In the blink of an eye, a full twenty days had transpired.
Seated on his bed, Jiang Chen had just concluded his rigorous cultivation regimen.
Immediately thereafter, he turned his introspective gaze inward, examining his Dao Core.
After nearly a month of intense cultivation, his cultivation base had indeed experienced notable enhancement.
Though he hadn't managed to ascend to a higher realm, he had edged one step closer to achieving the Middle-stage Inquiring Journey realm.
His battle prowess, too, had seen a modest enhancement.
Both his resilience and offensive capacity had shown measurable improvement, yet his status panel obstinately remained at 'Late-stage Inquiring Journey+'.
This reflected the sheer difficulty of elevating one's genuine combat prowess to the Dao Comprehension realm!
Subsequently, Jiang Chen once again retrieved the transmission jade token.
Stored within were messages from his network of informants, such as Rong Liangcai.
Throughout this time, they had maintained surveillance on Fang Yuan's cave mansion, yet they had not observed Fang Yuan exiting the premises.
Only members of the Fang Clan were occasionally seen visiting Fang Yuan, likely delivering essential cultivation resources.
Thus, it was clear that Fang Yuan had been wholly engrossed in intense cultivation.
'Last time I encountered Fang Yuan, he had already recovered to the Late-stage Mysterious Platform realm.'
'By now, he must have advanced to the Heavenly Origin realm, and there's even the possibility that he's progressed to the Middle or Late-stage.'
'After all, having Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning by his side makes the attainment of the Heavenly Origin realm as elementary for him as achieving the Physical Body realm is for me!'
'Nonetheless, I reckon Fang Yuan's true strength should lie somewhere between the Early and Middle stages of the Inquiring Journey realm at most. Even if he somehow ascends to the Late-stage Inquiring Journey realm, I have the capacity to best him.'
As Jiang Chen deliberated, he concluded, 'There's no way this guy's combat prowess has ascended to the Dao Comprehension realm, given that he was only at the Mysterious Platform realm a scant two months ago!'
With his current 'Late-Stage Inquiring Journey+' combat power, he felt confident that overcoming Fang Yuan was within his grasp.
At that very moment.
"Jiang Chen, the early morning is already upon us."
The voice of Ji Ruxue resonated from beyond the door, "Only half an hour remains before the contest for the Holy Son's position commences."
Indeed, today was the long-awaited day of the competition for the Holy Son's position!
Over a hundred young elite disciples from the Purple Heaven Holy Land would vie for the coveted position of the Holy Son!
"I understand."
Jiang Chen responded with a slight smile, then slipped from his bed and opened the door.
Waiting for him outside was Ji Ruxue, bathed in the day's initial sunlight. Her silver hair caught the morning light, resulting in a mesmerizing shimmer.
Adorned in an icy silk dress that accentuated her figure, her captivating beauty was indisputable.
She stood there as though she was the moon's earthly incarnation, exuding an air of royal elegance.
Upon spotting Jiang Chen, Ji Ruxue's face broke into a warm, endearing smile.
"Good morning, Jiang Chen."
She extended her greeting, her eyes meeting his.
"Morning, Ji Ruxue."
Jiang Chen reciprocated the greeting, his lips curling into a warm smile of his own.
Accounting for their time in the Red Maple Heavenly Valley, Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue had shared each other's company for close to two months now!
Living and cultivating side by side, the bond that had formed between them had only deepened and strengthened with each passing day.
Moreover, Jiang Chen's continuous care and guidance, which had facilitated her complete recovery from the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi erosion, made Ji Ruxue increasingly aware of her growing affection for him.
However, Jiang Chen's contentment was far from complete, primarily due to Xie Xiaojing.
After expressing their mutual feelings on that particular night, she had astounded him by suddenly declaring her intention to enter seclusion in order to attempt a breakthrough to the Middle-stage Heavenly Origin realm.
The news had arrived with the dawn, relayed by Ji Ruxue, accompanied by a request for Xie Xiaojing's remaining recovery pills.
Deep down, Jiang Chen understood the genuine reason behind her actions.
Following some introspective reflection, Xie Xiaojing must have discerned his ambiguous remarks regarding Ji Ruxue.
Consequently, with emotions in turmoil - upset at being deceived, yet yearning for the man she had opened her heart to - she had chosen seclusion, partly as an expression of her discontent and partly to provide him and Ji Ruxue an opportunity to grow closer.
Her absence, however, had presented a stumbling block in his strategic plan to fully win over Ji Ruxue's heart using the Intimacy-boosting wave.
Despite his comprehension of Xie Xiaojing's intentions, Jiang Chen couldn't help but experience a trace of vexation.
Nonetheless, he had no choice but to acquiesce and await another favorable opportunity.
As Jiang Chen was immersed in these thoughts, a familiar voice punctured the silence.
"Sister Ruxue, were you intending to depart without me?"
Emerging from her meditation chamber, Xie Xiaojing's voice carried a playful undertone.
Her eyes locked onto Jiang Chen's, sparkling with a glare that was endearingly defiant.
In reply, Jiang Chen could only muster an amused smile.
Standing before him was Xie Xiaojing, her chestnut hair neatly bound, adorned in a vibrant crimson cheongsam that mirrored her fiery spirit. Her radiant beauty was a striking contrast to Ji Ruxue's cool elegance.
As both women stood in front of him, Jiang Chen felt the words slip out effortlessly, "You both look exceptionally beautiful today."
This spontaneous compliment elicited a blush on both their faces.
Almost in tandem, a system prompt rang out.
[Ding! You have successfully increased the Unpursued heroine Ji Ruxue's fondness for you. The protagonist Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 300 points!]
[Ding! You've gained 600 points of Villain Value!]
A surge of delight washed over Jiang Chen.
After all his diligent efforts, and coupled with Xie Xiaojing's opportune arrival, he could discern through his Villain's Eye that Ji Ruxue's Intimacy level had finally ascended to 71 points, progressing to the Infatuated stage.
Immediately following this.
Whoosh.
Jiang Chen concentrated his focus and summoned the Purple Orchid Meteor Leaf.
In a flash, it expanded, taking on the shape of an elegant, aerodynamic flying artifact, suspended in mid-air.
Having positioned himself on the artifact, Jiang Chen turned towards Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing, inviting, "Get on, I'll transport us all over!"
"Okay!"
Without hesitation, Xie Xiaojing grasped Ji Ruxue's hand and leaped onto the Purple Orchid Meteor Leaf.
"I didn't expect Father to actually entrust you with the Purple Orchid Meteor Leaf!"
Expressed Ji Ruxue, her voice laced with surprise, "This used to be his favorite flying artifact. He was still operating it when he ascended to the Dao Comprehension realm."
"Haha, my master is indeed very generous towards me."
Jiang Chen responded with a sense of gratitude.
Subsequently, Jiang Chen channeled his Yuan Power, and the Purple Orchid Meteor Leaf morphed into a beam of light, soaring towards the Holy Land Square.
Nestled within the triangle formed by the three great mountains, the Holy Land Square was already bustling with numerous disciples of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
The square was brimming with people, and the atmosphere was electric!
The gathering this time far exceeded the attendance of the last grand sect assembly, numbering in the hundreds of thousands!
The importance of the battle for the Holy Son's position was unparalleled.
It was a grand spectacle that every sect member was obligated to partake in, even the handyman disciples were fortunate enough to come and observe!
At this moment, numerous streaks of light shot across the sky.
Outer sect disciples and handymen lifted their gaze, their faces painted with longing and envy.
Suddenly, a streak of purple light zipped in from afar.
As it passed, other lights dutifully cleared a path, carving a broad way out of deference.
"Who is that eminent figure?"
An outer sect disciple inquired in astonishment, "All flying artifacts are yielding to him. Could it be the Holy Lord!?"
"Haha!"
A nearby spectator responded with reverence, "That's our future Holy Lord, the present disciple of the Holy Lord, Senior Brother Jiang Chen!"
"Eh!"
"Look, there are two stunning young ladies on Senior Brother Jiang Chen's flying artifact! One of them must be the Holy Maiden!"
A wave of gasps suddenly erupted from the distant crowd.
Following this reaction, it triggered a chain effect, with incessant exclamations echoing from the densely packed Holy Land Square!
"It truly is the Holy Maiden Ji Ruxue!"
"I didn't anticipate that Senior Brother Jiang Chen would share his flying artifact with the Holy Maiden!"
"It seems, Senior Brother Jiang Chen and Holy Maiden Ji Ruxue are the genuine pair, the so-called Fang Yuan from the rumors is entirely unworthy of the Holy Maiden!"
"Right, I concur, within our Purple Heaven Holy Land, the only one deserving of Ji Ruxue is Senior Brother Jiang Chen!"
"There's no suspense in this battle for the Holy Son's position. Senior Brother Jiang Chen will undoubtedly secure the position of Holy Son, becoming a perfect match with the Holy Maiden!"
"..."
One exclamation followed another, and the eyes of countless disciples gazing upwards at Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue were full of accord.
Simultaneously.
"Damn it!!"
"That insolent Jiang Chen, he dares to share the same flying artifact with Ji Ruxue!"
From a shadowy corner afar, Fang Yuan stood, outwardly calm, but inside his chest, a storm of anger was brewing!
To him, Xie Xiaojing, who was also present, might as well have vanished into thin air.
The moment his gaze fell upon her, any fleeting thoughts of her dissipated.
Instead, she stirred within him similar emotions to those evoked by Jiang Chen, and none of them were pleasant.
"Fang Yuan."
"It seems you harbor deep feelings for that Ji Ruxue, hehe, the impetuosity of youth, isn't it?"
Shangguan Ning's voice echoed, brimming with playful banter.
Fang Yuan was already seething.
Shangguan Ning's jest only added salt to his wounds.
Yet Fang Yuan remained silent, knowing well that Shangguan Ning was his most prominent ally.
'Jiang Chen!'
'I shall triumph over you!'
'I won't relinquish Ji Ruxue to you!'
Fang Yuan's fists tightened, his nails threatening to puncture his own flesh.
However, he promptly relaxed his fist, brimming with confidence in his ability to tackle Jiang Chen!
His relentless training over the past two months had not merely returned him to his prime but had enabled him to ascend through two major realms, thus arriving at the Late-stage Heavenly Origin realm!
Indeed, his swift advancement was not solely attributed to Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
Despite exerting his utmost effort for a continuous two years without any visible progress, Fang Yuan never wavered in his commitment.
The two years of intensive cultivation, while it did not elevate his cultivation base, it solidified the foundations of his Heavenly Origin realm immensely!
Guided by both Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, in conjunction with the cultivation resources dispatched from his clan, he accomplished the breakthrough to the Late-stage Heavenly Origin realm in such a short duration.
Beyond the cultivation base, his competence in cultivation techniques and secret arts was far from weak.
The cultivation method he practiced encompassed his clan's ancestral secret art, a Dao Comprehension realm martial skill, known as the 'Fierce God Seven Killings Spear'!
While he had only mastered the initial three moves of the Heavenly Origin realm and one move of the Inquiring Journey realm, this mastery sufficed for him to assert his dominance in the Heavenly Origin realm!
In the blink of an eye, a full twenty days had transpired.
Seated on his bed, Jiang Chen had just concluded his rigorous cultivation regimen.
Immediately thereafter, he turned his introspective gaze inward, examining his Dao Core.
After nearly a month of intense cultivation, his cultivation base had indeed experienced notable enhancement.
Though he hadn't managed to ascend to a higher realm, he had edged one step closer to achieving the Middle-stage Inquiring Journey realm.
His battle prowess, too, had seen a modest enhancement.
Both his resilience and offensive capacity had shown measurable improvement, yet his status panel obstinately remained at 'Late-stage Inquiring Journey+'.
This reflected the sheer difficulty of elevating one's genuine combat prowess to the Dao Comprehension realm!
Subsequently, Jiang Chen once again retrieved the transmission jade token.
Stored within were messages from his network of informants, such as Rong Liangcai.
Throughout this time, they had maintained surveillance on Fang Yuan's cave mansion, yet they had not observed Fang Yuan exiting the premises.
Only members of the Fang Clan were occasionally seen visiting Fang Yuan, likely delivering essential cultivation resources.
Thus, it was clear that Fang Yuan had been wholly engrossed in intense cultivation.
'Last time I encountered Fang Yuan, he had already recovered to the Late-stage Mysterious Platform realm.'
'By now, he must have advanced to the Heavenly Origin realm, and there's even the possibility that he's progressed to the Middle or Late-stage.'
'After all, having Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning by his side makes the attainment of the Heavenly Origin realm as elementary for him as achieving the Physical Body realm is for me!'
'Nonetheless, I reckon Fang Yuan's true strength should lie somewhere between the Early and Middle stages of the Inquiring Journey realm at most. Even if he somehow ascends to the Late-stage Inquiring Journey realm, I have the capacity to best him.'
As Jiang Chen deliberated, he concluded, 'There's no way this guy's combat prowess has ascended to the Dao Comprehension realm, given that he was only at the Mysterious Platform realm a scant two months ago!'
With his current 'Late-Stage Inquiring Journey+' combat power, he felt confident that overcoming Fang Yuan was within his grasp.
At that very moment.
"Jiang Chen, the early morning is already upon us."
The voice of Ji Ruxue resonated from beyond the door, "Only half an hour remains before the contest for the Holy Son's position commences."
Indeed, today was the long-awaited day of the competition for the Holy Son's position!
Over a hundred young elite disciples from the Purple Heaven Holy Land would vie for the coveted position of the Holy Son!
"I understand."
Jiang Chen responded with a slight smile, then slipped from his bed and opened the door.
Waiting for him outside was Ji Ruxue, bathed in the day's initial sunlight. Her silver hair caught the morning light, resulting in a mesmerizing shimmer.
Adorned in an icy silk dress that accentuated her figure, her captivating beauty was indisputable.
She stood there as though she was the moon's earthly incarnation, exuding an air of royal elegance.
Upon spotting Jiang Chen, Ji Ruxue's face broke into a warm, endearing smile.
"Good morning, Jiang Chen."
She extended her greeting, her eyes meeting his.
"Morning, Ji Ruxue."
Jiang Chen reciprocated the greeting, his lips curling into a warm smile of his own.
Accounting for their time in the Red Maple Heavenly Valley, Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue had shared each other's company for close to two months now!
Living and cultivating side by side, the bond that had formed between them had only deepened and strengthened with each passing day.
Moreover, Jiang Chen's continuous care and guidance, which had facilitated her complete recovery from the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi erosion, made Ji Ruxue increasingly aware of her growing affection for him.
However, Jiang Chen's contentment was far from complete, primarily due to Xie Xiaojing.
After expressing their mutual feelings on that particular night, she had astounded him by suddenly declaring her intention to enter seclusion in order to attempt a breakthrough to the Middle-stage Heavenly Origin realm.
The news had arrived with the dawn, relayed by Ji Ruxue, accompanied by a request for Xie Xiaojing's remaining recovery pills.
Deep down, Jiang Chen understood the genuine reason behind her actions.
Following some introspective reflection, Xie Xiaojing must have discerned his ambiguous remarks regarding Ji Ruxue.
Consequently, with emotions in turmoil - upset at being deceived, yet yearning for the man she had opened her heart to - she had chosen seclusion, partly as an expression of her discontent and partly to provide him and Ji Ruxue an opportunity to grow closer.
Her absence, however, had presented a stumbling block in his strategic plan to fully win over Ji Ruxue's heart using the Intimacy-boosting wave.
Despite his comprehension of Xie Xiaojing's intentions, Jiang Chen couldn't help but experience a trace of vexation.
Nonetheless, he had no choice but to acquiesce and await another favorable opportunity.
As Jiang Chen was immersed in these thoughts, a familiar voice punctured the silence.
"Sister Ruxue, were you intending to depart without me?"
Emerging from her meditation chamber, Xie Xiaojing's voice carried a playful undertone.
Her eyes locked onto Jiang Chen's, sparkling with a glare that was endearingly defiant.
In reply, Jiang Chen could only muster an amused smile.
Standing before him was Xie Xiaojing, her chestnut hair neatly bound, adorned in a vibrant crimson cheongsam that mirrored her fiery spirit. Her radiant beauty was a striking contrast to Ji Ruxue's cool elegance.
As both women stood in front of him, Jiang Chen felt the words slip out effortlessly, "You both look exceptionally beautiful today."
This spontaneous compliment elicited a blush on both their faces.
Almost in tandem, a system prompt rang out.
[Ding! You have successfully increased the Unpursued heroine Ji Ruxue's fondness for you. The protagonist Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 300 points!]
[Ding! You've gained 600 points of Villain Value!]
A surge of delight washed over Jiang Chen.
After all his diligent efforts, and coupled with Xie Xiaojing's opportune arrival, he could discern through his Villain's Eye that Ji Ruxue's Intimacy level had finally ascended to 71 points, progressing to the Infatuated stage.
Immediately following this.
Whoosh.
Jiang Chen concentrated his focus and summoned the Purple Orchid Meteor Leaf.
In a flash, it expanded, taking on the shape of an elegant, aerodynamic flying artifact, suspended in mid-air.
Having positioned himself on the artifact, Jiang Chen turned towards Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing, inviting, "Get on, I'll transport us all over!"
"Okay!"
Without hesitation, Xie Xiaojing grasped Ji Ruxue's hand and leaped onto the Purple Orchid Meteor Leaf.
"I didn't expect Father to actually entrust you with the Purple Orchid Meteor Leaf!"
Expressed Ji Ruxue, her voice laced with surprise, "This used to be his favorite flying artifact. He was still operating it when he ascended to the Dao Comprehension realm."
"Haha, my master is indeed very generous towards me."
Jiang Chen responded with a sense of gratitude.
Subsequently, Jiang Chen channeled his Yuan Power, and the Purple Orchid Meteor Leaf morphed into a beam of light, soaring towards the Holy Land Square.
Nestled within the triangle formed by the three great mountains, the Holy Land Square was already bustling with numerous disciples of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
The square was brimming with people, and the atmosphere was electric!
The gathering this time far exceeded the attendance of the last grand sect assembly, numbering in the hundreds of thousands!
The importance of the battle for the Holy Son's position was unparalleled.
It was a grand spectacle that every sect member was obligated to partake in, even the handyman disciples were fortunate enough to come and observe!
At this moment, numerous streaks of light shot across the sky.
Outer sect disciples and handymen lifted their gaze, their faces painted with longing and envy.
Suddenly, a streak of purple light zipped in from afar.
As it passed, other lights dutifully cleared a path, carving a broad way out of deference.
"Who is that eminent figure?"
An outer sect disciple inquired in astonishment, "All flying artifacts are yielding to him. Could it be the Holy Lord!?"
"Haha!"
A nearby spectator responded with reverence, "That's our future Holy Lord, the present disciple of the Holy Lord, Senior Brother Jiang Chen!"
"Eh!"
"Look, there are two stunning young ladies on Senior Brother Jiang Chen's flying artifact! One of them must be the Holy Maiden!"
A wave of gasps suddenly erupted from the distant crowd.
Following this reaction, it triggered a chain effect, with incessant exclamations echoing from the densely packed Holy Land Square!
"It truly is the Holy Maiden Ji Ruxue!"
"I didn't anticipate that Senior Brother Jiang Chen would share his flying artifact with the Holy Maiden!"
"It seems, Senior Brother Jiang Chen and Holy Maiden Ji Ruxue are the genuine pair, the so-called Fang Yuan from the rumors is entirely unworthy of the Holy Maiden!"
"Right, I concur, within our Purple Heaven Holy Land, the only one deserving of Ji Ruxue is Senior Brother Jiang Chen!"
"There's no suspense in this battle for the Holy Son's position. Senior Brother Jiang Chen will undoubtedly secure the position of Holy Son, becoming a perfect match with the Holy Maiden!"
"..."
One exclamation followed another, and the eyes of countless disciples gazing upwards at Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue were full of accord.
Simultaneously.
"Damn it!!"
"That insolent Jiang Chen, he dares to share the same flying artifact with Ji Ruxue!"
From a shadowy corner afar, Fang Yuan stood, outwardly calm, but inside his chest, a storm of anger was brewing!
To him, Xie Xiaojing, who was also present, might as well have vanished into thin air.
The moment his gaze fell upon her, any fleeting thoughts of her dissipated.
Instead, she stirred within him similar emotions to those evoked by Jiang Chen, and none of them were pleasant.
"Fang Yuan."
"It seems you harbor deep feelings for that Ji Ruxue, hehe, the impetuosity of youth, isn't it?"
Shangguan Ning's voice echoed, brimming with playful banter.
Fang Yuan was already seething.
Shangguan Ning's jest only added salt to his wounds.
Yet Fang Yuan remained silent, knowing well that Shangguan Ning was his most prominent ally.
'Jiang Chen!'
'I shall triumph over you!'
'I won't relinquish Ji Ruxue to you!'
Fang Yuan's fists tightened, his nails threatening to puncture his own flesh.
However, he promptly relaxed his fist, brimming with confidence in his ability to tackle Jiang Chen!
His relentless training over the past two months had not merely returned him to his prime but had enabled him to ascend through two major realms, thus arriving at the Late-stage Heavenly Origin realm!
Indeed, his swift advancement was not solely attributed to Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
Despite exerting his utmost effort for a continuous two years without any visible progress, Fang Yuan never wavered in his commitment.
The two years of intensive cultivation, while it did not elevate his cultivation base, it solidified the foundations of his Heavenly Origin realm immensely!
Guided by both Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, in conjunction with the cultivation resources dispatched from his clan, he accomplished the breakthrough to the Late-stage Heavenly Origin realm in such a short duration.
Beyond the cultivation base, his competence in cultivation techniques and secret arts was far from weak.
The cultivation method he practiced encompassed his clan's ancestral secret art, a Dao Comprehension realm martial skill, known as the 'Fierce God Seven Killings Spear'!
While he had only mastered the initial three moves of the Heavenly Origin realm and one move of the Inquiring Journey realm, this mastery sufficed for him to assert his dominance in the Heavenly Origin realm!
