Volume One, Chapter Six: What Do You Think You Are?

Upon hearing the words, Ye Chen felt a slight weight settle in his heart, yet he quickly regained his composure. He understood what Ye Yao was worried about, but today’s self was not the same as yesterday’s. With the aid of the Azure Blood Pearl, his cultivation had not only stabilized but was steadily advancing.

He was well aware that, given enough time, Jiang Yun was no real threat. However, Ye Chen also knew that the secret of the Azure Blood Pearl was too significant to reveal lightly to anyone, including Ye Yao. He discerned the extraordinary nature of the pearl and sensed the immense risks and opportunities it concealed.

Therefore, he chose to bury this secret deep within, keeping Ye Yao unaware. Moreover, from his initial contact, Ye Chen increasingly felt that the Azure Blood Pearl was intricately linked to the demonic path of cultivation. The demonic arts were notorious for their extremity, often demanding great sacrifices—even self-destructive ones—for fleeting power.

Such a poison to quench thirst method was undoubtedly too cruel and burdensome for Ye Yao. Silently pondering, Ye Chen resolved that rather than burden Ye Yao with worry by disclosing the secret, he would shoulder the responsibility and risk alone. He firmly believed that with his wisdom and courage, he could master the Azure Blood Pearl’s power, turning it into an aid rather than an obstacle on his martial path.

With a gentle and resolute tone, he comforted Ye Yao softly, “Yes, I understand. Don’t worry.” His voice was like a warm ray of sunshine that pierced through the shadows in Ye Yao’s heart, easing the furrow of her brow.

Pausing briefly, Ye Chen rose and carefully extended his arm, gently helping Ye Yao to her feet. “Alright, let me help you back to your room to rest. You need to recover properly.” Ye Yao nodded lightly, her eyes shimmering with trust and reliance on her brother.

Together, they left the room, slowly making their way toward Ye Yao’s chamber. Along the way, Ye Chen spoke softly, trying to divert her attention and ease her pain and unease: “Dinner is ready. I’ll call you when it’s time. I’ve made your favorite chicken soup.” “Okay, brother,” Ye Yao replied quietly, a faint but unmistakable touch of emotion in her voice.

After escorting Ye Yao to her bedroom, Ye Chen helped her lie down gently, covering her with a blanket and ensuring she was comfortably settled before quietly withdrawing.

Returning to his own room, he seated himself cross-legged on the bed, closing his eyes in meditation. With a focused thought, a mysterious power surged within him, and slowly, the Azure Blood Pearl, imbued with endless secrets, was summoned forth from within his body.

The pearl hovered in midair, radiating a faint blood-red glow, like the brightest star in the night sky. Ye Chen gazed intently at it, murmuring to himself: “The Azure Blood Pearl has absorbed my vital energy, yet it has stabilized my cultivation. There must be something extraordinary behind this. Could it be that after devouring the vital energy, it releases some special power or beneficial effect? Also, does it only consume vital energy, or can it devour other types of energy as well?”

To test his suspicions, Ye Chen took a deep breath, concentrated his mind, and began to attempt a deeper communication with the Azure Blood Pearl. He tried to guide his true qi closer to the pearl, seeking to unveil its internal mysteries.

At the same time, he prepared himself to immediately withdraw his spiritual power should any anomaly or danger arise, ensuring his own safety.

Within the room, the atmosphere was tense and enigmatic. The silent contest between Ye Chen and the Azure Blood Pearl unfolded like a subtle game. The pearl’s blood-colored glow flickered unpredictably, as if alive, dancing in Ye Chen’s palm. Each flicker seemed to carry an ancient and formidable force, striving to break free from his control.

Ye Chen closed his eyes, governing the pearl with his mind. His will collided and intertwined with that within the pearl, filling the air with an intangible tension that made the room’s atmosphere increasingly charged and delicate.

Meanwhile, outside the room, the world was quietly shifting.

Jiang Yun hurriedly arrived before an opulent and grand courtyard. As he stepped forward, two burly guards clad in gray, each wielding a long blade, blocked his path.

Jiang Yun’s expression flickered briefly before settling into calm. He looked toward one of the guards, a somewhat lean figure, and softly called out, “Guard Mo, it’s me, Jiang Yun. I have urgent business to see Jiang Jianzi.”

Guard Mo’s gaze remained cold and unyielding. “You must first obtain His Highness the Young Master’s permission before entering.”

Jiang Yun was momentarily taken aback but quickly gathered himself, explaining, “Guard Mo, don’t you remember me? I’m Jiang Yun, the official in charge of the disciple affairs in the Secretariat.”

Only then did Guard Mo reluctantly glance at Jiang Yun, his tone still rigid: “And what of it, Officer Jiang? Rules cannot be broken.”

A surge of unspeakable humiliation and helplessness rose within Jiang Yun’s heart, but he suppressed it and pleaded, “Guard Mo, this concerns Ye Chen. Could you make an exception?”

Upon hearing the name “Ye Chen,” a flicker of something unusual appeared in Guard Mo’s eyes, but he quickly masked it with indifference. “Officer Jiang, please wait here. I will notify His Highness.”

With that, Guard Mo turned and entered the courtyard, winding his way through the corridors until he stopped before a tightly shut door.

Muffled sounds of pleasure—low moans and sighs—emerged from within, carrying an indescribable allure that made Guard Mo’s ears flush faintly. He quickly lowered his head, unwilling to meet the door, fearing his gaze might betray impropriety.

He then softly reported again, “Your Highness the Young Master, Jiang Yun requests an audience.”

No response came, only the rhythmic gasps and whispers of the occupants inside, teasing and tormenting the nerves.

Guard Mo bowed again, his voice firm: “Your Highness, Jiang Yun truly has urgent matters to discuss.”

This second report finally stirred some movement within. A cold, authoritative voice interrupted from inside: “Tell that brat to get lost!”

Guard Mo’s heart tightened, yet he did not immediately leave. He understood that as the Young Master’s guard, his duty was to ensure the message was delivered properly.

“Your Highness, Jiang Yun—” he began to explain again but was cut off by the same cold voice: “Do I have to see everyone who comes knocking? Get lost!”

Though fearful, Guard Mo did not depart. Perhaps sensing this, the voices inside abruptly ceased.

After a tense silence, the voice hesitated, then asked impatiently, “By the way, did he say what it was regarding?”