Chapter 29

Chapter 29: Precious Blade

Despite the young prodigy's elaborate explanation, Ye Xiyao perceived the so-called Dark Element as a mutated Fire Spirit Root.

This discovery delighted her, as it meant she had another option. After all, a mutated Fire Spirit Root was still a part of the Fire Element. Apart from Martial cultivation, she could also choose to cultivate Spirit energy, becoming an Alchemist, Pill Refiner, or even a higher-level Armorer.

However, Ye Xiyao had long decided on the path of Martial cultivation. Moreover, the Gu Ma Preliminary Selection was imminent. Her only focus now was to strengthen her abilities – only those with genuine power could survive in this world!

Ye Xiyao began to concentrate on her cultivation. Nevertheless, her progress was much slower compared to her first attempt, since Spirit Users and cultivators were fundamentally different. Even so, her cultivation speed was still several times faster than ordinary people. By the end of the month, she had already reached the peak of the Crimson Rank's early stage and was inching towards the middle stage.

Unknown to Ye Xiyao, while she was wholeheartedly cultivating, chaos erupted in the entire Ye family due to an imperial edict!

"Hateful! The Shen family is truly overbearing! They actually colluded with Prince Xuan to force the Emperor into issuing an imperial edict just for Yiyao to participate in the Gu Ma Preliminary Selection. They're utterly shameless!"

In the study, Ye Hong, who had just returned from court, angrily exclaimed with a grim face.

"Father, please calm down. The Shen family has always been despicable. It's no surprise they would resort to such means. As for Prince Xuan… let's not dwell on that!"

"Hmph, Prince Xuan… I originally thought he was a decent man, which is why I agreed to the marriage arrangement back then. But it seems… ha, I was right to annul the engagement. Even if I were to die, I wouldn't let Yiyao marry such a hypocrite!"

"Father speaks the truth. But now that the imperial decree has been issued, to retract our decision would be defying the emperor's command. As for Yeyao..."

"Hmph! So what if she participates? The worst that could happen is she admits defeat right from the start. Yeyao lacks spiritual roots, so losing wouldn't be shameful. In any case, her life is more important than anything else! But don't tell her about this just yet; we don't want her to worry or be scared. Let's explore other alternatives first. If all else fails, I'll personally discuss it with Yeyao when the time comes."

The Ye family, father and son, were solely focused on protecting Ye Xiyao, but no secret can remain hidden forever. Within days, the news had leaked.

Thus, on this afternoon, after diagnosing Ye Wuchen, Ye Xiyao heard him say rather awkwardly, "Hey, have you heard about that matter?"

"What are you talking about?" Ye Xiyao asked casually.

After days of rest, Ye Wuchen's internal injuries were almost healed. However, his vitality still needed time to recover, so Ye Xiyao was busy preparing a formula to strengthen his foundation.

"It's about the Gu Ma preliminary selection, of course! Tell me, are you really planning to participate?"

Ye Xiyao was unaware of this development, but upon reflection, she guessed that the Shen family must have intervened. She wasn't surprised and simply replied, "What do you think?"

"You... Forget it!" Frustrated by Ye Xiyao's casual demeanor, Ye Wuchen felt a surge of anger. Reaching out, he grabbed a bundle that had been prepared beside the bed and threw it onto the table next to Ye Xiyao.

The bundle made a thud when it landed on the table, catching Ye Xiyao off guard. She reached out and opened it, only to find a long, four-foot sword inside!