Gu Yunyun gazed at Ye Chen with a complex expression, her mind quietly shaking its head.

Ye Chen, of course, had no idea what his master was thinking. He smiled, cupped his hands, and spoke, "Master, your disciple will set off today to Middle Mountain. Last night, I had a feeling, so I refined a batch of top-tier True Intent Pills. I thought they might be of some use to you, and I've brought them as a token of my filial piety..."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yunyun understood why Ye Chen had insisted on delaying his departure for a day. It was to deliver pills to her. No wonder Ye Chen had only cultivated until midnight last night before unusually stopping. He had been refining pills for her. Ye Chen truly felt so deeply for her...

If Ye Chen's actions were indeed driven by filial piety, Gu Yunyun would naturally be pleased to have such a grateful disciple. But the question remained—was this really filial piety?

Looking at the pills in Ye Chen's hands, Gu Yunyun was inclined to refuse. But then she remembered that Ye Chen still didn't know she had already discovered the truth.If she were too cold or distant in her rejection, it might make Ye Chen overthink. It could create a more awkward atmosphere.

So, after some consideration, Gu Yunyun finally nodded and said, "You are thoughtful, disciple..."

After presenting the elixir to his master, Ye Chen smiled as he listened to the system's prompt of a hundredfold reward. Alas, he was soon to embark on a mission. Otherwise, continuing at this rate, he would one day become the wealthiest in all the immortal realms.

With a reluctant glance at his master, Ye Chen took his leave, stepping out of the courtyard, casting his flying boat, and soaring beyond the sect's borders.

Gu Yunyun, her graceful neck tilted back, watched as Ye Chen's figure shrank in the distance. She thought of his last look, filled with reluctance, restraint, and resolve, and sighed. Ye Chen was truly too stubborn.

Gu Yunyun even began to wonder, during the year Ye Chen would spend on his mission in Middle Mountain, whether the wayward thoughts in his heart might finally dissipate.

To save Ye Chen from straying further, Gu Yunyun decided to add a layer of insurance. She would visit the External Affairs Hall later, and send Yao Xi to Middle Mountain as well. At any cost, she must correct her disciple's path. Otherwise, their master-disciple relationship would be untenable.

Meanwhile, Gu Yunyun felt an urgent need to advance beyond the Golden Core stage. Previously, she was content with her natural state of mind, but now, she believed that her disciple's inappropriate thoughts might stem from both being at the Foundation Establishment stage. Though there was a small gap in their minor realms, in a sense, they were already on the same level as cultivators.

Therefore, she must break through to Golden Core soon. Only then could she suppress Ye Chen's improper thoughts...

At the end of a day's flight, Ye Chen arrived at Middle Mountain. Compared to his previous visits, the mountain range of Middle Mountain was bustling with activity. The ruins of the ancient sect, the Boundless Demon Sect, had emerged. It had not only attracted the two major sects, but also a wider range of loose cultivators.

After all, for most cultivators, resources and opportunities were incredibly scarce. When such ruins appeared, even the slightest benefit, a mere corner of the treasure, could bring tremendous improvement.

Not to mention, if they were lucky enough to obtain a supreme treasure, it could propel them straight to the top. This level of excitement was entirely normal.

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

Upon arriving at the Green Cloud Sect's base, Ye Chen saw the elders gathered there, seemingly engaged in some kind of discussion. When they saw Ye Chen, they greeted him courteously.

Among the elders was Kong Xiangli, who, upon spotting Ye Chen, furrowed his brow. However, he still managed to force a smile, albeit a strained one. His expression was a little awkward.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, smiling as he gave a nod to the man. Ye Chen certainly didn't hold grudges. After all, he hadn't lost anything in the first place. He bore no ill will. If the other party was making an effort to be friendly, Ye Chen couldn't be bothered to hold onto any grudges.

"Master Li, the seal on the entrance of the ruins can only hold for another month, correct?"

After Ye Chen had taken a seat, one of the elders asked.

Elder Li, from the Array Peak, was one of the only two mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators present, along with Kong Xiangli.

He nodded in affirmation. "Indeed. I had always wondered why the ruins of the Boundless Demon Sect had remained hidden for so long. It now appears that when the sect faced its crisis, it used an array to seal itself beneath the Middle Mountain mountain range, awaiting the day it could rise again."

"Such a miraculous array could only have been set up by a fifth-grade array master! But the earlier collapse of the inheritance realm also impacted the array, causing it to slowly weaken, and the entrance of the ruins has now been discovered. At most, within a month, the array at the entrance will completely fail."

Elder Li spoke with certainty.

Upon hearing this, the other elders couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. To enter the ruins as soon as they were discovered would ensure the greatest gains. It was said that the Boundless Demon Sect had a Deity Transformation cultivator in its ranks. Who could even imagine what treasures might lie within the ruins?

Even they, at this moment, felt a fire ignite in their hearts. Perhaps as a precaution, the Boundless Demon Sect had concealed multiple entrances, as four entrances had already been discovered. Green Cloud Sect controlled one, and the Misty Sect controlled another.

Among the wandering cultivators, many in the Foundation Establishment stage had also stationed themselves at one of the entrances, waiting for the ruins to open.

The Green Cloud Sect and the Misty Sect were now vying for the final entrance, which had led to several fierce battles.

After all, each additional entrance meant a greater chance of gaining an opportunity. Naturally, neither side was willing to give up.

"The ruins are about to open, and the Misty Sect's counterattack will undoubtedly intensify. Elder Li will guard the entrance we've already secured. I will lead five early-stage Foundation Establishment elders to contest another entrance. As for Ye Chen... Fellow Daoist Ye, since you've just broken through to the Foundation Establishment, you shall stay at our base for now and protect the disciples there!"

Kong Xiangli was assigning tasks. Upon hearing the specific assignments, the elders raised their eyebrows.

Kong Xiangli's conflict with Ye Chen was well-known. Everyone had thought that upon Ye Chen's arrival, Kong Xiangli might target him.

Unexpectedly, Kong Xiangli gave Ye Chen the easiest task. The sect's base was protected by a second-grade array, and only the Misty Sect, if they were overly bold, would consider attacking it. Thus, guarding the base was indeed the easiest task.

However, no one was surprised. Ye Chen was now a Foundation Establishment cultivator, full of potential. And Ye Chen's master was Gu Yunyun, who was on the verge of reaching the Golden Core stage.

Under these circumstances, it was only natural for Kong Xiangli to seek a rapprochement. Everyone was content with this arrangement. And so was Ye Chen. It was best if Kong Xiangli had come to his senses and they could coexist peacefully. Otherwise, Ye Chen would have to consider taking more drastic actions, which would be troublesome. The only downside of staying at the base was the lack of high-ratio female cultivators.

However, there were many disciples encountering opportunities on their missions here. Among them were a few female disciples, though their ratios might have been lower. But having some was better than none.

Thus, Ye Chen settled down in Middle Mountain, responsible for guarding the base. Elder Li, as a second-grade array master, was best suited for defense.

Meanwhile, Kong Xiangli and several other elders clashed daily with the elders of the Misty Sect, fighting fiercely. Only Ye Chen was somewhat idle.

Aside from cultivating and alchemy, he even took the time to offer a free alchemy class. Any disciples with free time could attend. The primary goal was to cultivate talents for the sect. And, incidentally, to see if there were any exceptionally talented female disciples.

However, five days after his arrival, Ye Chen realized he needn't have looked further. Because Yao Xi had arrived...

Although Ye Chen was unclear why Yao Xi had also come to Middle Mountain, for him, it was undoubtedly a good thing!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.