On the edge of the Star Dou Great Forest, the murderous aura gradually dissipated, replaced by the relaxation of those who had survived a catastrophe and the excitement of a bountiful harvest.
The group from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family successfully stepped out of that perilous, primitive region. Looking back, the towering ancient trees remained deep and mysterious, yet they no longer exerted a suffocating pressure.
"Although this trip was dangerous, the harvest exceeded expectations." Yu Boxuan's breathing had already steadied significantly. Looking at his grandson, whose aura had become increasingly deep and vast, his eyes were filled with comfort. "Chen'er successfully obtained his eighth soul ring, and it is of hundred thousand year quality at that. He also obtained a soul bone. His strength has surged; this is truly a great fortune for our clan!"
The others nodded one after another, their gazes toward Yu Yuanchen filled with admiration and fervor.
Yu Yuanchen nodded slightly, feeling the surging, boundless power within his body that far exceeded what he had possessed before. His heart was also filled with peace and satisfaction. His soul power was at level 83, he possessed two top-tier hundred thousand year soul skills, and he had experienced a sublimation of his physique and life essence brought about by a hundred thousand year soul bone, as well as... a deeper insight into the method of soul cores. This trip to the Star Dou Great Forest was perfectly successful.
He turned his gaze to Tang Chen, who was standing to the side. The young master of the Clear Sky Sect now had a calm expression; the hatred and baleful aura 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 vengeance is fulfilled, and my heart is at peace. On this trip, I studied the profound methods with Brother Yuanchen and Brother Qian, gaining much and realizing my own shortcomings. I need to return to the sect to enter secluded cultivation, digest what I have learned, and strive to break through my bottleneck as soon as possible to condense the prototype of a soul core. One day... when both of us have achieved the title of Douluo, we shall spar again!"
In his words, there was no longer much melancholy, but rather a firm expectation for the path ahead. With a will as resolute as his, he would naturally not remain immersed in past emotions for long.
Yu Yuanchen nodded: "I look forward to the day we discuss the path again, Brother Tang."
Tang Chen cupped his hands and said solemnly: "Brother Yuanchen, I will keep your help this time in my heart. If there is anything you need in the future, the Clear Sky Sect will not refuse!" This was his promise to Yu Yuanchen for helping him take his revenge and sharing the method of soul cores.
Having said this, he did not linger. He turned and transformed into a streak of light, galloping toward the north, his figure soon disappearing into the horizon.
After seeing Tang Chen off, Yu Yuanchen and his group did not delay any further and returned to Dragon City at full speed.
Upon returning to the family, there was naturally another round of celebration and excitement. Yu Yuanchen's latest breakthrough and astonishing harvest pushed the reputation and strength of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family to a new level.
In the days that followed, Yu Yuanchen entered a long period of stable, secluded cultivation.
He was not in a hurry to push for a higher soul power level, but instead devoted most of his energy to consolidating his surging cultivation, deeply comprehending the power of the two new hundred thousand year soul skills and the soul bone, and further deducing and perfecting his own method of soul cores.
Once one's cultivation reaches the Soul Douluo level, every level of improvement requires vast accumulation and insight; it cannot be rushed. He needed time to thoroughly digest his gains and transform them 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 drifted in the air.
Yu Yuanchen and Ye Zhilan sat opposite each other. On the stone table lay several sheets of paper covered in dense handwriting and energy flow diagrams; these were the notes on the deduction of the Blood Essence Martial Path System.
"Zhilan, look here," Yu Yuanchen pointed his fingertip at a key point regarding the circulation of blood essence and the nourishment of the internal organs. "An ordinary soul master lacks the physique for this; if they force the blood essence to circulate here, it is very easy to damage the heart meridians. If we supplement it with mild medicinal power to guide and nourish it from the side, could we reduce the risk and increase efficiency?"
Ye Zhilan looked closely, her delicate brows slightly furrowed. After a moment of contemplation, a light of wisdom flickered in her eyes: "Brother Yuanchen is absolutely right. Based on what I have learned, perhaps we could use Warm Meridian Grass and Heart Protecting Lotus as the base, supplemented with Blood Ganoderma powder, to blend into a paste. Applying it externally to this acupoint before practicing, or using a decoction to regulate the body after practicing, should greatly alleviate the burden on the meridians caused by the blood essence breaking through the barriers."
Her voice was soft but clear and logical, showing a thorough understanding of medicinal properties.
Hearing this, a look of approval appeared in Yu Yuanchen's eyes: "Brilliant! In this way, the threshold for cultivation here can be lowered by at least twenty percent! Your talent in medical skill, Zhilan, is truly extraordinary."
Receiving his praise, Ye Zhilan's cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head in embarrassment: "Brother Yuanchen is too kind. I have just been exposed to these things since I was young, so it is merely practice making perfect. It is the blood essence system you created that is profound and vast, and the fact that it can fit so well with medical principles is what is truly admirable."
The two of them often discussed the various possibilities of combining blood essence cultivation with medical skills in the courtyard. One provided the framework and direction, while the other supplemented the details and safety measures. Yu Yuanchen did not hold back, teaching her everything he understood about blood essence; Ye Zhilan also did her best, using her knowledge to continuously perfect the system, making it safer and more accessible.
In this process, their bond grew deeper day by day. Yu Yuanchen admired Ye Zhilan's gentleness, wisdom, and her focus and talent in medical skills; Ye Zhilan admired Yu Yuanchen's strength, composure, wisdom, and the maturity and sense of responsibility that he displayed inadvertently, which far exceeded his age.
Affection grew over time, and things fell into place naturally.
One day, the sun was setting, dyeing the courtyard in a warm golden hue.
Yu Yuanchen finished a round of deduction and looked at the young girl beside him who was carefully organizing her notes. The afterglow of the setting sun fell on her quiet profile, plating it with a soft halo, making her look exceptionally beautiful.
Watching this beautiful scene, his heart fluttered slightly. After a long while, he gently put down his pen and called out softly: "Zhilan."
"Hmm?" Ye Zhilan looked up, her clear eyes meeting his. Her pretty face held a hint of confusion, making her look particularly adorable.
Yu Yuanchen's gaze was gentle and earnest as he looked at her and said slowly: "During these days, discussing cultivation with you and taking walks in my spare time has made me very happy. I have gradually begun to get used to a life with you by my side. You are gentle, wise, and resilient. In the past, I only knew how to cultivate, but now, even while cultivating, I have begun to look forward to meeting you again."
Yu Yuanchen's Adam's apple bobbed, and his eyes were incredibly sincere: "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, yet incredibly sincere, without a hint of frivolity.
Ye Zhilan had not expected him to express his feelings so suddenly and was stunned for a moment. Her fair cheeks turned red at a speed visible to the naked eye, like a ripe apple. Her heartbeat accelerated suddenly, and she lowered her head in a panic, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her clothes, her voice as soft as a mosquito: "Brother Yuanchen... I... I..."
She had long harbored feelings for Yu Yuanchen in her heart but had never dared to express them. Hearing his direct words now, she was both pleasantly surprised and shy, not knowing how to respond for a moment.
Yu Yuanchen did not rush her, just watched her quietly, his eyes gentle and firm.
After a long while, Ye Zhilan finally gathered the courage to look up and meet his gaze. Her cheeks were still flushed, but she nodded gently, her voice faint yet clear: "I... I am willing."
After saying this, she immediately lowered her head in shyness, her ears turning bright 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 thought it through carefully. Ye Zhilan was indeed his ideal partner; their temperaments were compatible, their interests aligned, and they got along harmoniously. Since they both had feelings for each other, there was no need to be coy.
"It's just..." Ye Zhilan suddenly remembered something and looked up, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes. "Brother Yuanchen, my cultivation is still shallow, only level 52, and this is the golden period for cultivation. If... if we talk about marriage too early, I fear it might distract me and delay my cultivation..."
For a soul master's cultivation, the 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 Title Douluo (levels 91 to 94), without special opportunities, have a lifespan of about 150 to 200 years; Super Douluo (levels 95 to 98) have more vigorous blood essence and deeper insights into heaven and earth, with a lifespan that can reach 200 to 300 years; and the legendary Titled Douluo (level 99), whose physical body and soul begin to undergo transformation, touching the boundary between god and mortal, can have a lifespan as long as 300 to 400 years."
"Only those who have received the favor of gods, such as high priests of god positions, inheritors of god positions, or those who have advanced further on the basis of a Titled Douluo and begun to become demigods, with their bodies and souls continuously nourished by divine power, can break through the limits of mortals and enjoy an even longer life, even reaching a thousand years."
"Both of us have the potential to become Title Douluo, and the future is long. Moreover, for a healing-type soul master like you, your lifespan can be much longer than that of a normal soul master of the same level. 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 betrothal first, and wait until you have achieved success in your cultivation, at least until you become a Soul Sage, before we hold the wedding ceremony. What do you think?"
After hearing this, Ye Zhilan's worries vanished, and a warm current surged in her heart instead. Yu Yuanchen not only did not rush to get married but also considered everything for her and thought about her future. This respect and thoughtfulness moved her even more.
"Hmm, I will listen to Brother Yuanchen." She nodded gently, a happy smile blooming on her face.
A few days later, Yu Yuanchen informed his father, Yu Mingfeng, and his grandfather, Yu Boxuan, about this matter.
Yu Mingfeng was already a Soul Douluo (Level 82). Hearing this, he clapped his hands and laughed, "Good news! That girl from the Ye Family is gentle, sensible, and talented; she is a perfect match for Chen'er! I saw it coming a long time ago!" He had a very favorable impression of Ye Zhilan.
Yu Boxuan was even more delighted and readily agreed, "Although the Ye Family is not a combat-oriented sect, their Nine Heart Begonia Spirit is unique and ranks at the pinnacle of auxiliary healing, which complements our Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan perfectly. That child Zhilan has a pure heart and shares a mutual affection with Chen'er, which is wonderful! I shall go and discuss this matter with the head of the Ye Family personally."
Regarding his grandson's Lifelong Matter, this Level 97 Super Douluo acted just as happy as any ordinary grandfather would.
A few days later, Yu Boxuan personally brought Yu Yuanchen, along with generous gifts, to visit the Ye Family.
The Ye Family estate was not luxurious, but it was permeated with the scent of medicine and a sense of tranquility. The current family head, Ye Kuan, was a spirited and kind-faced old man with a cultivation level of Level 89 Soul Douluo. He was recognized as the greatest medical expert in the world, and the healing effects of his Nine Heart Begonia Spirit were nothing short of miraculous.
However, limited by the era, the overall development of medicine on the continent remained relatively crude, relying more on the characteristics of spirits and personal experience, while systematic and theoretical research remained insufficient.
Ye Kuan was somewhat surprised by the visit from Yu Boxuan and Yu Yuanchen, especially when he saw Yu Yuanchen, a flicker of subtle complexity crossing his eyes. He had long since noticed his granddaughter's feelings for this genius of the Yu Family. While he was pleased with the boy's talent, he couldn't help but feel a faint sense of resentment, as if his own cabbage had been snatched away, and he worried that his granddaughter might be wronged.
However, when Yu Boxuan explained the purpose of their visit and mentioned the desire to share the "Blood Essence Martial Path System" with the Ye Family for deep cooperation, Ye Kuan was instantly shocked!
He carefully perused the partial outline and implementation principles of the Blood Essence system that Yu Yuanchen had brought. The more he read, the more alarmed and excited he became! This was an entirely unprecedented path to excavating human potential and strengthening the foundation of the physique! For the Ye Family in particular, the significance was extraordinary!
It was an undeniable fact that Nine Heart Begonia Soul Masters had weak combat power. But if they cultivated this Blood Essence system, relying on their powerful healing abilities, they could fully withstand more radical and efficient body-tempering methods to rapidly increase their physical strength and Bloodline Power, thereby gaining a degree of self-preservation or even close-combat capability! This was practically tailor-made for them!
"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 for doubt. This method was created by Chen'er, but its perfection cannot be achieved by the strength of one person or one family alone. The Ye Family's medical skills are the best on the continent, which is exactly what is needed to make up for the deficiencies of this system in terms of safety, conditioning, and nourishment. We are sincere in our cooperation 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 arts, it will surely become more perfect and benefit more people. I also wish to take this opportunity to learn some medical theory from the Ye Family to broaden my horizons, which may also be beneficial for my subsequent cultivation." He did not explicitly mention searching for information on Immortal Herbs, so as not to appear too purposeful.
Upon hearing this, Ye Kuan had no more doubts, and the lingering resentment in his heart was swept away by the immense surprise! He looked at Yu Yuanchen, his eyes filled with admiration and gratitude, "Nephew Yuanchen is so young, yet possesses such breadth of mind and achievement; I admire you! It is Zhilan's good fortune to have caught your eye! The entire Ye Family has absolutely no objections to this matter! We will certainly do our utmost to help you perfect this Blood Essence path!"
He made the decision on the spot, agreeing to the marriage contract and stating that he would open most of the Ye Family's medical archives for Yu Yuanchen to consult, fully supporting the research into the Blood Essence system.
Both the marriage and the cooperation were cause for great celebration.
Yu Yuanchen subsequently visited the Ye Family Library often to browse through various medical texts. He was not looking to master medicine, but rather to broaden his horizons and understand the characteristics of the herbs in this world. More importantly, he was secretly looking for clues about those legendary "Immortal Herbs." His memories from his previous life were blurry; he only knew that Immortal Herbs existed, but not their specific forms, habits, or origins. The Ye Family had a long history, and perhaps they held scattered records.
Hard work pays off. After several months of tedious reading, he finally found quite a few detailed records in an extremely old but well-preserved herbal journal. It mentioned several "Heaven and Earth Treasures" with the effect of defying the heavens and changing fate. The descriptions were somewhat similar to the "Aromatic Silk Beauty" and "Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum" in his memories, and it vaguely mentioned a terrain where "Ice and Fire coexist," though there were no specific location records.
"Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well..." Yu Yuanchen closed the ancient book, a Gleam in his eyes, "It really exists... It seems I will need to pay more attention to information in this regard in the future."
Having found a lead, he was no longer in a rush, putting the matter aside for now to focus on his own cultivation and the condensation of his Soul Core.
Calm and fulfilling days passed slowly. Yu Yuanchen's cultivation level was steadily improving, and his understanding of the Soul Core was becoming increasingly profound; the Blood Essence system was being perfected with the help of the Ye Family; and his relationship with Ye Zhilan was growing deeper by the day.
The continent seemed calm and peaceful, but there were Undercurrents moving beneath the surface. The actions of the Martial Soul Hall were becoming more frequent, rumors of the Upper Three Sects were spreading quietly, and all parties were secretly gathering strength.
A storm, perhaps, was brewing.
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Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: GodKun-Chan