Before, his Ki had been like formless mist. Now, it had become thicker—almost like liquid.
His foundation had become stronger, and his energy reserves had increased.
But this also meant he needed much more energy to progress.
Unlike normal cultivation methods that only focus on gathering Ki to move up stages, this technique worked differently.
It didn't just push him forward. It refined him. Each breakthrough didn't just raise his level; it made his foundation stronger than any ordinary cultivator's at the same stage.
Even though he was only in the peak of third stage of Ki Refining, his combat strength was already beyond others at the same level.
His Ki was purer, denser, and more powerful. He could fight cultivators at higher stages without struggling.
His body had changed too. His meridians, which once were weak and narrow, had become tougher and wider. His dantian had expanded as well, now able to store much more profound ki.
The benefits were clear but so was the cost. He would now need more ki, and more dual cultivation, to continue growing stronger.
When Ye Xian broke through to the 2nd and 3rd stages, a warm surge of energy spread through his entire body each time, soaking into his muscles, tendons, even his bones.
With every advancement, his physique grew stronger, far beyond what was normal for someone at his level..
Ye Xian felt both happy and worried by this news. While excited about his physical strength, he was concerned about his slowed cultivation progress, especially since his talent was already limited.
Knock. Knock.
Ye Xian flinched slightly, then he rose from the bed and took care of the sheets that was in mess before heading towards the door .
As he slid the door open, a breath of fresh morning air swept in.
Standing outside was Ye Ling'er, an 19-year-old girl with a graceful, refreshing presence. Dressed in a white-and-blue hanfu, her slim figure and jade-like skin glowed in the morning light.
Her peach blossom eyes shimmered with curiosity, and her high ponytail danced lightly in the breeze.
Though slender, her chest was surprisingly well-developed, pressed gently beneath the layered robe and curves were gently defined.
She greeted him with a soft smile, hands folded with grace.
Ye Ling'er, Ye Xian's childhood friend, was like a fairy from legend, elegant, distant, and breathtakingly beautiful.
"Good morning, Ling'er," Ye Xian said warmly, offering a gentle smile as he took in her presence.
"You're up early."
Ye Ling'er's peach blossom eyes sparkled with a touch of concern.
"I stopped by because I didn't see you yesterday and worried something happened. Are you alright?"
Ye Xian's expression softened, and a warm smile curved on his lips.
"Thank you for your concern. I'm doing fine now."
She tilted her head slightly, eyeing him with playful suspicion.
"You do look more spirited today. Did something good happen?"
He rubbed his neck sheepishly and recalling the moaning Sheng Qianying in his head.
"Let's just say I had a small breakthrough."
Her gaze lingered on him for a moment, there was surprised and delight, then she gave a satisfied nod.
"Then I'm relieved."
Her eyes wandered around the room behind him. Ye Xian noticed and quietly stepped forward, shutting the door with a soft click. Ling'er blinked but said nothing, her eyes going back to his face.
"Oh, also father asked me to come fetch you," she said, clasping her hands politely before her.
"He wants you in the main hall as soon as possible."
Ye Xian's brows furrowed slightly. "The Clan Master? Alright. Let's go."
They walked side by side toward the main Ye Clan hall. Neatly cut plum trees lined the path, their petals fluttering in the wind. But as Ye Xian walked, his mind started to feel messy.
'Why would Ye Tian summon me now? Is it related to the marriage with Meng clan? Or something else?'
He looked at Ling'er walking calmly beside him. Her steps were light, barely making a sound. Every now and then, she glanced at him from the side, her peach-colored eyes quietly watching him.
"I wonder what this is about…" he muttered under his breath.
While walking with Ye Ling'er, she ended up a step ahead of Ye Xian. His eyes followed her—how could they not?
Her narrow waist, the smooth sway of her hips, those long, toned legs... it was hard to look away. He swallowed softly, trying to stay calm.
Suddenly, Ye Ling'er spun around and caught him red-handed.
"Pervert! You're totally staring at me!" she snapped, clearly teasing but with a sharp edge.
Ye Xian, caught off guard, felt a bit embarrassed but quickly recovered with a smirk.
"I was just admiring a beautiful view. Is that a crime now?"
Ye Ling'er gave him a look like she was about to smack him.
"Looks like someone needs a beating."
Ye Xian grinned. "No, I don't. But if the topic is beating, maybe we should discuss who's on top?"
Ye Ling'er gave him a scoff and a half-smile. After hearing what he said, she felt like this shameless guy really deserved a slap.
As Ye Xian entered the grand hall, his gaze swept across the crowds gather in the hall and immediately landed on the imposing figure seated at the head—Ye Tian, patriarch of the Ye Clan.
His long mustache, commanding aura, and sharp eyes radiated unquestionable authority. Even in silence, his presence demanded respect.
To Ye Tian's right sat Ye Feng, Ye Xian's father. His brows were furrowed, his expression heavy with worry, as if carrying the weight of unseen burdens.
Beside him stood Ye Shen's mother, a beautiful woman whose charm was spoiled by the malice in her eyes and the smirk curling her lips.
Her gaze glittered with schadenfreude, clearly enjoying the scene that was about to unfold.
Next to Ye Feng sat a short, plump man with small, cunning eyes and a round belly barely contained by his silk robes. Beside him stood a beautiful woman with a slim waist and long, flowing brown hair.
Her elegance was impossible to ignore, and many in the hall stole discreet glances at her.
To Ye Tian's left was his wife, sitting with quiet grace and an unreadable expression. Below her stood Ye Ling'er, who had walked up to her earlier when she and Ye Xian entered the hall.
She had received a sound transmission through ki telling her to fetch Ye Xian but she didn't know what was going on. Ye Ling'er was Ye Tian's adopted daughter.
In the middle of the hall, a woman in a traditional green dress knelt on the cold floor, her body trembling as she sobbed.
Her face was heavy with makeup, clearly trying to hide her plain looks. Normally, she wouldn't stand out. But now—with her face twisted in rage and shame. She was the center of attention.
Her tear-streaked eyes locked onto Ye Xian. They burned with hatred.
Then her high-pitched voice cut through the silence.
"Clan Patriarch! It was him! He used my body the past two nights and promised to make me his woman!"
Silence.
The whole hall froze. Every eye turned to Ye Xian.
He blinked, caught off guard. His mind had drifted, scanning the crowd, half-expecting to spot Sheng Qianying.
She wasn't there.
A cold snort from Patriarch Ye snapped him back.
Ye Xian's lips curled into a slight smirk. He turned to the shouting woman, his posture calm, almost bored, like the whole thing was just an inconvenience.
"Oh? Sorry, I got a little… distracted. What were you saying, miss?"
A few soft chuckles broke the tension. The woman's face twisted even more at his casual tone.
A quiet laugh came from somewhere.
Ye Xian turned and caught Ye Ling'er's eyes—calm, unreadable. She was watching him closely. He looked away, then back to the woman in green.
Time to end this nonsense.