Ye Junlin moved lazily, flicking his palm outward with ease. A powerful surge of energy rippled from his strike, curling like a soaring dragon in flight.
Boom!
A thunderous impact rocked the area.
The golden ginseng recoiled as if struck by lightning, its root-like legs dragging deep grooves through the earth as it skidded back over a dozen yards. Smoke rose from the scorched ground, and a rich medicinal aroma filled the air.
Its spiritual energy surged chaotically—it was stunned.
In the blink of an eye, Ye Junlin's cultivation dropped from initial Golden Core back to the ninth layer of Qi Refining, as though what had just happened was nothing more than an illusion.
"…Huh?"
Ye Junlin paused, brow arching. This place really plays dirty, huh?
"Uncle Fan, wasn't Young Master Ye just in the Golden Core realm?" An Miaoyi blinked in disbelief, her voice barely a whisper.
Fan Dezhen looked just as dazed. "I... thought so…"
Even he was beginning to question his senses. Ye Junlin's spiritual energy now felt like that of a mere ninth-layer Qi Refining cultivator. And yet, the explosive power he'd unleashed a moment ago—undeniably Golden Core-level—had been too real to dismiss.
The golden ginseng steadied itself and stared at Ye Junlin in confusion. "What tricks is the human race playing at?"
It had no doubts. That silver-haired young man had definitely reached Golden Core just moments ago. In this Medicine King Valley, that was unheard of.
Normally, the herbs here had fixed cultivation levels, determined by their rank. Low-grade herbs hovered around the ninth layer of Qi Refining, supreme-grade ones peaked at the twelfth layer, and King-grade herbs were at Foundation Establishment. All humans who entered this place had their cultivation forcibly suppressed to the ninth layer of Qi Refining. No exceptions.
Until now.
Moments ago, while trading blows, this human had suddenly shot up to Golden Core and knocked it senseless.
The ginseng was baffled. What the hell is going on here?
Ye Junlin shrugged with mock innocence. "I'm just a humble Qi Refining cultivator. You sure you're not just weak? Why don't you try again and find out?"
He was testing a theory.
The golden ginseng's pride took a hit. Fury erupted as its roots transformed into hardened fists, golden light flaring like swords.
"Arrogant brat, try my Golden Fist!"
Swish, swish, swish!
Dozens of root-fists shot forward at terrifying speed, like a meteor storm.
The wind howled. Pressure bore down so intensely that even the air seemed to bend under the assault.
Fan Dezhen took a nervous step back. "That thing's really going all out…"
He could tell—the golden ginseng wasn't holding back anymore. This attack could flatten any Qi Refining cultivator. Even those at the outer edges of Golden Core wouldn't walk away unscathed.
"Master Ye…" An Miaoyi's hands were clenched tight. She was holding her breath, silently praying.
Facing the incoming barrage, Ye Junlin stood completely still, not a hint of panic in his eyes.
Then came a familiar chime inside his mind:
> [Ding! Host detected under attack by a peak Foundation Establishment entity. Triggering passive: 'Stronger Against Stronger!' Cultivation temporarily boosted to initial Golden Core!]
His aura surged once more, breaking free of the suppression. The ninth layer of Qi Refining was left behind as he soared straight to Golden Core again.
Ye Junlin's lips curled. So I was right.
Without hesitation, he lifted his hand and summoned the Human King Seal.
Boom!
An immense phantom of an ancient emperor loomed behind him, its presence blanketing the battlefield. The golden fists shattered under its pressure, and the golden ginseng was blasted away like a broken kite, crashing hard into the ground.
Just as quickly as it had risen, Ye Junlin's aura plummeted again, settling back into the suppressed Qi Refining realm.
"…He really did reach Golden Core," Fan Dezhen murmured, eyes wide with disbelief.
"How is he doing this?" An Miaoyi covered her mouth in awe. "Is it some kind of forbidden technique?"
The golden ginseng lay limp, its spiritual energy dimming. Its body oozed sap—blood, essentially—as it glared weakly at Ye Junlin.
"Despicable… human… tricked me…"
Ye Junlin put on his most sincere expression. "I'm just a regular guy trying to survive."
From the clash, he'd confirmed it—his temporary cultivation boost was due to a passive effect from the system. The stronger his opponent, the stronger he became. However, the moment the threat ended, Medicine King Valley's suppression returned, dragging him back to Qi Refining.
Guess the system isn't just for show.
Meanwhile, the shockwaves from their battle had attracted attention.
Other spiritual herbs nearby peeked out nervously. Seeing their leader utterly defeated, their spiritual energies rippled in alarm.
"No way! A human beat the boss!"
"Has this ever happened before?!"
"Are we doomed?! Is this the end of Medicine King Valley?!"
Li Wujie's eyes were sparkling. "Master is too amazing! Even while suppressed, his strength is unmatched!"
Hong Qianye stood frozen, reeling from the blow to his pride.
He could sense how powerful that golden ginseng was. Even if he'd fought it personally, he would've been thrashed. Yet Ye Junlin had wiped the floor with it—effortlessly.
Weren't we both in Qi Refining? How the hell are you this strong?!
His heart screamed in disbelief.
Even worse, he'd once entertained thoughts of provoking Ye Junlin. Thank heavens he hadn't acted on them, or he'd be the one on the ground right now, bleeding root juice.
"…Human… I hate you…" the golden ginseng muttered weakly before going completely still.
The rest of the herb-spirits panicked and bolted, scattering in all directions like terrified rabbits.
Still, many priceless herbs remained strewn across the battlefield.
Li Wujie couldn't stop grinning. "This haul's insane!"
"Young Master Ye is amazing!" An Miaoyi clenched her fists with renewed determination. "One day, he'll bring down that white-haired old devil and free us all!"
Fan Dezhen looked like he wanted to say something but stopped himself. Better we keep someone like him close. Wendaozong would be lucky to have him…
Just as Ye Junlin was about to have his team gather the spoils, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the valley.
"Look at all the treasures!"
"Who did this? Besides Master Randel, could anyone else pull this off?"
"There! Up ahead! That group—could it be them?!"
Dozens of cultivators burst into the clearing, eyes immediately locking on the dazzling herbs scattered everywhere. Then, they noticed the golden ginseng's battered body.
Their expressions shifted from greed to awe.
Only someone frighteningly powerful could subdue such a treasure. The idea of stealing from them evaporated on the spot.
"Master, look!" a disciple from Hanging Temple whispered.
Master Randel's gaze swept over the scene, then landed on the golden ginseng. His eyes narrowed. "A… supreme-class medicine king?"
Boom!
A collective gasp rang out.
Supreme-class medicine kings were rare even for Tribulation Stage cultivators. To see one lying in the open like this—crippled—was unthinkable.
One elder from the Hanging Temple made a move, darting forward to seize the ginseng.
But before his fingers could graze it—
Slash!
A wave of blade energy cut across his path, tearing into his robe and leaving him bloodied. He staggered backward from a brutal kick.
"You blind? That yours?" Li Wujie spat coldly. "Back off."
"Elder Huitong!" gasped the Hanging Temple disciples, rallying to his side.
Master Randel stepped forward, his tone turning grim. He folded his palms together in mock prayer, but his eyes glinted with menace.
"Amitabha. You've struck a member of the Hanging Temple… Are you sure you know what you're doing?"
He emphasized the name deliberately, letting it hang heavy in the air.
---
100 Powerstones = 1 Bonus Chapter
200 Powerstones = 3 Bonus Chapters
Let's gooooo.