a Dragon upon encountering wind and clouds. Ye Chen, let me see if you can carve a bloody path out of this muddy water. Help him if necessary, but there is no need to expose yourself."

"Yes!"

The black-clad figure took the order and quietly vanished.

Murong Bai pressed the chess piece gently onto the board, letting out a crisp sound.

"This game of chess is becoming more and more interesting."

On the other side,

Ye Chen was completely unaware of this.

He was traveling with all his might; the three-thousand-mile journey

was not far for a Wheel Sea Realm Cultivator, but it would still take several days.

He traveled by day and rested by night, specifically choosing paths where people rarely ventured, while maintaining high alertness.

Five days later, a vast swamp shrouded in grey-green thick mist appeared on the horizon.

A faint, nauseating smell of rot mixed with a sweet, fishy scent began to permeate the air.

The vegetation became bizarre and twisted, and the ground was soft and muddy.

Occasionally, colorful poisonous mushrooms and twisted vines could be seen.

He had reached the Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp.

Ye Chen stopped at a relatively dry high ground at the edge of the swamp.

He took a detoxification pill and slapped a poison-avoiding talisman onto himself.

A layer of faint clear light enveloped his whole body, isolating the surrounding poisonous miasma.

He took out the map Jade Slip and checked his position.

"The Ancient Poison Doctor's Immortal Cave ruins are located in the northwest of the swamp, about three hundred miles deep, near a dangerous place called the 'Eye of the Miasma'..."

Ye Chen identified the direction, his eyes determined.

Without the slightest hesitation, his body moved as he performed the "Mist Transformation Steps."

Like a ghost, he flitted into the mist-shrouded, peril-filled swamp.

A new adventure and a new test of life and death began there.

What Ye Chen did not know was

that pairs of eyes hidden in the shadows had already quietly locked onto him,

like poisonous snakes waiting for their prey to step into a trap.

...

The Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp lived up to its name.

The grey-green poisonous miasma did not dissipate all year round, obscuring the sun and sky, making it difficult for light to penetrate.

Even during the day, the depths of the swamp were as dim as twilight.

The air was filled with a nauseating smell of decay,

mixed with various strange sweet fragrances and stenches that made one dizzy upon smelling them.

The ground was a soft quagmire bubbling with black gas; a single step could sink one to the knees.

One also had to beware of the poisonous insects and leeches lurking in the mud.

Strangely shaped, brightly colored plants grew twistedly, many containing potent toxins.

Seemingly harmless vines could instantly entangle and strangle a person or spray venom.

Ye Chen performed the "Mist Transformation Steps" to the limit, his figure drifting.

He tried to land on firmer meadows, tree roots, or exposed rocks to reduce the risk of sinking into the mud.

The clear light formed by the detoxification pill and poison-avoiding talisman flowed over his skin, isolating most of the poisonous miasma.

However, there were still wisps of even more insidious, cold, damp breath that seemed able to penetrate his protective True Essence, constantly trying to erode its way in.

He quietly neutralized them with his Ice Fire True Essence.

He projected his Divine Sense, but due to the interference of the poisonous miasma and special geomagnetism, his detection range was compressed to less than ten zhang.

This made him even more careful, taking every step with extreme caution.

After going about dozens of miles deep into the swamp, the number of poisonous insects and creatures began to increase.

Fist-sized, brightly colored poisonous spiders hung from giant webs.

Finger-thick, entirely green poisonous snakes slithered through the muddy water.

There were also swarms of poisonous mosquitoes with sharp mouthparts that made a buzzing sound,

pouncing like a black cloud.

They struck the protective clear light, making a "chi chi" burning sound as they were repelled or shaken to death by the True Essence.

Occasionally, some Yao Beasts unique to the swamp could be seen.

For example, the "Rot-Poison Crocodile," several zhang long, covered in heavy scales, and spitting venom from its mouth.

Lurking in the mud pits, it would suddenly burst out and attack.

Ye Chen did not wish to get bogged down in a fight; he often used his speed and sharp Sword Qi to force them back or kill them, quickly moving away.

"The environment here might be a treasure land for those who Cultivate poison techniques or cold-attribute techniques, but for ordinary Cultivators, it's simply a dead end."

Ye Chen thought to himself.

He could feel that the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi here also contained intense toxicity and could not be directly absorbed and refined at all.

Fortunately, the attribute of his Ice Fire True Essence was special; the ice attribute in particular had a certain suppressing effect on toxicity.

The fire attribute could also burn and purify, allowing him to barely sustain himself in this place.

Following the map's guidance, Ye Chen advanced toward the "Eye of the Miasma" in the northwest.

Along the way, he saw some traces of human activity.

Severed poisonous vines, marks of fighting.

And even several corpses that had long since rotted away, leaving only white bones.

Some bones appeared in a strange dark green or black color, obviously having died from poisoning.

It seemed that adventurers had been here before, but most had met their end in this place.