Chapter 1023: The Master's Satisfaction; The Hidden Dragon's Safety (Part 2)

“Thank you… thank you, Master, for the medicine.”

The young girl bowed deeply, hiding her blushing face in the shadows, her voice as soft as a mosquito’s buzz,

“Disciple promises… to be more restrained in the future, and try not to… not to act recklessly at night again.”

…

The disciples were all striving to improve, so as their master, he naturally couldn’t fall behind.

In the days that followed,

Chen Ye’s life was incredibly fulfilling.

Either cultivating with Bai Susu and Mao Qingzhu, or continuing to interrogate Gu Tangyin, and the rest of the time, he focused deeply on cultivation.

In the blink of an eye,

a month passed.

In the center of the quiet chamber, Chen Ye sat cross-legged on a cushion, his mind slightly stirred.

In an instant, the empty space in the quiet chamber was filled with abundant rare spiritual materials.

These were the spoils collected from the group from Huayue Mansion a few days ago, enough to support his subsequent cultivation.

“So this is an upper-grade Spirit Stone? One upper-grade Spirit Stone is equivalent to ten thousand lower-grade Spirit Stones, considered a rare commodity within the Yan Kingdom.”

Chen Ye slightly flicked his fingers, and a crystal-clear upper-grade Spirit Stone fell into his palm.

At the level of upper-grade Spirit Stones, their value had long surpassed that of ordinary currency.

The high purity of Spiritual Qi is most suitable for cultivators to absorb in large quantities during secluded breakthroughs.

Above the upper-grade Spirit Stones, there were even more rare top-grade Spirit Stones.

Top-grade Spirit Stones are difficult to form, nurtured only in extreme places where Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi converges.

Under the long baptism of time and night, influenced by the surrounding environment, they develop a pure single attribute.

For example, fire Spirit Stones nurtured in extremely fiery regions, or water Spirit Stones nurtured in the depths of the East Sea.

“Though there aren’t any legendary top-grade Spirit Stones, these upper-grade Spirit Stones are enough for now.”

Chen Ye calmed his mind and closed his eyes.

Unknowingly, yet another night of cultivation passed.

The next day.

“Although I couldn’t break through the barrier in one go this time, the blockade has already loosened.”

Chen Ye opened his eyes, casually clenched his fist, feeling the increasingly profound and terrifying spiritual power within himself, his expression confident,

“If this progress continues, in at most half a year, reaching the Ninth-Layer of Foundation Establishment will be as natural as water flowing.”

Suddenly,

the Valley Protection Array outside Lisong Valley rippled.

Chen Ye sensed it, letting his Divine Sense extend outward, where he discovered a familiar aura at the edge of the array.

“You came quite fast.”

Chen Ye’s lips curled into a slight smile, and with a flick of his large sleeve, he stepped towards the valley entrance.

At this moment, outside the valley,

Qian Jin was drenched in sweat, looking apprehensive.

Recalling True Man Dongshan’s cold gaze before leaving Huayue Mansion, and the valley before him where two puppet masters from the Ten Thousand Puppet Sect were buried, Qian Jin felt as if his legs were filled with lead, heavy and immobile.

“Qian Jin from Huayue Mansion, requests to see Peak Master Chen!”

Qian Jin made a deep bow towards the valley, his voice extended far through spiritual power, his posture extremely humble.

His transmission echoed among the Spirit Fields around the outskirts of Lisong Valley.

Several Spirit Plant Cultivators bending over in the fields raised their heads in astonishment upon hearing.

“Huayue Mansion? Could it be the legendary righteous Holy Land of the Ruins Country?”

“I’ve heard that the people of the Ruins Country always look down their noses at others, yet this man is a significant figure at Huayue Mansion, and now… he is so respectful in front of our manager?”

The Spirit Plant Cultivators exchanged glances.

Although,

they were all Loose Cultivators, they had heard of the name of Huayue Mansion.

Reportedly,

it is one of the most powerful academies in the Lingxu Realm, filled with experts, and even a random disciple coming to the Yan Kingdom would be an unparalleled prodigy!

At the valley entrance,

a gentle breeze blew past,

Chen Ye’s figure appeared with a smile, saying:

“Oh, it’s Taoist Qian. What, in just two months, True Man Dongshan has gathered the odds and ends Chen requested?”

Qian Jin twitched at the corners of his eyes.

Tribulation Fire Golden Liquid, Six Qi Pill formula…

Which of these is not a treasure that cultivators would fight tooth and nail for?

And yet, to this Peak Master Chen, they were merely odds and ends.

But naturally, he did not dare to show the slightest dissatisfaction, forcing a smile and saying:

“Peak Master Chen is joking. The conditions you set, True Man Dongshan… have been fully agreed to.”

“Oh?” Chen Ye’s eyebrows raised, feigning surprise, “Since agreed, where are the items?”

“This… Peak Master, please understand.”

Qian Jin swallowed his saliva and cautiously explained,

“The Taiyi Geng Gold and Celestial Meteor Sand are easy to discuss, but the Six Qi Pill Formula is an absolute secret of the academy. Even though True Man Dongshan is the head of the Eastern Institute, he needs to convince other True Men. Especially the Tribulation Fire Golden Liquid, which is sealed within the Boiling Sea Secret Realm of our Huayue Mansion. Now the Secret Realm has not yet reached its opening day; if we forcefully open it to extract the liquid, the procedure is complicated and requires a considerable amount of time…”

As Qian Jin spoke, he sneakily observed Chen Ye’s facial expression, fearing that the killing god would become displeased and draw his sword, hurriedly supplementing,

“True Man Dongshan specifically ordered me to rush back first, to show Peak Master the sincerity of Huayue Mansion. I also ask Peak Master for some leniency and patience; when the time is right, the ransom will definitely be delivered in full! During this period, I hope Peak Master… treats our Gu Qianlong well.”

Chen Ye listened quietly.

This matter was also within his expectations.

After all,

in the Lingyin Sect, those Tier Two Top Grade Treasures of Heaven and Earth require the Grand Elder’s secret orders to access the internal treasury grotto heaven to select.

Not to mention the Tribulation Fire Golden Liquid and Six Qi Pill Formula.

However, Chen Ye was not in a rush.

He was still at the Eighth-Layer Foundation Establishment, having plenty of time.

Just…

“Treat well?”

Upon hearing these two words, Chen Ye’s eyelids twitched slightly.

These two months.

He and Bai Susu have not spared effort tormenting this once lofty Huayue Mansion Genius.

Nowadays, that Gu Qianlong, forget her aloof and proud demeanor of old, couldn’t even sit properly on a hard wooden chair, only managing to lie on her side, in humiliation.

If the people of Huayue Mansion were to find out…

It might somewhat affect the ransom matter.

Of course.

Bai Susu still had restraint, not destroying Gu Tangyin’s primal yin, even if she were sent back to the mansion, it would merely spite True Man Dongshan, not affect the bigger picture.

Chen Ye’s thoughts raced, deliberately darkening his face, coldly snorted.

“Opening the Secret Realm is indeed difficult; Chen is not an unreasonable person. As for Gu Qianlong, as long as your Huayue Mansion doesn’t play tricks, Chen will naturally take good care of her, won’t deprive her of food and clothing, nor harm her life without cause.”

Speaking of “take good care” these four words, Chen Ye was calm and collected.

Any issues?

No issues at all.

He didn’t harm Gu Tangyin’s life, nor deprive her of food and clothing.

Upon hearing, Qian Jin’s tense face relaxed, but he said, “Thank you, Peak Master Chen, for your generosity! But… True Man’s orders, I must follow. So… please, Peak Master Chen, allow me to meet with Gu Qianlong.”

Upon hearing Qian Jin’s request, Chen Ye furrowed his brow.

Meeting Gu Tangyin now?

What a joke. That once lofty Gu Qianlong can hardly walk now; she needs a few days of rest and restoration to regain some dignity.

Moreover, Gu Tangyin’s strong character might lead to a desperate clash then…

Chen Ye casually waved his hand, reasonably refusing, “Today might not be convenient.”

“Not convenient?” Qian Jin was stunned, his heart suddenly tightened, “May I ask, Peak Master, is it that Gu Qianlong she…”

“You’re overthinking it.”

Chen Ye stood with hands behind his back, unfazed,

“Several of Chen’s female companions are currently resting and cultivating in the inner courtyard, making it inconvenient for outside guests to freely come and go. In these days, Chen will instruct someone to take good care of Gu Qianlong. In a few days, Chen will personally take her out of the valley to meet you and let you verify her condition, how about it?”

Female companions inconvenient?

Despite his anxiety, Qian Jin could barely understand.

Moreover, the other party has already agreed to bring her out in a few days, so as long as he can confirm Gu Tangyin is unharmed, a few extra days will do.

“Since Peak Master Chen has female companions in the inner courtyard, I naturally dare not be rash.”

Qian Jin bowed deeply,

“Then during this time, I shall shamelessly reside at the Peach Mountain District outside the valley, waiting for Peak Master’s grandeur. As for the ransom matter, Peak Master can rest assured; when the time is right, our Huayue Mansion will naturally have personnel to personally deliver the Treasures of Heaven and Earth to the Yan Kingdom.”

Qian Jin spoke formally, saying he will temporarily reside and wait silently.

But Chen Ye’s heart was crystal clear.

This old man is staying at Peach Mountain District, not leaving, and with the ransom coming from others, his task is evidently just one: to keep an eye on Chen Ye, ensuring Gu Tangyin’s safety, lest he breaks his promises and tears the ticket.

“Peach Mountain District is picturesque; Taoist Qian can comfortably stay here.”

Chen Ye chuckled, looking at him,

“In a few days, Chen will surely bring an entirely unharmed Gu Qianlong, to meet the Taoist.”

“In such case, thank you, Peak Master Chen! I take my leave!”

Qian Jin bowed once more, transformed into a long rainbow, hurriedly flying towards the direction of Peach Mountain District.