Luoli Courtyard, within the Quiet Chamber.
"In this situation, the only path is Foundation Establishment, there is no time to lose!"
Once, in the Market, Chen Ye’s Ninth-Layer Qi Cultivation had reached the Realm of Perfection, with Qingzhi, who had also reached the Ninth-Layer of Qi Refining, as his companion.
With such strength, he could face formidable enemies with composure.
However, in the eyes of sect giants and noble families, such cultivation was as insignificant as a firefly’s light, not even worth a glance...
But when a cultivator enters Foundation Establishment, it is akin to a fish leaping over the dragon gate, transforming completely!
This is no empty talk.
Because once Foundation Establishment is achieved, a cultivator’s lifespan increases dramatically, and vitality flourishes!
They can transform into flowing light, control swords against the wind, and travel thousands of miles!
From then on, the path to immortality is vast and limitless, all previous worldly shackles will disappear like smoke.
In other words,
the depth and breadth of Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Cultivation Realm far surpass those in the Qi Cultivation Stage.
Even a sect like Lingyin Sect places great emphasis on Foundation Establishment cultivators.
After all,
the golden time when an ordinary Qi cultivator can serve the sect after reaching their personal limit is only about two to three decades.
While Foundation Establishment cultivators can extend this time to a century!
Moreover, the strength of Foundation Establishment cultivators can oversee enterprises thousands of miles away for the sect.
"There are only two months left until entering the Grotto Heaven... it’s too rushed, but preparation for Foundation Establishment must be done before then."
Chen Ye pondered deeply, the flickering candle flame on the desk casting a swaying shadow on his contemplating face,
"Once inside the Grotto Heaven, it could be as long as six months, remaining with just Qi cultivation would be too risky. At the very least, he should be able to break through to Foundation Establishment inside the Grotto Heaven."
However,
If he wants to quickly achieve Foundation Establishment, relying solely on another breakthrough with the Evergreen Technique is nearly impossible—perhaps only if the Evergreen Technique undergoes a qualitative change, there might be a chance.
But unfortunately, his Evergreen Technique has just reached the Profound level, and further qualitative change requires traversing several more realms.
"It seems I can only rely on the Withering Prosperity Mystical Light Scripture, an ancient technique focused on overwhelming power... using five Second Tier spiritual objects as assistance, then forcing skill advancement with the help of the panel, along with the modern Foundation Establishment Pill, how could I not achieve Foundation Establishment?"
Chen Ye’s thoughts were set.
This means he must collect five Foundation Establishment spiritual objects before entering the Grotto Heaven.
Although the Grotto Heaven is full of opportunities, if he fails to find Foundation Establishment spiritual objects, all will be lost.
"But... I am imprisoned here, and my cultivation is sealed by Lingshun Nails, all my resources have fallen into Wei Shu’s hands."
With this thought, Chen Ye sighed deeply.
A disciple encountering trouble can seek help from their master.
But when a master is in dire straits, who can help him...
However, thinking of his two disciples waiting for him at home.
The dejection in Chen Ye’s eyes vanished, as if newfound strength appeared within his body.
"Success depends on human effort! I, Chen Ye, have not yet clung to my disciples, how can I fall here?!"
The night passed in silence.
The next day.
As the first light of dawn broke, casting shadows among the trees.
Cultivating all night resulted in no progress.
The Lingshun Nails are used by the sect to suppress and control prisoners.
Similar to the Emotion Crossing Sect’s methods, not only do they seal cultivation, but they can also restrict cultivators through the Lingshun Nails.
Thus, Bai Wuji assuredly allowed him and Bu Feifan to return to Luoli Courtyard.
He could sense any movement if they attempted to leave the Luoli Courtyard due to the Lingshun Nails!
"Forget it."
Chen Ye attempted to leave the Luoli Courtyard’s boundary, but every time he was about to step out of the courtyard, he felt the Lingshun Nails react, with a tearing pain in his dantian,
"Fortunately... Bai Wuji has no ill intentions toward me, or he wouldn’t let me leave the dungeon. Even though it still restricts my movements, at least no one is watching over me."
Chen Ye felt a hint of realization, suspecting that Bai Wuji left this gap deliberately within rules.
"It’s as if he wants to help me, yet hesitates... But after all, he is part of the Bai Family, why help me?"
Considering this, he called for Bu Feifan:
"Taoist Friend Bu, do you know Bai Wuji?"
At this moment,
Bu Feifan was lounging idly by the lake.
He was much more relaxed than Chen Ye, even having the leisure to make a fishing rod and fish leisurely.
Upon hearing, he recalled:
"I know. He is Bai Li’s younger brother, also gifted, though somewhat less talented than his brother... If we talk about him, we cannot ignore an incident from the past, which caused quite a stir."
"What incident?" Chen Ye asked eagerly.
"Does Taoist Friend Chen not know? After Bai Li’s death, he publicly challenged the Second Elder, blaming the elder for Bai Li’s death."
Recalling this event, Bu Feifan grew interested,
"At that time, Lingyin Sect was plagued by internal and external troubles, while the Bai Family always acted aggressively, believing in swift warfare to defeat the Emotion Crossing Sect, or else, under secretive targeting from the Ten Thousand Puppet Sect and Medicine King Valley, the sect would eventually collapse."
"So, the Second Elder secretly led Bai Li and several true inheritors to launch a surprise attack on the Emotion Crossing Sect... Unfortunately, these inheritors died mysteriously, only the Second Elder escaped. Thus... Bai Wuji believed that the Second Elder used them as a scapegoat, defiantly opposing him, resulting in his punishment to secluded confinement at You Mountain for three years."
So that’s how it is...
Apparently, this person already harbored opinions against the Bai Family’s high ranks.
Chen Ye suddenly understood why he would assist an outsider like him.
There was still a loophole left.
While he couldn’t leave, others could find him.
"Sigh... How would outsiders know I’m in Luoli Courtyard?"
Chen Ye felt a bit exasperated, however, Bai Wuji’s willingness to help was an unexpected joy.
...
Xu Family, Dragon Sleep Mountain.
Cold Pond.
The piercing chill condensed into visible white mist, swirling atop the dark pool, with perennial ice forming on the edge, resembling a land of desolation.