90: Chapter 90 Breaking through the third level of the Wheel Sea Realm, Encountering Duan Wuyai

His clothes were soaked through, and blood scabs had formed on the surface of his body.

One day, two days...

By the evening of the third day.

The violent and chaotic aura on Ye Chen's body finally began to slowly calm down.

The crimson and purple hues faded; though his face remained pale, it had regained a bit of Life Qi.

Within his body, the violent medicinal power of the "golden toad fruit" had been preliminarily tamed and absorbed by the Hunyuan True Essence.

It transformed into pure vitality and energy, nourishing his riddled body.

Under the impact of the powerful medicinal power and vitality, his severed Meridians were forcibly reconnected and widened, becoming even more resilient.

Under the nourishment of the medicinal power, the Wheel Sea regained its luster and began to rotate slowly, absorbing the dense Spiritual Qi within the Secret Realm.

The injuries to his Divine Soul also improved significantly with the help of the jade booklet's clear light and the environment of the Heart Clearing Pool.

What surprised Ye Chen the most was...

...that under this process of destruction and rebirth, and the impact of the potent medicine, the barrier of the Late Stage of the Second Level of the Wheel Sea Realm actually showed signs of loosening!

"Now is the time!"

Ye Chen growled inwardly, taking all the newly generated and residual medicinal power in his body...

...along with the Secret Realm's Spiritual Qi he was frantically absorbing, and guided it all toward his Wheel Sea, toward that barrier.

He launched the final assault!

*Crack...*

A slight sound of shattering echoed in the depths of his Soul.

The volume of the Wheel Sea expanded once more, its chaotic color grew deeper, and as it rotated, the suction it generated became even stronger.

A surge of Hunyuan True Essence, far more abundant and condensed than before, flowed throughout his body.

Wheel Sea Realm, Third Level!

Not only that, but under the joint action of the "golden toad fruit's" medicinal power and the Primal Chaos Qi, his new Meridians and Wheel Sea...

...seemed to carry a faint anti-toxin attribute and greater tolerance.

His Ice Fire True Essence also became more harmonious, and his comprehension of the Concepts of "Nirvana" and "Return to the Void"...

...seemed to have deepened due to this struggle between life and death.

Ye Chen slowly opened his eyes, and in the depths of his pupils, a chaotic light flashed and vanished.

He exhaled a long breath of turbid air that carried a fishy scent, feeling his body filled with strength; his injuries were sixty to seventy percent healed!

His True Essence had recovered by eighty percent and was more pure and condensed.

The trauma to his Divine Soul was also mostly healed.

"The golden toad fruit is indeed powerful. However, it is also extremely dangerous."

Ye Chen still felt a lingering fear.

If he didn't possess various extraordinary treasures, a solid Foundation, and a determined will, he probably would have been blown apart by that violent medicinal power.

He stretched his limbs, feeling the power of the Early Stage of the Third Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, and his confidence surged.

With his current strength, if he were to face Chen Ao again...

...even without using tricks, he had full confidence in winning a direct confrontation.

"It's time to set out for Chi Yang Valley."

Ye Chen looked toward the northwest of the Secret Realm, a look of determination flashing in his eyes.

Having been delayed for several days, he had to hurry.

He deactivated the Formation Plate, washed himself briefly in the Heart Clearing Pool, and changed into a clean set of black clothes.

Just as he was about to leave, his gaze caught several small white flowers by the pond, and his heart stirred.

These flowers could emit an air that cleared the mind and calmed the spirit; perhaps they would be of some use.

He carefully plucked a few, sealed them in a jade box, and put them away.

Then, Ye Chen lingered no longer. He identified the direction and activated "Phantom Step."

His figure turned into a faint blur as he sped toward the northwest.

The true adventure of the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm was only just beginning.

And the crimson sun vermilion fruit—he was determined to get it!

...

Having advanced to the Third Level of the Wheel Sea Realm and with most of his injuries healed, Ye Chen felt he was in better condition than ever before.

He used "Phantom Step," his figure weaving through the dense primeval jungle at a speed faster than a galloping horse.

The Spiritual Qi in the Secret Realm was dense; as he traveled, he circulated the Hunyuan One-Qi Art to recover and stabilize his cultivation.

At the same time, he absorbed the pure Spiritual Qi to make up for his previous massive consumption.

According to the guidance of the map Jade Slip...

...Chi Yang Valley was located in the northwest of the Secret Realm.

He needed to cross an arid region called the "Thorn Wasteland."

Then, he would have to scale several steep mountain Peaks to reach it.

The journey was long, and many dangerous areas were marked along the way.

Ye Chen hurried at full speed.

He avoided several dangerous places marked on the map where powerful Yao Beasts were known to roam.

When he encountered low-level or solitary Yao Beasts, he avoided them if possible.

If he really couldn't avoid them, he would use thunderous methods to resolve them quickly, never lingering in the fight.

Now that his strength had greatly increased, killing an ordinary Peak Second-Order Yao Beast was no longer a problem.

He could also hold his own against or even defeat an Early Stage Third-Order Yao Beast, making his efficiency much higher than before.

Two days later, Ye Chen arrived at the edge of the "Thorn Wasteland."

Looking out...

...it was a vast, desolate land filled with countless tall, sharp, dark-red thorn bushes.

The ground was cracked, heat waves rose from it, and the air was filled with dryness and a faint smell of sulfur.

The sky also had an unhealthy murky yellow color, a stark contrast to the vibrant life of the previous forest region.

"Once I cross this wasteland, I'll be able to see the Crimson Sun Mountain Range."

Ye Chen identified the direction and, without hesitation, stepped into the wasteland.

The wasteland was not entirely devoid of life.

Occasionally, he could see some drought-tolerant, strangely shaped plants, as well as some poisonous insects and lizards that had adapted to this environment.

The most troublesome things were those dark-red thorns; they were not only hard and sharp, but many also had poisonous spikes that were paralyzing or corrosive.

Being scratched even slightly would be a problem.

Ye Chen spread his Hunyuan True Essence over his body, forming a thin protective shield, while carefully choosing his path forward.

His Divine Sense was constantly projected outward, alert to dangers that might spring from underground or the thorn bushes.

After walking for about half a day, a large area of scattered, weathered rocks appeared ahead.

The map marked this place as a frequent haunt for "Ironclad Fire Lizards."

They were Early Stage Third-Order Yao Beasts with incredible defense that could spit scorching fire poison.

They liked to lurk in the rock crevices for ambushes.

Ye Chen was about to bypass them.

Suddenly, his Divine Sense captured an extremely weak fluctuation of spiritual power behind a giant rock not far to his left.

As well as... suppressed gasps and the sound of fighting.

Someone is there?

Ye Chen's heart stirred. He withdrew his aura and quietly approached.

Rounding the giant rock, he saw three figures engaged in a fierce battle with two massive creatures on a relatively open patch of gravel.

Those two Yao Beasts were nearly two zhang long, their entire bodies covered in dark-red, heavy scales like iron armor.

Their heads were hideous, and they spat crimson flames from their mouths—they were indeed "Ironclad Fire Lizards"!

And the three figures fighting them were all people Ye Chen knew.

Two of them were none other than Zhao Feng and Duan Tianya!

The other was a female Disciple at the Peak of the Second Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, wearing inner sect attire, whom Ye Chen did not recognize.

Zhao Feng and Duan Tianya were both at the Third Level of the Wheel Sea Realm.

The three of them were struggling in a hard battle against the two Ironclad Fire Lizards, but they were clearly at a disadvantage.

Zhao Feng's sword technique was sharp, as he tried to attack the lizard's relatively vulnerable eyes and belly.

But the lizard's scales were too thick, and it had flames protecting its body, making it difficult to deal a fatal blow.

Duan Tianya's saber technique was fierce, meeting them head-on, but he was forced back repeatedly by the lizard's strength and flames, with several burns already on his body.

The female Disciple assisted from the side with flying needles and Talismans to distract the lizards, but the effect was limited.

One of the lizards suddenly swung its tail, its thick, whip-like tail lashing violently toward Duan Tianya!

Duan Tianya blocked with his saber, but the massive force sent his blood churning; his long saber nearly flew from his hand as he stumbled back.

The other lizard seized the opportunity and opened its mouth, spitting an even thicker pillar of fire at Zhao Feng!

Zhao Feng's face changed, and he hurriedly dodged.

The fire pillar brushed past him, scorching the rock behind him black.

The scorching airwave also left him breathless for a moment.

"Brother Zhao, Brother Duan!"

Ye Chen no longer hid. With a low shout, he moved like lightning, darting out from behind the rock.

The ice scar sword was already in his hand, with gray Hunyuan True Essence flowing through it.

He thrust his sword at the side of the neck of the lizard that had just spat the fire pillar and was in the gap between its old and new strength!

It was the "Profound Ice Stab · Extreme"!

"Brother Ye!" Zhao Feng and Duan Tianya were both surprised and delighted to see Ye Chen.

The lizard sensed the sharp Sword Qi attacking from the side and let out a roar.

It couldn't turn its head in time.

It simply swung its head violently, using its hard frontal bone to take Ye Chen's strike head-on!

*Ding!*

The sword tip struck the lizard's frontal bone, making a crisp metallic sound; it actually failed to penetrate completely!

However, the power of Chaos and disintegration contained within the Hunyuan True Essence surged through the scales and slammed into the lizard's head!

The lizard let out a painful hiss, its head jerked to the side, and its movements stiffened for a split second.

"Good opportunity!"

Zhao Feng's eyes lit up. Seizing this fleeting chance, he rushed forward.

His long sword turned into a flash of light.

With extreme precision, it stabbed into the lizard's massive mouth, which had opened slightly as its head jerked, piercing straight through its throat!

*Puchi!*

The sword emerged from the back of its neck!

The lizard let out a shrill cry of agony, its massive body convulsed violently, and it crashed to the ground.

Blood mixed with flames poured from its mouth, and after a few struggles, it stopped moving.

Seeing its companion killed, the other lizard let out a furious roar.

It abandoned Duan Tianya and turned to pounce fiercely toward Ye Chen.

Its massive mouth opened, and a fishy wind blew in his face, carrying scorching fire poison!

Ye Chen's eyes were cold; he neither dodged nor avoided it.

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

The Hunyuan True Essence inside his body circulated rapidly, and a gray light rose again on the ice scar sword, faintly forming a tiny vortex.

He did not use the ultimate move "Primal Chaos Destruction Stab".

Instead, he combined the inclusive and dissolving properties of the Hunyuan True Essence with the continuous sword momentum of the "Surging Waves Sword Art" and slashed out with one sword!

"Primal Chaos Surging Waves!"

The gray sword light was like waves, one after another, slashing continuously onto the head and abdomen of the pouncing fire lizard!

Each layer of sword light contained the intent of Primal Chaos, dissolving and disintegrating the opponent's flames and protective demon power.

"Chi chi chi!"

The flames on the fire lizard's body surface were quickly extinguished and dissolved by the sword light, and its thick scales also developed cracks under the impact of the continuous sword momentum.

Its massive momentum was forcibly halted, and it let out a painful roar.

"Brother Duan!" Ye Chen shouted.

"Coming!"

Duan Tianya had long been ready, and seeing this, he roared, gripped his blade with both hands, and poured all his True Essence into it.

A simple and brutal move, force splitting Huashan.

He slashed fiercely at the exact same spot on the fire lizard's neck that had been exposed due to its injuries!

"Crack!"

The sound of bone cracking rang out! The thick scales were finally slashed open, and the blade embedded deeply into the fire lizard's neck!

The fire lizard let out one last desperate wail, and its massive body collapsed to the ground with a boom.

Blood gushed out like a fountain, and after twitching for a moment, it died.

In the blink of an eye, the two troublesome Ironclad Fire Lizards were killed!

Zhao Feng, Duan Tianya, and that female Disciple all breathed a sigh of relief.

Their gazes towards Ye Chen were filled with shock and gratitude.

The three of them had fought bitterly for a long time without success, yet the moment Ye Chen appeared, he resolved the battle forcefully.

His strength seemed to have grown significantly stronger compared to the arena battle!

"Brother Ye, you have saved us again!"

Duan Tianya wiped the blood and dust from his face and grinned, but it tugged at his wounds, causing him to grimace in pain.

Zhao Feng also sheathed his sword and walked over, smiling bitterly.

"We have made you laugh, Brother Ye. I didn't expect these Ironclad Fire Lizards to be so troublesome. If Brother Ye hadn't arrived in time, we would likely have been in grave danger."

"You are too polite, Senior Brothers. I just happened to be passing by."

Ye Chen waved his hand and looked at the female Disciple who was walking over.

This girl was about eighteen or nineteen years old, with delicate features, and her face was somewhat pale due to the battle and shock; she bowed gracefully to Ye Chen.

"Zixia Peak Disciple Liu Qingqing, thank you, Senior Brother Ye, for saving my life."

It was the same one who had been defeated by Ye Chen in the arena before.

"Junior Sister Liu, no need for such formalities. Helping fellow sect members is only right."

Ye Chen said.

He remembered that this girl's swordsmanship was agile, and her character seemed not bad.

"Brother Ye, are you heading to Chi Yang Valley?"

Zhao Feng asked; they had communicated before and knew that Ye Chen's goal was the crimson sun vermilion fruit.

"Exactly. Where do you two Senior Brothers and Junior Sister Liu intend to go?"

Ye Chen asked.

Zhao Feng and Duan Tianya looked at each other, and Zhao Feng said.

"We originally planned to go to the 'Misty Swamp' to try our luck and find a Spirit Medicine called 'Water Cloud Ganoderma'. I didn't expect to encounter Ironclad Fire Lizards here in the wasteland. Now it seems that with our strength, going to the swamp would likely..."

He shook his head.

Duan Tianya added.

"Brother Ye, how about we go to Chi Yang Valley with you? We can look out for each other on the way. Although our strength is not as good as yours, we can help out, and dealing with some small-fry Yao Beasts is no problem."

"Also, with more people, we are a bigger target, which might deter some people with ill intentions." As he said this, he cast a meaningful glance towards the depths of the wasteland.

Ye Chen pondered for a moment.

Competition in Chi Yang Valley will inevitably be fierce, and having a few more trusted companions can indeed provide mutual support.

Especially when dealing with possible subsequent retaliation from Golden Flame Peak.

Zhao Feng and Duan Tianya are decent people, and Liu Qingqing does not seem to be a villainous person.

"Very well. Then let's travel together. However, Chi Yang Valley is dangerous; once we arrive, we must adapt to the situation, and if things become unmanageable, protecting ourselves is the priority."

Ye Chen said.

"That goes without saying!"

Duan Tianya was overjoyed. Zhao Feng and Liu Qingqing also nodded in agreement.

The four of them rested briefly, treated their wounds, and then collected and divided the valuable Materials from the two Ironclad Fire Lizards.

Ye Chen only took one demon core and some scales, leaving the rest to Zhao Feng and the other two.

He was quite wealthy now and didn't care much about these.

Then, the four of them traveled together and continued towards Chi Yang Valley.

With companions, Ye Chen felt more relaxed; they could take turns keeping watch, saving his mental energy.

Along the way, they encountered several more waves of Yao Beast attacks, but with the four of them working together, they passed through them without danger.

The powerful strength Ye Chen displayed and his precise control over the battle situation left Zhao Feng and the others full of admiration.

Liu Qingqing's swordsmanship and auxiliary methods were also quite impressive.

In particular, she seemed to have some insights into identifying herbs, and they even discovered several good Spirit Plants along the way.

...

Three days later, the four of them finally crossed the vast Thorn Wasteland.

Ahead, a continuous, towering mountain range appeared, completely crimson as if it were burning.

Above the mountain range, heat steamed, distorting the air, and one could feel a scorching breath from far away.

It was the Red Sun Mountain Range!

And Chi Yang Valley was located in the central area of this mountain range.

"We've arrived!"

Duan Tianya said excitedly.

"Be careful, the closer we get, the fiercer the competition. Someone might have already arrived."

Zhao Feng warned.

The four became more vigilant, restrained their aura, and headed towards the depths of the mountain range.

The closer they got to the Red Sun Mountain Range, the higher the temperature.

The Fire-attribute Spiritual Qi in the air became more dense and active, making it a treasure land for Cultivators who Cultivate Fire-attribute Cultivation Techniques.

But for others, it was a torment.

Ye Chen had the Hunyuan True Essence protecting his body, so he didn't feel uncomfortable.

The Cultivation Technique Zhao Feng practiced seemed to lean towards Metal and Earth, so he could also resist it.

Duan Tianya and Liu Qingqing were a bit uncomfortable, sweating on their foreheads, and had to circulate their energy to resist.

After traveling for dozens of miles and crossing a mountain ridge, a huge valley entrance suddenly appeared in front of them.

On both sides of the valley entrance were steep crimson cliffs, as if they had been scorched by fire, with no grass growing.

The heat inside the valley was even more intense, and faint firelight and violent beast roars could be heard.

Chi Yang Valley, we have arrived!

However, the open space in front of the valley entrance was not peaceful at this moment.

There were twenty or thirty figures, divided into several small groups, faintly confronting each other, and the atmosphere was tense.

The air was filled with a strong smell of gunpowder.

Ye Chen and the other three hid behind some crimson strange rocks outside the valley entrance and looked quietly.

They saw that in the center of the open space, on the Core Disciple side.

Led by Murong Bai, there were seven or eight people standing, each with a powerful aura and a calm expression.

On the Inner Sect Disciple side, they were divided into several groups.

Golden Flame Peak still had four or five people.

Led by a cold-looking youth whose aura had reached the Late Stage of the Fifth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, he was scanning the others with unfriendly eyes.

There were also several groups of Disciples from other Peaks, either alone or in groups of two or three.

And right in front of the valley entrance.

Near the scorching airflow.

There were three plants growing, completely crimson as if condensed from fire, with golden-red fruits the size of dragon eyes growing on top!

The fruits were crystal clear, as if magma was flowing inside, emitting amazing scorching spiritual power and majestic Life Qi!

crimson sun vermilion fruit!

And there was more than one!

Judging by their size and luster, they were clearly nearing maturity!

But around the three crimson sun vermilion fruit plants, five giant beasts were coiled, over three zhang long, covered in crimson crystal armor, with a single horn on their heads!

These giant beasts had fangs exposed, emitting terrifying high temperatures and ferocious auras!

These were the guardian Yao Beasts of Chi Yang Valley—Third Rank Peak, Red Crystal Fire Rhinoceros!

Equivalent to the strength of a human Fifth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm or even Sixth Level!

Moreover, they had thick skin and flesh, amazing defense, and could manipulate earth fire, making them extremely difficult to deal with.

These five Red Crystal Fire Rhinoceroses clearly regarded the crimson sun vermilion fruit as their private property, constantly letting out threatening low roars, warning the people at the valley entrance.

If they weren't wary of the large number of people, they would have probably pounced on them already.

"It seems the crimson sun vermilion fruit is not yet fully mature, and with these Red Crystal Fire Rhinoceroses guarding it, everyone is waiting, keeping each other in check."

Zhao Feng whispered.

"Five Third Rank Peak Yao Beasts... not easy to deal with. Even if everyone joins forces, it might not be easy to take them down, not to mention having to guard against others stabbing you in the back."

Duan Tianya clicked his tongue.

Ye Chen's gaze swept over the people at the valley entrance, finally resting on the three crimson sun vermilion fruit plants, his eyes burning.

He must get one! But the current situation is complex, and grabbing it by force is definitely not the best strategy.

"Let's wait and see, don't rush out."

Ye Chen said to the three.

Just then, the cold-looking youth from Golden Flame Peak, who was at the Late Stage of the Fifth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, suddenly stepped forward and said loudly.

"Everyone, this crimson sun vermilion fruit is about to mature, but the guardian Yao Beasts are ferocious. If we just waste time here, it will only be a waste of time, and might even attract more trouble. I am Liu Kun from Golden Flame Peak, and I have a proposal."