83: Chapter 83 Chen Ao arrives, Li Yushan steps in!

The crowd parted as several figures walked in.

The person in the lead, with a gloomy expression and resentful eyes, was none other than Chen Ao!

Beside him, besides a few Golden Flame Peak Elite Disciples.

There was also a cold-faced middle-aged deacon wearing the attire of the Law Enforcement Hall, whose Aura reached the Wheel Sea Realm Sixth Level.

Chen Ao stared fixedly at Ye Chen, as if he wanted to swallow him alive.

"Ye Chen, you murdered your fellow Disciple Liu Feng, and furthermore killed my Golden Flame Peak Disciples Yan Lie and Han Gang outside, the evidence is irrefutable! Now, you have even colluded with the notorious 'Shadow Fiend' assassins."

"To harm fellow Disciples who went to the Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp to execute a mission is a heinous crime! Today, Deacon Liu from the Law Enforcement Hall is here, let's see what you have to say for yourself! Kneel down and accept your punishment now!"

His voice was loud and resonant, echoing through the great hall, directly pinning a series of charges onto Ye Chen.

The surrounding Disciples were in an uproar, retreating one after another to clear a space.

That Deacon Liu from the Law Enforcement Hall also took a step forward.

He unleashed his Wheel Sea Realm Sixth Level Aura without restraint, locking onto Ye Chen, and said coldly.

"Ye Chen, the Law Enforcement Hall has already obtained partial evidence regarding the matters Chen Ao has accused you of. We are now ordered to apprehend you and take you back to the Law Enforcement Hall for trial! If you dare to resist, you will be executed on the spot!"

After saying this, he waved his hand, and the several law enforcement Disciples behind him immediately stepped forward, preparing to seize him.

Ye Chen's eyes were cold; watching the aggressive Chen Ao and that Deacon Liu, he sneered in his heart.

As expected, trouble found him the moment he returned.

Moreover, the other party was clearly prepared, having even moved the people from the Law Enforcement Hall.

This was an attempt to take the Opportunity to crush him completely!

Ye Chen slowly swept his gaze across the crowd, finally letting his eyes rest on Deacon Liu, neither humble nor pushy, his voice clearly spreading throughout the hall:

"Deacon Liu, what Chen Ao says is pure slander and framing! I have already clarified to Vice Hall Master Yan previously that Liu Feng's disappearance has nothing to do with me. As for Yan Lie and Han Gang, it was they who took the initiative to provoke me at the outer Sect Martial Arts Arena."

"They wanted to cripple my cultivation, and I was forced to defend myself; how can that be called murder? As for colluding with the 'Shadow Fiend', that is even more nonsensical! In the Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp, I was repeatedly ambushed by 'Shadow Fiend' assassins, and only managed to escape by the skin of my teeth after a brush with death."

"Elder Li can also testify to this! Does the Law Enforcement Hall handle cases by only listening to the one-sided words of Golden Flame Peak and then arresting people at will? Acting like this, how can you convince the masses?"

His words were sharp, tit-for-tat, and he did not back down at all.

Although his Aura was only at the Wheel Sea Realm First Level Late Stage.

But the composure forged through life-and-death trials and the faintly revealed sharpness made many people feel a shiver in their hearts.

Deacon Liu frowned; he had not expected Ye Chen to be so unyielding.

He indeed had no concrete evidence; he had only come to exert pressure and make an arrest at the request of Chen Ao and Elder Wang.

He had thought that with his Wheel Sea Realm Sixth Level cultivation and the status of the Law Enforcement Hall, it would be enough to intimidate this new Disciple.

He had not expected the other party to dare to question him in public.

Chen Ao was even more furious.

"Insolent! You are on the verge of death, yet you still dare to quibble! Deacon Liu, this brat is stubborn and unrepentant; he should be taken down on the spot!"

Deacon Liu's eyes turned cold, and he was about to order them to act by force.

Just at this moment, an old but undeniably dignified voice came from outside the hall:

"Oh? I would like to see who dares to touch someone my Danding Peak wants to protect?"

Before the voice had faded, an Aura far more vast and profound than Deacon Liu's.

Like a mountain, it crashed down upon the entire Mission Hall!

Under this pressure, even Deacon Liu's expression changed, and he staggered back half a step.

Chen Ao and the others felt their breath hitch, their Faces turning pale.

They saw Elder Li Yushan, the deacon Elder of Danding Peak, walking slowly into the hall with his hands behind his back.

His expression was calm, but wherever his sharp eyes swept, no one dared to meet his gaze.

Behind him, he was followed by Zhou Tong and several other Danding Peak Disciples.

"Elder... Elder Li!"

Deacon Liu quickly bowed in salute, his tone respectful.

Although he was also a deacon, whether in terms of cultivation, status, or background.

He could not be compared to an Elder with real power like Li Yushan.

Li Yushan did not even look at Deacon Liu, his gaze falling on Ye Chen, nodding slightly.

"Hmm, you came back alive, not bad. Did you bring the items back?"

"I have not failed the mission; they have been handed over."

Ye Chen cupped his hands.

"Good."

Li Yushan then turned his head to look at Deacon Liu and Chen Ao, his tone turning cold.

"Deacon Liu, Ye Chen is an important candidate for my Danding Peak for this Hundred Herbs Secret Realm, and he has even completed the desperate mission issued by my Danding Peak, rendering meritorious service to our Sect."

"You have no proof, and based only on some rumors, you want to arrest someone? Who gave you the guts? Was it Elder Wang He?"

Deacon Liu's forehead broke out in sweat, and he waved his hands repeatedly.

"I dare not, I dare not! Elder Li, please calm your anger; it is, it is this subordinate's incompetence that led me to listen to one-sided words. This matter... this matter still needs to be investigated thoroughly, thoroughly."

Chen Ao's Face was livid, but he dared not be presumptuous in front of Elder Li.

He could only grit his teeth and lower his head, the resentment in his eyes becoming even deeper.

"Hmph."

Li Yushan let out a cold snort.

"Since you want to investigate, then investigate properly. Before it is cleared up, Ye Chen is a guest of my Danding Peak. If anyone dares to provoke him without cause again, do not blame this old man for not giving you Face. Ye Chen, come with me."

After saying this, he ignored the crowd and turned to leave.

"Yes, Elder."

Ye Chen replied, and under the gaze of countless eyes filled with shock, envy, and wariness.

He calmly followed Li Yushan and left the Mission Hall.

Leaving Deacon Liu, Chen Ao, and others standing there with ugly expressions, enduring the strange gazes of the surrounding Disciples.

This time, Golden Flame Peak had really lost a lot of Face.

And Ye Chen's name, along with Elder Li's strong intervention and the completion of the desperate mission, would surely.

Once again stir up a huge sensation in the inner Sect.

Following Li Yushan towards Danding Peak, Ye Chen did not feel much joy in his heart.

He knew that Elder Li's protection was only temporary.

The grievances with Golden Flame Peak and the "Shadow Fiend" were far from over.

The real storm might have only just begun.

But he was already fearless. Following Elder Li Yushan, he left the Mission Hall.

There was no conversation along the way, but the Disciples they encountered.

Whether inner or outer Sect, they all hurriedly stepped aside to salute, their gazes toward Ye Chen filled with awe and curiosity.

Clearly, the scene where Elder Li backed Ye Chen and stood firm against the Law Enforcement Hall deacon in the Mission Hall just now.

Had already spread at an astonishing speed.

Ye Chen's heart was not light.

Elder Li's protection seemed glorious.

But in reality, it tied him completely to Danding Peak, or rather, to Elder Li's personal chariot.

This could certainly intimidate Golden Flame Peak and Chen Ao for the time being.

But it also meant that he would be drawn deeper into the power struggles of the Sect's high-level officials.

Elder Li and Elder Wang He of Golden Flame Peak were clearly at odds.

However, he had no other choice at the moment.

Golden Flame Peak was aggressive, wanting to put him to death, so he had to grasp every reliance he could.

Moreover, Elder Li seemed to truly appreciate him to some extent.

Whether it was for the sake of the "Ten Thousand Poisons Demonic Vine" mother root and the verdant phosphorus ghost flower.

Or because he valued his own potential and his Aptitude for cultivating both ice and fire.

...

Arriving at the Cold Mist Pavilion of Danding Peak again, the geothermal fire was still blazing, but there were no pills in the furnace.

Li Yushan signaled for Ye Chen to sit down, and he himself sat cross-legged on a futon.

Zhou Tong silently retreated and stood guard outside the pavilion.

"Take the items out."

Li Yushan got straight to the point.

Ye Chen understood, and first respectfully presented the jade box containing the "verdant phosphorus ghost flower" and the "golden toad fruit".

Then, after a slight hesitation, he took out that sealed black jade box and handed it over with both hands.

Li Yushan first opened the jade box containing the verdant phosphorus ghost flower and examined it carefully.

Especially the golden toad fruit, a trace of satisfaction appearing in his eyes.

"Not bad, the age is sufficient, the golden toad fruit is also ripe, and the medicinal power is pure. With this item, the certainty of that 'Profound Yin Pulse-Tempering Pill' can be increased by a few points."

He put away the jade box, his gaze falling on the black jade box, and his expression became solemn.

He did not open it immediately, but stretched out his withered fingers.

Gently stroking the complex and ancient sealing runes on the surface of the jade box, as if feeling something.

After a long while, he said in a deep voice.

"It is indeed the mother root of the 'Ten Thousand Poisons Demonic Vine', and the quality is excellent, with its vitality not yet extinguished. How did you obtain it? Tell me in detail about the situation inside the Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp, especially the circumstances in the Immortal Cave."

Ye Chen dared not hide anything, describing how he entered the Immortal Cave.

Encountering an ambush by "Shadow Fiend" assassins, and discovering the verdant phosphorus ghost flower while on the brink of death.

Later entering the depths of the Immortal Cave to obtain the Legacy of the Poison Doctor, including this "Ten Thousand Poisons Demonic Vine" mother root.

As well as later encountering the Ghost-faced Enchantress Flower and the Crocodile King in the Rotten Bone Forest.

Finally being intercepted by the "Shadow Fiend" at the exit, and being saved by a mysterious young man in white.

And healing his injuries and dispelling poison in Qingxi Valley, omitting some details, he gave a general account.

Li Yushan listened extremely carefully.

Especially when he heard Ye Chen describe how he used the "Eye of the Miasma" to counter-kill four "Shadow Fiend" elites.

And when he used the Aura of the "Ten Thousand Poisons Demonic Vine" mother root to scare off poisonous beasts and instantly kill the Crocodile King in the Rotten Bone Forest, a bright light flashed in his eyes.

When he heard the name "Bai Chen".

His calm, unruffled Face also showed a trace of extremely faint surprise, but it vanished in an instant.

"Your experiences were indeed perilous."

Li Yushan said slowly after listening.

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"To survive the encirclement of four 'Shadow Fiend' Bronze-tier Elites and even use the situation to kill them in return—though there was some trickery involved, it still shows your adaptability and courage. As for that 'Ten Thousand Poisons Demonic Vine' Mother Root..."

He gave Ye Chen a deep look.

"This item is of great significance. The vitality and extreme toxicity it contains are enough to drive any powerhouse who practices poison arts or studies the Dao of Alchemy into a frenzy."

"Obtaining it is your Opportunity, but also your misfortune. An ordinary man is innocent, but possessing a treasure makes him a target. This matter must never be mentioned to a third person, do you understand?"

"This Disciple understands."

Ye Chen's heart jolted, and he spoke solemnly.

He naturally knew the value of this Mother Root and how much of a 'hot potato' it was.

"Mhm."

Li Yushan nodded. He did not ask for the Mother Root but instead pushed the black jade box back in front of Ye Chen.

"Since you obtained this item, it is your Opportunity. I will not take it by force. However, with your current cultivation and experience, you cannot utilize this item at all; instead, you might suffer a backlash from it."

"I can keep it for you, or you can come find me in the future when your cultivation is sufficient and you have achieved success in the Dao of Alchemy. Perhaps then, with the help of this item, you can refine an earth-shattering Medicinal Pill. The choice is yours."

Ye Chen said without hesitation.

"To this Disciple, holding this item right now is indeed like a child holding a heavy treasure—it does more harm than good. I earnestly request the Elder to keep it for me. If I have a need for it in the future, I will come to request it from the Elder."

It wasn't that he didn't trust Elder Li, but he knew that given the preciousness of this item...

Elder Li could have simply taken it directly or even silenced him forever.

The fact that the other party spoke so frankly and offered to keep it safe was already considered upright and honorable.

Handing the Mother Root over to Elder Li...

Firstly, it was an expression of trust and allegiance; secondly, it allowed him to temporarily transfer this 'hot potato.'

Thirdly, it served as a 'pledge of loyalty,' binding their interests more closely together.

A flash of approval crossed Li Yushan's eyes; he was clearly quite satisfied with Ye Chen's ability to recognize the situation.

He put away the jade box and said.

"Good. Then I shall keep it for you for the time being. As for the verdant phosphorus ghost flower and the golden toad fruit, they are required for the mission. I will grant you the corresponding contribution points according to the Sect's rules."

"Furthermore, you have exceeded the mission requirements this time and even brought back such a rare item as the 'Ten Thousand Poisons Demonic Vine' Mother Root. The spot in the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm I promised earlier naturally stands."

"Not only that, but I will also recommend you to the Sect in the name of Danding Peak to exceptionally restore your eligibility for promotion to Elite Disciple and secure an Immortal Cave with better Spiritual Qi for you."

Ye Chen was overjoyed and hurriedly stood up to bow.

"Thank you for your cultivation, Elder!"

"No need for such formalities; this is what you deserve."

Li Yushan waved his hand, signaling Ye Chen to sit down. His tone then shifted and became serious.

"However, Ye Chen, you must understand. I can help you for a moment, but I cannot help you for a lifetime. Within the Sect, factions are numerous, and competition is cruel. Elder Wang He of Golden Flame Peak is narrow-minded and petty."

"You crippled Yan Lie and Han Gang and have made him lose Face several times; he will certainly not let this go. Even with me around, he will only restrain himself temporarily."

"Once he finds an Opportunity, he will surely retaliate with thunderous force. Not to mention, there is also that mysterious 'Shadow Fiend' watching you from the shadows."

Ye Chen's expression turned grave.

"This Disciple understands. I wonder if the Elder knows why 'Shadow Fiend' has repeatedly targeted me? And does Golden Flame Peak have any collusion with 'Shadow Fiend'?"

Li Yushan pondered for a moment before speaking slowly.

"'Shadow Fiend' is an ancient assassin organization with its reach extending across several provinces. Its internal structure is complex, and its actions are secretive. They take contracts without asking for reasons, only looking at the price."

"Someone has offered a sky-high price for your life, or you have something they must obtain, which is why they are so persistent. As for whether Golden Flame Peak is colluding with 'Shadow Fiend'..."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes.

"Elder Wang He is a man who will use any means to achieve his goals. It is not impossible for him to have secret dealings with external forces. However, this matter is without evidence, so one cannot speak recklessly. You only need to know to remain vigilant."

He paused and continued.

"As for the white-robed youth 'Bai Chen' who saved you that day..."

A hint of reminiscence and complexity appeared in Li Yushan's eyes.

"I have some impression of this person. About ten years ago, a white-robed youth calling himself 'Bai Chen' participated in our Tianyun Sword Sect's Mountain-Opening Disciple Recruitment Ceremony as a Loose Cultivator."

"His Aptitude was mediocre, and his cultivation was only at the Meridian Opening Realm, but his ice-attribute techniques and swordsmanship were superb. His understanding of the Dao of Ice, in particular, could be called prodigious. During the entry examination, he defeated several pre-selected Disciples in a row, causing quite a stir."

"But in the end, he rejected the recruitment offers of all the Elders and even turned down the Sect Master's proposal to personally take him as a Disciple. He departed gracefully and vanished without a trace. This matter caused quite a commotion back then, but it was gradually forgotten over time."

"Rejected the Sect Master's offer to take him as a Disciple?"

Ye Chen's heart shook.

What kind of figure was the Sect Master of the Tianyun Sword Sect?

He must be a powerhouse at least at the Dao Palace Realm or even higher!

Did that Bai Chen really have such arrogance back then?

"Correct. This person has a mysterious background and an indifferent Heart-Nature; he seemed to have no interest in the Sect. When he left back then, he said, 'Only to hone the sword, not seeking fame or fortune.'"

"I didn't expect that ten years later, he would reappear, and his cultivation would be unfathomable—at least at the Peak of the Wheel Sea Realm, or perhaps... even higher."

Li Yushan's gaze was profound.

"His saving you might have just been a casual act, or perhaps he has some connection with you. Regardless, his actions are difficult to fathom, so you need not look into it deeply. Just remember that he saved your life, and if there is an Opportunity in the future, you must repay him."

"This Disciple will keep that in mind."

Ye Chen nodded.

In his heart, he felt increasingly curious about the mysterious Bai Chen.

Only to hone the sword? Not seeking fame or fortune?

How free and easy, and how confident.

"Alright, let's get back to the point."

Li Yushan brought the topic back.

"The Hundred Herbs Secret Realm will open in three months. This time, the Secret Realm is extraordinary. According to reliable information, deep within the Secret Realm, the mother plant of the 'crimson sun vermilion fruit' seems to show signs of early ripening, and it might bear more than one vermilion fruit."

"This item is crucial for you to neutralize the poison of the 'bone-eroding pill'; you must obtain it. However, the competition will be unprecedentedly fierce. Not only will each Peak of the inner Sect send out elites, but even some Core Disciples might be allowed to enter the fray. With your current strength, you are still far from enough."

Ye Chen's heart tightened.

Core Disciples—those were existences at least at the Late Stage of the Wheel Sea Realm, or even the Peak!

In front of such people, his current strength was indeed not enough to be considered.

"Therefore, in these three months, you must do your utmost to improve your strength."

Li Yushan said in a deep voice.

"I will secure a Grade-C Immortal Cave on 'Ziyun Peak' for you. The concentration of Spiritual Qi there is several times that of Flowing Cloud Peak, and it is closer to the main Spiritual Vein, which will be of great benefit to your cultivation."

"Furthermore, based on your contribution points from this mission and my recommendation, you can go to the second floor of the 'Scripture Pavilion' to select a suitable Medium Grade Profound Rank Cultivation Technique or Martial Skill."

"As for Medicinal Pills and Talismans, if you have a need, you can also use contribution points to exchange for them at Danding Peak. I can give you a certain discount."

"Thank you, Elder!"

Ye Chen thanked him once again.

A Grade-C Immortal Cave on Ziyun Peak and access to the second floor of the Scripture Pavilion.

This treatment already exceeded that of many ordinary inner Sect Elite Disciples.

"Remember, strength is the foundation. In the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm, everything is decided by one's fists. If you can seize the crimson sun vermilion fruit and successfully resolve the hidden danger in your body..."

"With your talent for cultivating both ice and fire, you will surely have a place in the Sect in the future. At that time, whether it be Golden Flame Peak or 'Shadow Fiend,' they will have to think twice if they want to move against you."

Li Yushan spoke with earnestness and concern.

"But if your strength is insufficient and you die in the Secret Realm or return with nothing, then all the protection and investment I have given you today will end there. The world of immortal cultivation is just that realistic."

"This Disciple understands! I will certainly not fail the Elder's expectations!"

Ye Chen's gaze was firm.

He naturally knew that Elder Li helped him both out of an appreciation for talent and with an intent to invest.

He had to prove his worth.

"Mhm, you may go. The Immortal Cave and access will be arranged by someone shortly. Prepare yourself well. If there is nothing important, spend these three months cultivating wholeheartedly and do not cause any more trouble."

Li Yushan waved his hand.

"This Disciple takes his leave."

Ye Chen bowed and withdrew from the Cold Mist Pavilion.

Walking out of the pavilion, the sunlight was just right.

Ye Chen took a deep breath, feeling the fresh medicinal fragrance and dense Spiritual Qi of Danding Peak, as a surge of heroic pride welled up in his chest.

With Elder Li's support and better cultivation conditions...

In three months' time, he must definitely break through to the Wheel-Sea Realm Second Level, or even higher!