Swiftly, Jiang Chen found his way back to his opulent residence.
Settling himself cross-legged in his meditation chamber, he activated the spirit-gathering formation adorning the wall.
It pulsed with a rhythmic luminescence, setting the tone for his imminent cultivation session.
In an instant, a dense wave of pure spiritual Qi flooded the room, providing an ideal environment for cultivation.
He quickly commanded himself, 'Purple Heaven Dark Star Heavenly Scripture, now!'
Fully immersed, Jiang Chen honed his focus and held his breath, setting in motion his primary cultivation method.
The purpose was to assimilate the surrounding spiritual Qi into his cultivation base.
Relying solely on the ingestion of spiritual plants and pills for cultivation was not his style.
With an aptitude that arguably topped the list in the Purple Heaven Holy Land, his diligent practice bore fruit that was every bit as satisfying.
That said, Jiang Chen's primary method of cultivation was still pill consumption.
In a life-or-death showdown with the protagonist, the prospect of him relying solely on his personal cultivation efforts seemed foolhardy.
How could he even dream of standing against the protagonist under such circumstances?
'Let's check my current Villain Value points...'
While engrossed in his cultivation, Jiang Chen accessed his status panel.
Instantaneously, a new message surfaced.
[Host: Jiang Chen
Aptitude: Perfect Grade
Innate Talent: Eternal Boundless Body (Death Calamity True Dragon)
Realm: Early-stage Inquiring Journey
True Battle Power: Late-stage Inquiring Journey
Cultivation Methods: Purple Heaven Dark Star Heavenly Scripture (Dao Palace, main cultivation), Silent Annihilation Heavenly Sword Secrets (Inquiring Journey, perfect-level), Wind Void Steps, Dormant Spirit Stirring Divine Secrets, Seven Extremes Body Refinement, Heavenly Spring Coalescing Sea Records, Void Rainbow Sword Technique (Heavenly Origin, perfect-level)... partially omitted
Main Equipment: Unbroken Thousand Strings Rainbow Boat (Heavenly Origin, top-grade), Shadowblade Sword (Heavenly Origin, lower-grade), Carefree Heavenly Extreme Robe (Heavenly Origin, lower-grade), Black Crystal Sky Piercing Shuttle (Mysterious Platform, top-grade)...
Villain Value: 15,200 points
Black Heavenly Fate Value: 15,848 points
Heaven-Defying Fate Changer: Villain's Eye, Burning World Red Lotus, Eternal Vows Binding Ring, Wordless Heavenly Jade
System Mall: Level 2]
'15,200 points, it seems.'
'That's precisely the sum needed to procure two top-grade cultivation pills suitable for the Inquiring Journey realm.'
Contemplating his options, Jiang Chen's brows knitted in thought.
He ultimately opted to conserve the Villain Value points for now, given that a breakthrough was not imminent and they could potentially serve a purpose during their forthcoming excursion beyond the boundaries of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
Without further delay, he embraced a period of seclusion, committing himself to relentless cultivation.
Given Jiang Chen's unmatched aptitude, soaring even beyond the Perfect Grade, paired with his primary cultivation method, the formidable Purple Heaven Dark Star Heavenly Scripture, his cultivation speed stood unrivaled among the select few across the vast Immortal Martial Continent!
Time ambled on, unhurried.
Fully engrossed in his ardent cultivation, Jiang Chen stayed grounded, consistently making strides, subtly improving with each passing moment.
As for Fang Yuan's circumstances.
Subtly manipulated by Jiang Chen's covert stratagems, visitors found their way to him, creating occasional interruptions.
Disciples from the mundane sects, naturally, Fang Yuan turned them away, maintaining his solitude.
Almost all visitors received the same unwelcoming response from Fang Yuan.
However, as news of the constant stream of cultivators seeking audience with Fang Yuan circulated, it ignited a curiosity among others.
They, too, felt compelled to meet this prodigious Fang Yuan.
After all, Fang Yuan posed no substantial threat to Jiang Chen's esteemed position, thus there were no qualms about potential partisanship or any such complications.
Consequently, the influx of visitors to Fang Yuan only increased, almost becoming a customary practice.
The situation reached a point where it was common for disciples to question each other upon meeting: Have you paid a visit to Fang Yuan yet?
Yet, with the growing number of visitors to Fang Yuan, the stature of these visitors correspondingly escalated.
Among them were individuals whom Fang Yuan found difficult to dismiss.
Esteemed figures such as Ji Mingxiu, Mo Yu, and even the sect elders made their appearance, sometimes solo, sometimes in groups.
Fang Yuan found it hard to decline their visits.
Doing so would risk projecting an image of excessive arrogance and disdain for others.
Undoubtedly, this development further bolstered Fang Yuan's renown, even bestowing upon him a degree of prestige.
However, no matter how lofty Fang Yuan's prestige soared, Jiang Chen's shadow remained dominant.
Whenever Fang Yuan was discussed, the conversation invariably led to Jiang Chen.
His status was loftier, his perceptions, even sharper.
Moreover, as Fang Yuan's fame blossomed, the belief that he could emerge as a formidable contender in the battle for the Holy Son's position grew increasingly prevalent and accepted among the masses.
This situation effectively nullified any surprise element he might have had in the grand battle, considerably diluting the impact of his swagger.
And this was exactly the scenario Jiang Chen had envisioned.
His only concern was whether Ji Ruxue would choose to visit Fang Yuan as well.
Fortunately, he had previously exchanged transmission jade token imprints with Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing.
With individuals like Rong Liangcai covertly monitoring, he was able to stay apprised of Ji Ruxue's movements.
Furthermore, Jiang Chen soon found reassurance.
Attempting to subtly inquire through Xie Xiaojing whether Ji Ruxue intended to visit Fang Yuan, he was met with a resolute rejection.
Previously, Ji Mingxiu had harbored intentions of playing matchmaker between her and Fang Yuan, a proposition she had declined.
A visit to Fang Yuan at this juncture could potentially stir the cauldron of rumors.
That was an outcome she wanted to avoid.
Unquestionably, a considerable factor in Ji Ruxue's decision to abstain from visiting Fang Yuan was that, thanks to Jiang Chen's influence, any residual curiosity she may have had towards Fang Yuan was effectively quelled.
Upon receiving this information, an involuntary smile of satisfaction graced the corners of Jiang Chen's mouth.
Time marched on, and the tenth day following the grand sect assembly dawned.
Jiang Chen conjectured that Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing must have thoroughly assimilated the cultivation insights they had shared earlier.
So, at the crack of dawn, he reached out to Xie Xiaojing and scheduled a session to exchange insights.
Subsequently, to avoid any hint of abruptness, he had Xie Xiaojing act as a go-between, extending an invitation to Ji Ruxue, thus setting up a three-way meeting for exchanging insights.
Having coordinated with Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing, Jiang Chen didn't set forth immediately.
Instead, he opted to pay a visit to his master, Ji Mingxiu, first.
The primary motive was to strengthen the master-disciple bond.
The secondary motive was to coax Ji Mingxiu into allowing Ji Ruxue to embark on an outdoor training trip.
This was the inaugural promise he had made to Ji Ruxue, and it was one he absolutely could not falter on.
Fortuitously, Ji Mingxiu already harbored intentions of matchmaking Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue.
Combined with Jiang Chen's remarkable display of combat prowess, as long as they didn't venture too far from the confines of the Purple Heaven Holy Land, there wouldn't be an issue.
And so, Jiang Chen floated a succinct suggestion, and after a brief period of contemplation, Ji Mingxiu concurred.
This readiness caught even Jiang Chen slightly off guard.
Immediately afterward, Jiang Chen took his leave from Ji Mingxiu.
Joined by the punctual Xie Xiaojing, they made their way to Ji Ruxue's dwelling.
The nature of this exchange meeting diverged considerably from the previous one.
This time around, it was primarily Xie Xiaojing and Ji Ruxue posing questions, with Jiang Chen providing the answers.
After all, Jiang Chen had previously showcased such remarkable capabilities before Ji Mingxiu that it wouldn't seem fitting for him to feign ignorance now, as it would come off as disingenuous.
As time gently ticked away, both Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing reaped substantial benefits from their interaction with Jiang Chen.
However, they were yet to grasp the more profound nuances.
Therefore, the meeting for exchange of insights reached its conclusion.
"By the way."
"Jiang Chen, you mentioned earlier that you'd help persuade my father to permit me to venture out for practical training, didn't you?"
With eager anticipation in her voice, Ji Ruxue asked, "How did your persuasion fare?"
"How could I neglect matters concerning the Holy Maiden?"
"Rest assured, Master has given his consent. As long as we don't wander too far, we'll be in the clear."
Jiang Chen responded with a faint smile, "Naturally, we can't be away for an extended period, a month at most."
"Really?"
"That's wonderful!"
Ji Ruxue's eyes sparkled with joy as she exclaimed, "I've been yearning for an opportunity to get out and catch a breath of fresh air."
A note from AlphaWIA:
Get early access to (+75) more chapters by joining my Patreon.
Swiftly, Jiang Chen found his way back to his opulent residence.
Settling himself cross-legged in his meditation chamber, he activated the spirit-gathering formation adorning the wall.
It pulsed with a rhythmic luminescence, setting the tone for his imminent cultivation session.
In an instant, a dense wave of pure spiritual Qi flooded the room, providing an ideal environment for cultivation.
He quickly commanded himself, 'Purple Heaven Dark Star Heavenly Scripture, now!'
Fully immersed, Jiang Chen honed his focus and held his breath, setting in motion his primary cultivation method.
The purpose was to assimilate the surrounding spiritual Qi into his cultivation base.
Relying solely on the ingestion of spiritual plants and pills for cultivation was not his style.
With an aptitude that arguably topped the list in the Purple Heaven Holy Land, his diligent practice bore fruit that was every bit as satisfying.
That said, Jiang Chen's primary method of cultivation was still pill consumption.
In a life-or-death showdown with the protagonist, the prospect of him relying solely on his personal cultivation efforts seemed foolhardy.
How could he even dream of standing against the protagonist under such circumstances?
'Let's check my current Villain Value points...'
While engrossed in his cultivation, Jiang Chen accessed his status panel.
Instantaneously, a new message surfaced.
[Host: Jiang Chen
Aptitude: Perfect Grade
Innate Talent: Eternal Boundless Body (Death Calamity True Dragon)
Realm: Early-stage Inquiring Journey
True Battle Power: Late-stage Inquiring Journey
Cultivation Methods: Purple Heaven Dark Star Heavenly Scripture (Dao Palace, main cultivation), Silent Annihilation Heavenly Sword Secrets (Inquiring Journey, perfect-level), Wind Void Steps, Dormant Spirit Stirring Divine Secrets, Seven Extremes Body Refinement, Heavenly Spring Coalescing Sea Records, Void Rainbow Sword Technique (Heavenly Origin, perfect-level)... partially omitted
Main Equipment: Unbroken Thousand Strings Rainbow Boat (Heavenly Origin, top-grade), Shadowblade Sword (Heavenly Origin, lower-grade), Carefree Heavenly Extreme Robe (Heavenly Origin, lower-grade), Black Crystal Sky Piercing Shuttle (Mysterious Platform, top-grade)...
Villain Value: 15,200 points
Black Heavenly Fate Value: 15,848 points
Heaven-Defying Fate Changer: Villain's Eye, Burning World Red Lotus, Eternal Vows Binding Ring, Wordless Heavenly Jade
System Mall: Level 2]
'15,200 points, it seems.'
'That's precisely the sum needed to procure two top-grade cultivation pills suitable for the Inquiring Journey realm.'
Contemplating his options, Jiang Chen's brows knitted in thought.
He ultimately opted to conserve the Villain Value points for now, given that a breakthrough was not imminent and they could potentially serve a purpose during their forthcoming excursion beyond the boundaries of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
Without further delay, he embraced a period of seclusion, committing himself to relentless cultivation.
Given Jiang Chen's unmatched aptitude, soaring even beyond the Perfect Grade, paired with his primary cultivation method, the formidable Purple Heaven Dark Star Heavenly Scripture, his cultivation speed stood unrivaled among the select few across the vast Immortal Martial Continent!
Time ambled on, unhurried.
Fully engrossed in his ardent cultivation, Jiang Chen stayed grounded, consistently making strides, subtly improving with each passing moment.
As for Fang Yuan's circumstances.
Subtly manipulated by Jiang Chen's covert stratagems, visitors found their way to him, creating occasional interruptions.
Disciples from the mundane sects, naturally, Fang Yuan turned them away, maintaining his solitude.
Almost all visitors received the same unwelcoming response from Fang Yuan.
However, as news of the constant stream of cultivators seeking audience with Fang Yuan circulated, it ignited a curiosity among others.
They, too, felt compelled to meet this prodigious Fang Yuan.
After all, Fang Yuan posed no substantial threat to Jiang Chen's esteemed position, thus there were no qualms about potential partisanship or any such complications.
Consequently, the influx of visitors to Fang Yuan only increased, almost becoming a customary practice.
The situation reached a point where it was common for disciples to question each other upon meeting: Have you paid a visit to Fang Yuan yet?
Yet, with the growing number of visitors to Fang Yuan, the stature of these visitors correspondingly escalated.
Among them were individuals whom Fang Yuan found difficult to dismiss.
Esteemed figures such as Ji Mingxiu, Mo Yu, and even the sect elders made their appearance, sometimes solo, sometimes in groups.
Fang Yuan found it hard to decline their visits.
Doing so would risk projecting an image of excessive arrogance and disdain for others.
Undoubtedly, this development further bolstered Fang Yuan's renown, even bestowing upon him a degree of prestige.
However, no matter how lofty Fang Yuan's prestige soared, Jiang Chen's shadow remained dominant.
Whenever Fang Yuan was discussed, the conversation invariably led to Jiang Chen.
His status was loftier, his perceptions, even sharper.
Moreover, as Fang Yuan's fame blossomed, the belief that he could emerge as a formidable contender in the battle for the Holy Son's position grew increasingly prevalent and accepted among the masses.
This situation effectively nullified any surprise element he might have had in the grand battle, considerably diluting the impact of his swagger.
And this was exactly the scenario Jiang Chen had envisioned.
His only concern was whether Ji Ruxue would choose to visit Fang Yuan as well.
Fortunately, he had previously exchanged transmission jade token imprints with Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing.
With individuals like Rong Liangcai covertly monitoring, he was able to stay apprised of Ji Ruxue's movements.
Furthermore, Jiang Chen soon found reassurance.
Attempting to subtly inquire through Xie Xiaojing whether Ji Ruxue intended to visit Fang Yuan, he was met with a resolute rejection.
Previously, Ji Mingxiu had harbored intentions of playing matchmaker between her and Fang Yuan, a proposition she had declined.
A visit to Fang Yuan at this juncture could potentially stir the cauldron of rumors.
That was an outcome she wanted to avoid.
Unquestionably, a considerable factor in Ji Ruxue's decision to abstain from visiting Fang Yuan was that, thanks to Jiang Chen's influence, any residual curiosity she may have had towards Fang Yuan was effectively quelled.
Upon receiving this information, an involuntary smile of satisfaction graced the corners of Jiang Chen's mouth.
Time marched on, and the tenth day following the grand sect assembly dawned.
Jiang Chen conjectured that Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing must have thoroughly assimilated the cultivation insights they had shared earlier.
So, at the crack of dawn, he reached out to Xie Xiaojing and scheduled a session to exchange insights.
Subsequently, to avoid any hint of abruptness, he had Xie Xiaojing act as a go-between, extending an invitation to Ji Ruxue, thus setting up a three-way meeting for exchanging insights.
Having coordinated with Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing, Jiang Chen didn't set forth immediately.
Instead, he opted to pay a visit to his master, Ji Mingxiu, first.
The primary motive was to strengthen the master-disciple bond.
The secondary motive was to coax Ji Mingxiu into allowing Ji Ruxue to embark on an outdoor training trip.
This was the inaugural promise he had made to Ji Ruxue, and it was one he absolutely could not falter on.
Fortuitously, Ji Mingxiu already harbored intentions of matchmaking Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue.
Combined with Jiang Chen's remarkable display of combat prowess, as long as they didn't venture too far from the confines of the Purple Heaven Holy Land, there wouldn't be an issue.
And so, Jiang Chen floated a succinct suggestion, and after a brief period of contemplation, Ji Mingxiu concurred.
This readiness caught even Jiang Chen slightly off guard.
Immediately afterward, Jiang Chen took his leave from Ji Mingxiu.
Joined by the punctual Xie Xiaojing, they made their way to Ji Ruxue's dwelling.
The nature of this exchange meeting diverged considerably from the previous one.
This time around, it was primarily Xie Xiaojing and Ji Ruxue posing questions, with Jiang Chen providing the answers.
After all, Jiang Chen had previously showcased such remarkable capabilities before Ji Mingxiu that it wouldn't seem fitting for him to feign ignorance now, as it would come off as disingenuous.
As time gently ticked away, both Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing reaped substantial benefits from their interaction with Jiang Chen.
However, they were yet to grasp the more profound nuances.
Therefore, the meeting for exchange of insights reached its conclusion.
"By the way."
"Jiang Chen, you mentioned earlier that you'd help persuade my father to permit me to venture out for practical training, didn't you?"
With eager anticipation in her voice, Ji Ruxue asked, "How did your persuasion fare?"
"How could I neglect matters concerning the Holy Maiden?"
"Rest assured, Master has given his consent. As long as we don't wander too far, we'll be in the clear."
Jiang Chen responded with a faint smile, "Naturally, we can't be away for an extended period, a month at most."
"Really?"
"That's wonderful!"
Ji Ruxue's eyes sparkled with joy as she exclaimed, "I've been yearning for an opportunity to get out and catch a breath of fresh air."
A note from AlphaWIA:
Get early access to (+75) more chapters by joining my Patreon.
