Chapter 73 The Return Journey, Love's Destiny
On the edge of the Star Dou Great Forest, the murderous aura gradually dissipated, replaced by the relaxation of surviving a calamity and the excitement of a bountiful harvest.
The group from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan successfully stepped out of that perilous, primitive region; looking back, the towering ancient trees were still deep and secluded, but they no longer felt suffocating.
"Though this trip was dangerous, the harvest exceeded expectations." Yu Boxuan's breathing had already steadied significantly. Looking at his grandson, whose aura was becoming increasingly profound and vast, his eyes were filled with gratification. "Chener successfully obtained his eighth Soul Ring, and it is of 100,000-year quality. He also obtained a Soul Bone, and his strength has surged. This is truly a great fortune for our clan!"
Everyone nodded one after another, their gazes toward Yu Yuanchen filled with respect and fanaticism.
Yu Yuanchen nodded slightly, feeling the surging, boundless power within him that far exceeded what he had possessed before, his heart filled with peace and satisfaction.
Rank 83 Soul Power, two top-tier 100,000-year Martial Soul abilities, the sublimation of his physique and Life level brought by a 100,000-year Soul Bone, and... a deeper realization of the Soul Core Method.
This trip to the Star Dou Great Forest was absolutely perfect.
He turned his gaze to Tang Chen, who was standing to the side.
This Young Lord of the Clear Sky Sect now had a calm expression; the hatred and malice in his eyes had mostly dissipated, replaced by a sense of composure and clarity that came after the baptism of a great battle and the completion of his revenge.
"Brother Tang, what are your plans for the future?" Yu Yuanchen asked.
Tang Chen took a deep breath and looked toward the direction of the Clear Sky Sect, his voice steady.
"My great revenge is achieved, and my worries are settled. This trip, having studied the wonderful methods with Brother Yuanchen and Brother Qian, I have gained much and recognized my own inadequacies. I need to return to the Sect, Cultivate in seclusion, digest what I have gained, and strive to break through the Bottleneck as soon as possible to condense the prototype of a Soul Core. One day... when we both achieve the Rank of Titled Douluo, we shall spar again!"
There was little melancholy in his words, only more determination and anticipation for the path ahead; with his firm will, he would naturally not remain immersed in past emotions for long.
Yu Yuanchen nodded. "I look forward to the day we can discuss the Dao again, Brother Tang."
Tang Chen cupped his hands and said solemnly, "Brother Yuanchen, I will keep this assistance in my heart. If there is any need in the future, the Clear Sky Sect will not refuse!"
This was his promise to Yu Yuanchen for helping him with his revenge and sharing the Soul Core Method.
After saying this, he said no more, turned into a streak of light, and sped off toward the north, his figure quickly disappearing into the horizon.
Seeing Tang Chen off, Yu Yuanchen and his group did not delay any longer and returned to Dragon City at full speed.
Upon returning to the clan, it was naturally another round of celebration and shock.
Yu Yuanchen's latest Breakthrough and astonishing harvest elevated the prestige and strength of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan to a new level.
In the following days, Yu Yuanchen entered a long period of stable, deep cultivation.
He was not in a hurry to rush to a higher Soul Power Rank, but instead used most of his energy to consolidate his surging cultivation, deeply comprehending the power of the two newly acquired 100,000-year Martial Soul abilities and the Soul Bone, and further deducing and perfecting his own Soul Core Method.
Once cultivation reaches the Soul Douluo level, every Rank improvement requires immense accumulation and insight, so it cannot be rushed.
He needed time to completely digest this harvest and transform it into a more solid Foundation.
In his spare time, he spent most of it with Ye Zhilan.
In the Ye Family courtyard, the fragrance of flowers lingered.
Yu Yuanchen and Ye Zhilan sat opposite each other, with several sheets of paper covered in dense handwriting and energy execution diagrams spread out on the stone table; these were the deduction notes regarding the "Qi and Blood Martial Dao System."
"Zhilan, look here," Yu Yuanchen pointed to a key point regarding Qi and Blood execution and the nourishment of the internal organs. "Ordinary Soul Masters lack sufficient physique; if they force the circulation of Qi and Blood here, it is very easy to damage the heart pulse. If we supplement it with gentle medicinal power to guide and nourish from the side, could it reduce the risk and improve efficiency?"
Ye Zhilan looked carefully, her delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed. After thinking for a moment, a light of wisdom appeared in her eyes.
"Brother Yuanchen is absolutely right. According to my studies, perhaps we can use 'Warm Meridian Grass' and 'Heart-Protecting Lotus' as the main ingredients, supplemented with 'Blood Lingzhi' powder, to blend into a paste to apply externally to this acupoint before practicing, or use a decoction to regulate it after practicing. This should greatly alleviate the burden of the Qi and Blood impact on the Meridians."
Her voice was soft, yet her logic was clear, and her understanding of medicinal properties was extremely thorough.
Hearing this, a look of approval appeared in Yu Yuanchen's eyes. "Wonderful! With this, the threshold for cultivation here can be lowered by at least twenty percent! Your talent in the medical path, Zhilan, is truly extraordinary."
Receiving his praise, Ye Zhilan's cheeks turned slightly red, and she lowered her head in embarrassment. "Brother Yuanchen, you overpraise me. I have just been exposed to these things since I was young, so it is just practice making perfect. Instead, the Qi and Blood System you created is profound and vast; the fact that it can fit so well with medical theory is what is truly worthy of admiration."
The two of them would often discuss the various possibilities of combining Qi and Blood cultivation with medical skills in the courtyard.
One provided the framework and direction, while the other supplemented the details and safety guarantees.
Yu Yuanchen did not hold back and taught her his understanding of Qi and Blood; Ye Zhilan also did her best to constantly perfect this System with her knowledge, making it safer and more beneficial to all.
During this process, the affection between the two grew deeper day by day.
Yu Yuanchen admired Ye Zhilan's gentleness, intelligence, and her focus and talent in the medical path; Ye Zhilan admired Yu Yuanchen's strength, composure, wisdom, and that maturity and sense of responsibility that flowed from him, surpassing his age.
Feelings grew over time, and things naturally fell into place.
One day, as the sun set, the courtyard was dyed in a warm golden hue.
Yu Yuanchen finished a round of deduction and looked at the young girl beside him who was carefully organizing the notes; the sunset glow spilled onto her tranquil profile, plating it with a soft halo, making it look exceptionally beautiful.
Watching this beautiful scene, his heart palpitated slightly.
After a long while, he gently put down the pen in his hand and called out softly, "Zhilan."
"Hmm?" Ye Zhilan looked up, her clear eyes looking at him. Her pretty face carried a hint of confusion, which was exceptionally cute.
Yu Yuanchen's gaze was gentle and earnest as he looked at her and said slowly, "During these days, discussing cultivation and taking leisurely walks with you, I have been very happy. I have gradually started to get used to a Life with you by my side. You are gentle, kind, intelligent, and resilient. In the past, I only knew how to Cultivate, but now, when I Cultivate, I also start to look forward to meeting you again."
Yu Yuanchen's Adam's apple rolled, and his eyes were incomparably serious. "I wonder... would you be willing to accompany me, let me protect you, and spend the rest of our lives together?"
His words were direct but incomparably sincere, without the slightest hint of frivolity.
Ye Zhilan had not expected him to suddenly express his feelings and was instantly stunned. Her fair cheeks turned red at a speed visible to the naked eye, like a ripe apple. Her heartbeat suddenly accelerated, and she lowered her head, nervously twisting the corner of her clothes, her voice as soft as a mosquito. "Brother Yuanchen... I... I..."
She had long harbored feelings for Yu Yuanchen but had never dared to express them. Hearing him speak so directly, she was both pleasantly surprised and shy, not knowing how to respond for a moment.
Yu Yuanchen did not urge her, just watched her quietly, his gaze gentle and firm.
After a good while, Ye Zhilan mustered her courage, looked up, and met his gaze. Her cheeks were still flushed, but she nodded gently, her voice faint but clear. "I... I am willing."
After saying this, she immediately lowered her head in shyness, her ears turning completely red.
A smile appeared on Yu Yuanchen's face, and his heart was filled with peace and joy. He was not acting on impulse but had given it careful thought.
Ye Zhilan was indeed his ideal partner; their temperaments matched, their interests aligned, and they got along well. Since they both had feelings for each other, there was no need to be coy.
"It's just..." Ye Zhilan suddenly thought of something and looked up, a flash of worry in her eyes. "Brother Yuanchen, my cultivation is still low, only at Rank 52, and this is the golden period for cultivation. If... if we talk about marriage too early, I am afraid it will distract me and delay my cultivation..."
For Soul Master cultivation, speed in the early stages is crucial, especially for a healing-type Soul Master like her who needs more time to accumulate. She was worried that becoming betrothed would be a hindrance.
Hearing this, Yu Yuanchen smiled slightly. "It does not matter. We Soul Masters have long Lifespans, so why rush?"
He paused and explained in detail, "As far as I know, ordinary Titled Douluo (Ranks 91 to 94), without special opportunities, have a Lifespan of about 150 to 200 years; Super Douluo (Ranks 95 to 98) have more vigorous blood and deeper insights into heaven and earth, with a Lifespan that can reach 200 to 300 years; while the legendary Limit Douluo (Rank 99), whose Physical Body and Soul begin to undergo metamorphosis, touching the barrier between god and Mortal, can have a Lifespan as long as 300 to 400 years."
"Only those who have received the favor of a Divinity, such as a high priest of a God Position, a successor of a Divinity, or those who have advanced further on the basis of a Limit Douluo and started to become semi-divine, with their physical bodies and Souls continuously nourished by divine force, can break through the limitations of Mortals and enjoy a longer Life, even reaching a thousand years."
"Both of us have the potential to reach the Titled Douluo Rank, so the future is long. Moreover, for a healing-type Soul Master like you, your Lifespan can be much longer than that of normal Soul Masters of the same Rank. Now that you are in the golden period of cultivation, you should prioritize improving your cultivation and solidifying your Foundation. My intention is to set the engagement first, and after you have achieved success in your cultivation, at least after becoming a Soul Saint, we will hold the wedding ceremony. What do you think?"
After listening to this, Ye Zhilan's worries vanished, and a warm current surged in her heart. Yu Yuanchen not only did not rush to get married but considered everything for her and thought about her future. This respect and consideration moved her even more.
"Mm, I will listen to Brother Yuanchen." She nodded gently, a happy smile blooming on her face.
A few days later, Yu Yuanchen told his father, Yu Mingfeng, and his grandfather, Yu Boxuan, about this matter.
Yu Mingfeng was already at the Soul Douluo level (Rank 82) and clapped his hands in laughter upon hearing this. "Good thing! That girl from the Ye Family is gentle and sensible, and her talent is also good; she is a perfect match for Chener! I had already noticed it!" He had a very good impression of Ye Zhilan.
Yu Boxuan agreed even more readily. "Although the Ye Family is not a combat Sect, their Nine Heart Begonia Martial Soul is unique and can be considered top-tier in the path of auxiliary healing, which is a good complement to our Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect. That child Zhilan has a kind heart and is in love with Chener, which is very good! I will personally go to discuss this with the head of the Ye Family."
Regarding his grandson's lifelong event, this Rank 97 Super Douluo behaved just like an ordinary grandfather.
A few days later, Yu Boxuan personally took Yu Yuanchen, prepared generous gifts, and went to visit the Ye Family.
The Ye Family residence was not luxurious, but it was filled with the fragrance of medicine and tranquility everywhere.
The current head of the Family, Ye Kuan, was an elderly man with a vigorous Martial Soul and a kind face. His cultivation had reached Rank 89 Soul Douluo, and he was recognized as the number one medical expert in the world, with the healing effect of his Nine Heart Begonia Martial Soul being miraculous.
However, limited by the era, the overall development of medicine on the continent was still relatively crude, relying more on Martial Soul characteristics and experience, with a lack of systematic and theoretical research.
Ye Kuan was somewhat surprised by the visit of Yu Boxuan and Yu Yuanchen, especially when he saw Yu Yuanchen, a flash of imperceptible complexity crossed his eyes.
He had long seen his granddaughter's feelings for this Genius of the Yu Family. Although he was happy about his talent, he inevitably felt a faint grievance that his own cabbage had been arched, and he was even more worried that his granddaughter would be wronged.
However, when Yu Boxuan explained the purpose of their visit and mentioned the "Qi and Blood Martial Dao System" that they wanted to share with the Ye Family and cooperate on in-depth, Ye Kuan was instantly shocked!
He carefully browsed through the partial outline and execution principles of the Qi and Blood System that Yu Yuanchen had brought. The more he read, the more shocked he became, and the more excited he grew!
This was a completely unprecedented new path to tap into human potential and strengthen the Foundation of the physique! Especially for their Ye Family, the significance was even more extraordinary!
It was an undeniable fact that Nine Heart Begonia Soul Masters had weak combat power.
But if they cultivated this Qi and Blood System, relying on their powerful healing abilities, they could completely withstand more aggressive and efficient Body Refining methods, quickly improve their physical strength and Qi and Blood power, and thus possess a certain level of self-preservation or even close-combat ability!
This was practically tailor-made!
"This... this method, are you truly willing to share it with my Ye Family?" Ye Kuan's voice trembled slightly as he looked at Yu Boxuan and Yu Yuanchen in disbelief.
Yu Boxuan laughed. "Family Head Ye, there is no need to doubt. This method was created by Chener, but its Perfection cannot be achieved by the power of one person or one Family. The Ye Family's medical skills are the best on the continent, which can just make up for the shortcomings of this System in terms of safety, regulation, and nourishment. We are sincere about cooperating for mutual benefit."
Yu Yuanchen also spoke up. "Grandpa Ye, if this System can be integrated with the essence of the Ye Family's medical skills, it will surely be more perfect and benefit more people. The Junior also wants to take this Opportunity to ask the Ye Family for advice on medical principles to broaden my knowledge, which might also be beneficial for my subsequent cultivation."
He did not directly state that he was looking for information on Immortal Herbs to avoid appearing too purposeful.
Hearing this, Ye Kuan had no more doubts, and the bit of resentment in his heart had long been washed away by the huge surprise!
He looked at Yu Yuanchen, his gaze filled with admiration and gratitude. "Nephew Yuanchen is so young, yet has such breadth of mind and achievements; I admire you! It is Zhilan's blessing to be favored by you! On this matter, everyone in the Ye Family has no objections! We will definitely do our best to help you perfect this Qi and Blood Great Dao!"
He made the decision on the spot, agreed to the engagement, and indicated that he would open most of the Ye Family's collection of medical books for Yu Yuanchen to read, fully supporting the research on the Qi and Blood System.
Both the marriage and the cooperation were mutually beneficial and joyful.
Yu Yuanchen subsequently often went to the Ye Family's library to browse through various medical classics.
He was not trying to study medicine deeply, but to broaden his horizons, understand the characteristics of herbs in this world, and more importantly, secretly look for clues about those legendary "Immortal Herbs."
His memories from his previous Life were blurry; he only knew that Immortal Herbs existed but did not know their specific forms, habits, or origins. The Ye Family had a long history, and perhaps there would be scattered records.
Hard work pays off. After months of boring reading, he finally found quite detailed records in an extremely old but well-preserved herbal notebook.
It mentioned several "Heaven and Earth Wonders" that had the effect of defying heaven and changing fate, and their descriptions were somewhat similar to the "Fairy Fragrance Silky Silk" and "Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum" in his memory, and it vaguely mentioned the terrain of "Ice and Fire co-existence," but there was no specific location record.
"Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well..." Yu Yuanchen closed the ancient book, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. "It really exists... It seems that I need to pay more attention to information in this regard in the future."
Having found the clue, he was no longer in a hurry, put this matter aside for the time being, and continued to focus on his own cultivation and the condensation of his Soul Core.
Calm and fulfilling days passed slowly.
Yu Yuanchen's cultivation was steadily improving, his understanding of the Soul Core was becoming more profound; the Qi and Blood System was being constantly perfected with the help of the Ye Family; and his relationship with Ye Zhilan was also growing deeper every day.
The continent seemed calm, but there were undercurrents.
The movements of the Spirit Hall were becoming more frequent, the discussion of the Upper Three Sects was spreading quietly, and all forces were secretly accumulating strength.
A storm, perhaps, was brewing.
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