Chapter 15: Breakthrough, Keeper's Treasure
She turned to leave but paused, her steps hesitant. Looking back at Ye Tian’s serene figure,
As she leapt silently from the branch, her movements as graceful as a falling leaf, her thoughts lingered. Unseen and unheard, she disappeared into the forest, leaving behind only the faintest trace of her presence.
Unaware of the watchful eyes that had been upon him, Ye Tian remained seated, his breathing steady, his mind focused solely on his cultivation. The sapling near him swayed gently in the breeze, its crimson leaves catching the sunlight—a quiet witness to the unfolding story of two lives destined to intertwine.
---
The stillness of Ye Tian’s cultivation was shattered as his fire-element qi sphere surged with an overwhelming energy. A wave of heaviness engulfed him, making him grit his teeth in discomfort. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as the sphere churned, becoming denser and more refined with every passing moment.
A muffled cry escaped his lips, breaking the serenity of the surrounding forest. His eyes snapped open, glowing faintly with a fiery hue.
He took a deep breath, stabilizing his chaotic qi. “What... just happened?” he muttered to himself, scanning his body internally.
A broad smile spread across his face as realization struck. “The 7th stage of Foundation Building!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with both disbelief and joy. “And I leaped two stages at once!”
His fingers trembled slightly as he clenched his fists. “It’s as if the heavens are finally smiling upon me,” he whispered, determination gleaming in his eyes. “If this momentum keeps up, the next breakthrough isn’t far.”
Excited but not reckless, Ye Tian closed his eyes once more, focusing on consolidating his newfound power.
---
Two days passed in quiet cultivation. Ye Tian emerged from his meditative state, feeling stronger and sharper. However, his supplies were dwindling. Without herbs to sustain his practice, his progress would falter.
He stood and brushed the dust from his robe, a resolute expression on his face. “If I want to continue on this path, I need points. And if I need points, I’ll have to earn them the hard way.”
Making his way to the practice grounds, Ye Tian’s presence immediately drew attention. Murmurs rippled through the crowd as disciples whispered among themselves.
“Isn’t that Ye Tian?”
“Didn’t he recently defeat Qin Nan and his group?”
“I heard he’s already at the 7th stage. Who’s he going to challenge now?”
Unperturbed by the chatter, Ye Tian scanned the area and pointed at a disciple in the Core Formation stage. “I challenge you,” he said calmly, his voice carrying across the practice ground.
The chosen disciple paled, his confidence evaporating like morning dew under the sun. “J-Junior Brother Ye, why me?” he stammered, his voice tinged with nervousness.
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Ye Tian cupped his hands in a polite gesture, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Senior Brother, please grant me this opportunity to spar. I promise to hold back... a little.”
The disciple hesitated but knew refusal would only damage his reputation further. With a resigned sigh, he stepped forward. “Very well, Junior Brother Ye. Let’s see what you’ve got.”
---
The duel began, and it quickly became evident that Ye Tian was in complete control. His movements were fluid and precise, his fire-element qi sphere lending his strikes an explosive power that overwhelmed his opponent.
The Core Formation disciple struggled, his every move countered effortlessly. Sweat dripped from his brow as he realized the gap in their abilities.
With a final, blazing strike, Ye Tian ended the match decisively. He cupped his hands once more and said, “Thank you for the guidance, Senior Brother.”
The defeated disciple could only smile bitterly, muttering under his breath, “Guidance, my foot... You didn’t even give me a chance.”
Unfazed, Ye Tian turned his attention to another group of disciples—those who had once bullied him when he was stuck at the Qi Condensation stage.
A sly grin spread across his face. “I see some familiar faces,” he said, his tone light but with an edge of mischief. “How about a friendly spar?”
The color drained from their faces as they exchanged nervous glances. One of them stepped forward, trying to feign confidence. “J-Junior Brother Ye, let’s not hold grudges. The past is the past, right?”
Ye Tian raised an eyebrow, his smile growing colder. “Oh, I agree. Let’s leave the past behind... but only after this spar.”
One by one, the matches played out, each ending in Ye Tian’s decisive victory. By the time he finished, his points had significantly increased, and the practice ground buzzed with awe and fear.
---
Satisfied with his progress, Ye Tian made his way to the Exchange Hall. Rows of shelves lined the interior, filled with rare herbs, manuals, and treasures. He handed over his points and carefully selected the herbs he needed, his mind already planning his next steps.
---
In the serene quiet of the Book Pavilion, Ji Qing Yan pushed open the heavy wooden doors. The soft creak echoed faintly, accompanied by the scent of aged paper and ink. Her graceful steps carried her inside, her figure radiant despite the veil covering her face.
At the center of the room, Keeper Zhang, an elderly man with a long white beard and sharp, knowing eyes, looked up from a dusty tome. His calm expression shifted into one of delight as he saw his personal disciple.
“Ah, Qing Yan,” Keeper Zhang greeted, his voice warm and fatherly. “It’s been a few days since you last visited. What brings you here today?”
Ji Qing Yan cupped her hands respectfully and bowed. “Master, I have good news to share,” she said, her tone brimming with excitement.
Keeper Zhang set the book aside, folding his hands over his lap. “Good news, you say? Don’t keep this old man waiting. Speak!”
Her eyes sparkled as she straightened. “I’ve had a breakthrough, Master. I’ve reached the middle stage of self reunion.”
For a moment, the room fell silent. Keeper Zhang’s brows lifted, and then his face broke into a wide smile. “Middle stage of self reunion already? Excellent, excellent!” he exclaimed, clapping his hands together. “You truly are my treasure. To progress so quickly—good good!.”
Ji Qing Yan’s cheeks warmed beneath her veil, and she lowered her gaze slightly. “It’s all thanks to your guidance, Master. Without your teachings, I wouldn’t have achieved this.”
“Guidance only takes a student so far,” Keeper Zhang replied, his tone both firm and kind. “The true credit lies with your dedication and effort. I may point the way, but it is you who walks the path.”
She smiled softly, the praise filling her heart with pride. “Still, I owe so much to you, Master. Thank you for everything.”
Keeper Zhang leaned back, his expression softening. “Good. But don’t push yourself too hard. Even the strongest trees need time to grow. Balance effort with rest.”
She nodded, a hint of amusement in her tone. “Yes, Master. You’ve told me this many times before.”
“And I’ll keep saying it until you listen,” Keeper Zhang quipped, his eyes twinkling with humor.