Chapter 90: Chapter 90 - 75: Ye Chen’s Favor, Improvements Before the Assessment [5K]

When Wen Jiu arrived at Feixian Peak, he noticed that the disciples of the Inspection Hall were casting envious glances at him along the way.

And they didn’t bother to hide it.

The disciple guiding him seemed to also notice Wen Jiu’s confusion, so he took the initiative to explain, hoping to form a good relationship, "I am Yang Qing... Fellow Daoist Wen, are you curious why everyone is looking at you with envy?"

"Please enlighten me, Fellow Daoist."

Wen Jiu replied.

Yang Qing smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist Wen, do you know what status Elder Ye holds in the main peak?"

"I don’t know."

"The people only know Elder Ye as the Main Peak Elder of the Inspection Hall, managing the hall, but they don’t know that Elder Ye is actually the direct disciple of the Deadman Peak Master, ranking among the top four in the main peak elders in terms of strength. The three who are famous alongside Elder Ye are at Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer and Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer!"

"I see."

Wen Jiu understood, no wonder Ye Chen’s combat prowess was so formidable, to be recognized alongside the Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer and Ninth Layer, one can imagine how powerful he is.

But Wen Jiu was more curious about Ye Chen’s Thousand-Pound Tyrant Axe, could it be a Foundation Establishment level technique?

In Wen Jiu’s view, it seemed highly likely.

Otherwise, Elder Ye Chen’s combat power couldn’t be so formidable.

Yang Qing continued with a smile, "However, up until now, Elder Ye has only summoned you, not even Du Feng with the top-grade single-attribute spirit root... so now you know why everyone envies you."

Wen Jiu cupped his fists in thanks, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist, for enlightening me."

As they spoke, the main hall drew nearer.

Yang Qing restrained his smile and suddenly warned seriously, "Elder Ye is known as Heartless Iron Face, cold and merciless, always without a smile, so once you enter, be sure to adhere to respectful etiquette and do not speak when it’s not appropriate."

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist, for the guidance." Wen Jiu cupped his fists toward Yang Qing again, receiving the goodwill and remembering Yang Qing’s name.

"Farewell."

Yang Qing departed.

Wen Jiu then proceeded directly to the main hall.

Led by another disciple from the Inspection Hall, Wen Jiu reached the highest point of the main hall, which originally belonged to the study of the Peak Master Ji Qiubai.

At this moment, even someone like Feng Xuan, who could simply command the Inspection Hall Side Peak Masters, could only stand outside like guards waiting.

Yet the three showed no signs of dissatisfaction and stood there very naturally and proudly, as if guarding the place was an honor. Wen Jiu even understood more deeply what being the top four means.

After saluting the three inspectors, Wen Jiu walked into the room.

Ye Chen stood intently at the bookshelf, seemingly perusing something, and Wen Jiu fixed his gaze to see that it was Ji Qiubai’s notes. In a startled glance, Wen Jiu could see the wistfulness in Ye Chen’s eyes while browsing the notes.

"Disciple Wen Jiu pays respects to Elder Ye." Wen Jiu bowed and greeted softly, still feeling quite apprehensive.

Onlookers considered him lucky to be summoned by Elder Ye.

But the reason for the summoning was uncertain; Wen Jiu couldn’t be sure it was a good thing, especially since Ye Chen hadn’t even summoned Du Feng with the top-grade single-attribute spirit root. He acknowledged his Qi Cultivation Third Layer cultivation was no match for a top-grade single-attribute spirit root.

Ye Chen closed the notes, the faint wistfulness in his eyes vanished, replaced by an eagle-eyed sharp gaze. Despite doing nothing, Wen Jiu could feel an oppressive aura.

From afar, it wasn’t obvious, but now being close, the sense of oppression was suffocating.

Ye Chen spoke directly, "Last night, when you swallowed the Wushan poison smoke, you remained unscathed. What Body Refining technique do you practice?"

"Disciple does not practice Body Refining Techniques, only the Yinzhou Corpse Nurturing Technique. However, the Yin Technique born within me enables immunity to certain poisons... so I dared to try."

Wen Jiu replied.

Not entirely truthful.

Because admitting complete indifference to the Wushan poison smoke would surely lead to further questioning.

Upon hearing Wen Jiu’s explanation, Ye Chen’s expression remained unchanged, but Wen Jiu sensed he seemed to lose interest in him, "Daring to test... I didn’t expect you to be such a selfless person."

Wen Jiu didn’t explain further, said calmly, "Disciple received the transmission of techniques from Steward Mu Canglong of the Night Patrol Department, including Yinzhou Corpse Nurturing and Yin Talisman Techniques. The kindness feels like rebirth, so even if afraid, I wanted to try... My father once taught me, a meal given as kindness should be remembered forever, even more so for the kindness of imparting techniques."

"A meal given as kindness should be remembered forever... your father, a simple man, taught you something remarkable."

Ye Chen contemplated the words, gradually the coldness in his eyes softened slightly.

It’s not that he doesn’t believe such people exist, rather he doesn’t believe in someone as perfect as Gong Chi.

Wen Jiu’s willingness to take risks to repay kindness, this he believed.

He also admired such character.

"Step forward." Ye Chen said in a deep voice.

Wen Jiu didn’t hesitate, approached slowly but was prepared to use Blood Corpse Escape and Three Rivers Ghost Concealment at any moment.

After approaching, Ye Chen didn’t touch him but used Divine Sense to carefully inspect Wen Jiu’s body, a hint of satisfaction revealed between his brows, "Though infiltrated by some yin energies, it’s not a major issue."

Not yet three months since entering, at Qi Cultivation Third Layer.

Not sacrificing his own lifespan or self to advance, enough to show the remarkable Heterodox Talent.

"To what extent have you cultivated your black corpse?" Ye Chen shifted the topic again, causing Wen Jiu’s heart to tighten.

Wen Jiu hesitated to speak.

As he was unsure if he should reveal the Three Evil Corpses.