Chapter 213

Chapter 213

Ye Shi lay beside Mu Chen, playfully twirling Mu Chen's fingers.

Mu Chen closed his eyes, silently channeling his energy. Cultivating together with Ye Shi was a marvelous experience, enhancing not just his cultivation but also his soul's strength.

Mu Chen had read ancient texts suggesting that cultivating together typically wouldn't yield such effects unless one or both partners possessed a unique constitution, like Zhuang Yu's 'Heavenly Yin Body', which greatly benefits both parties.

Mu Chen speculated that Ye Shi might also have a unique constitution.

"Mu Chen has worked so hard; there are calluses on his hands," Ye Shi said with a hint of sadness.

Mu Chen chuckled, "The capable often work harder. With Shi beside me, no amount of hardship matters."

Ye Shi wryly smiled, murmuring, "I can't offer much help."

"How could that be? Everyone says Shi is a hero," Mu Chen confidently replied.

Without Ye Shi continuously patrolling the front lines and repairing damaged formations, Mu Chen wouldn't have had the peace of mind to focus on his own tasks.

"I'm really not that significant," Ye Shi leaned into Mu Chen, cherishing the tranquil moment.

Mu Chen slept deeply and satisfyingly that night, dispelling days of exhaustion. They both didn't awake until the sun was high.

Upon realizing the time, Ye Shi was startled.

Mu Chen was awakened by Ye Shi's push. His recent exhaustion caused him to sleep so deeply that he lost track of time.

Ye Shi's cheeks flushed a shade of crimson. No one had come looking for them, probably out of respect, knowing what they might be doing. This realization deepened her blush.

"Look at the time," Mu Chen remarked with surprise.

Ye Shi nodded quickly, "Indeed. We should get up."

Seeing Ye Shi's blushed face, Mu Chen smiled, "Alright."

..................

"Finally decided to get up, have you?" Qu Kun remarked coldly.

As soon as Mu Chen and Ye Shi stepped out, they were met by Qu Kun.

Mu Chen looked surprised. After working tirelessly for days, he had finally relaxed, only to be caught off guard...

Qu Kun's gaze was icy towards Mu Chen, revealing a strong prejudice. Faced with such a gaze, Mu Chen could only rub his nose helplessly.

Ye Shi looked at Qu Kun, her emotions a mix of excitement and embarrassment.

"Grandfather, why are you here?" Ye Shi blinked inquisitively.

Qu Kun cast an annoyed glance at Ye Shi and said, "Can't I just come and check on you?"

Qu Kun initially came out of concern that Mu Chen and Ye Shi might not be able to hold the defense line.

Who would have guessed? After the Xuanfeng Empire set up their Ten Thousand Sword Formation, it appeared even more secure than the other three nations. With Mu Chen's supply of elixirs, the frontlines gained several martial kings, providing additional protection. What's even more surprising is that Mu Chen managed to recruit an external martial emperor.

Everywhere he went, Qu Kun heard praises for Mu Chen. In the end, his own reputation paled in comparison to Mu Chen and Ye Shi's. Qu Kun felt a mix of helplessness and pride.

"Grandfather, did you come because you're worried about me? Mu Chen is really capable; I'll be fine," Ye Shi pondered aloud.

Qu Kun snorted, retorting, "No matter how strong, he's still just a Martial King."

Ye Shi puffed his cheeks, murmuring, "Mu Chen is no ordinary martial king."

Qu Kun gave Mu Chen a cold glance and said to Ye Shi, "Ask him if he can beat me."

Ye Shi: "..."

Mu Chen: "..."

Ye Shi looked at Qu Kun with a hint of reproach, cheeks still puffed.

Qu Kun, hands behind his back and appearing rather nonchalant, remarked, "As I said, a martial king remains a martial king. There's a clear distinction between even the strongest martial king and a martial emperor."

Qu Kun, squinting his eyes, secretly thought: These two youngsters are progressing too fast. If don't assert authority now, might not get another chance in the future.

Mu Chen looked at the frustrated Ye Shi, smiling sincerely, "Shi Tou, Grandfather is right."

...

Qu Kun waved, summoning a large jar. A potent aroma of blood wafted out.

A flash of intrigue passed through Ye Shi's eyes, "Such powerful beast blood!"

Qu Kun nodded, "Earlier, at the border of the Cangqiong Empire, a Seven-Star, Sixth-Level, Double-Headed Jiao appeared. This creature, possessing both wind and thunder attributes, exhibited significant ancestral traits. Though only Seven-Star, its power surpassed that of a Nine-Star, Sixth-Level beast. Killing it required several Seven-Star or higher ranked experts from various nations, including me. We lost two martial emperors in the process."

Mu Chen squinted. Jiao species are believed to have the bloodline of the legendary dragons, making them harder to tackle than regular beasts. The dual attributes of wind and lightning made it even more daunting.

Ye Shi's expression tensed, "Grandpa, why would you take such risks? It's too dangerous."

"No matter how dangerous, someone has to step up." Qu Kun smiled at Mu Chen, who was narrowing his eyes, contemplating the state of other defense lines given the frequent beast attacks on theirs.

If that Jiao were to attack their defense line, could they withstand it? Mu Chen had become somewhat complacent due to their recent successes, but this incident served as a stark reminder.

The real monster wave hasn't even begun yet.

Experts from the Spirit Tower predicted this rare beast wave. Such an onslaught wouldn't be considered serious if it could easily be thwarted by just him and Ye Shi.

Mu Chen recognized that he's still not strong enough. If only he were a martial emperor now, he would be much safer.

"Shi Tou, I got this blood especially for you. Its purity rivals that of dragon blood. See if it suits you." Qu Kun lovingly told Ye Shi.

Ye Shi eagerly responded, "It's perfect, absolutely perfect!"

The gleam in Ye Shi's eyes showed that this blood was of much higher quality than the six-tier monster blood he usually used. With this, he believed he could reach the pinnacle of his cultivation technique.

Qu Kun smiled and handed Ye Shi a spatial ring, containing more than thirty jars of beast blood.

As Mu Chen's soul force brushed over the ring, he raised an eyebrow, thinking: Qu Kun really spoils Ye Shi, always thinking of him.

"This is for you. Don't say I never gave you anything." Qu Kun awkwardly tossed a spatial ring to Mu Chen.

"Thank you, senior." Mu Chen found the ring contained only five jars.

The blood from the Double-Headed Jiao would be invaluable to him, allowing him to craft Essence Blood Pills – reusable elixirs that could quickly enhance his cultivation to the peak of a martial king.

"You did well, recruiting a Martial Emperor," Qu Kun remarked nonchalantly.

Though he wasn't fond of Mu Chen, he genuinely respected his abilities.

"Grandfather, have you met Elder Mo? Elder Mo Feng is really honorable. I didn't really contribute much," Mu Chen said with a smile.

Qu Kun, with narrowed eyes, replied, "Don't be overly modest."

Qu Kun had a productive conversation with Mo Feng, guiding him in cultivation while learning some alchemy techniques in return.

Everywhere he went, Qu Kun heard incessant praises for Mu Chen. To his surprise, even the aloof Mo Feng became talkative when discussing Mu Chen, revealing that he's also a sixth-tier craftsman.

This revelation greatly surprised Qu Kun.

...

"Grandfather, you called for me?" Mu Mingfeng entered the courtyard, inquiring.

Mu Zhan nodded, "Yes."

Puzzled, Mu Mingfeng asked, "Is there something you need?"

"Mu Chen sent a letter. Ye Shi has advanced to the Purple Gold Wall, unlocked the Hundred Forging Body Technique, and acquired the map to the Jin family's secret chamber," Mu Zhan stated deeply.

Mu Mingfeng's expression changed, "So soon?"

Mu Zhan gave a bitter smile, "It's not too fast. I've heard he's been practicing with Sixth-Level beast blood, and after the confrontation with the Wind-Thunder Double-Headed Jiao, Qu Kun asked only for its blood, which seemed to contain true dragon lineage."

"Qu Kun must have wanted the blood for Ye Shi. Under such circumstances, it's no surprise he advanced to the Purple Gold Wall so quickly," Mu Zhan mused.

Nodding in realization, Mu Mingfeng said, "I see."

Using Sixth-Level beast blood daily for body cultivation, and even dragon blood, it's evident that Ye Shi's fortune surpasses that of the original martial kings from the Jin family. No wonder his body cultivation progressed so rapidly.

"Mu Chen's letter mentioned the Jin family's secret chamber is in Shuangcheng. He and Ye Shi will be back today, and he wants you to join," Mu Zhan informed.

A glint of excitement appeared in Mu Mingfeng's eyes. Previously, to establish good relations with Mu Chen, he had revealed the secret of the Hundred Forging Body Technique. He didn't expect Mu Chen to be so trustworthy.

"Can Mu Chen and Ye Shi move freely?" Mu Mingfeng inquired.

Mu Zhan chuckled, "They should be able to. Some of my peers who have guarded the pass have praised the formations Mu Chen and Ye Shi constructed. Moreover, there's also an external martial king there."

Initially, Dan Cheng looked down upon Mu Chen and Ye Shi, but now he sincerely respects them, indicating their considerable abilities.

Mu Zhan looked at Mu Mingfeng seriously and said, "Be wary around Mu Chen and Ye Shi. Don’t offend them."

Mu Mingfeng nodded, "I understand."

He's just a Martial Spirit, whereas Mu Chen and Ye Shi are already Nine-Star Martial Kings. How could he dare to provoke them?