Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book Chapter 1028 - 717: Breakthroughs All Around (Alliance Leader Bonus - 3)

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Previously on Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book...
Ye Jingli tests his newly refined Five-Colored Bone Fire Beads and laments his isolation, but his melancholy is interrupted by Ye Xingqun. They share wine and a Black Mushroom Fish, and Ye Xingqun reflects on the meaning of family and legacy, inspiring Ye Jingli. As the chapter closes, Ye Xingqun instructs Ye Jingli to represent Lingyun Peak at a clan gathering, but Ye Jingli declares he will instead enter seclusion to break through to the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment.

Within the Assembly Hall on Lingyun Peak, the reduced number of Clan Cultivators cast a rather desolate and chilling aura throughout the three-story structure at this moment.

The persistent downpour outside, with its curtain of mist, amplified the sense of mystery and veiled threat that hung in the air.

Arriving at the hall's entrance, Ye Xingqun found his robes drenched and his long hair clinging to his head; he had made no effort to shield himself from the rain with any Spirit Technique this time.

Consequently, the flush of drink had long since faded from his face.

Disregarding his appearance, he sent a Sound Transmission Talisman, then walked directly into the hall, where Ye Jingyun was occupied with managing certain affairs.

The majority of the remaining clansmen lacked the Beast Communication Pattern, yet those with superior aptitude had achieved the Eighth or Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation; these individuals now formed the backbone of the clan's strength.

"For years, Cyan Cloud Nunnery has thrived under the protection of my Ye Family, yet now they dare to poach our Ye Family's Immortal Seedlings. Ensure the Guardian Race People in He County and He Daze County also recruit Immortal Seedlings within their territories; after all, Cyan Cloud Nunnery shows no interest in male cultivators," Ye Jingyun instructed.

Upon noticing Ye Xingqun's entrance, he gestured for him to approach.

The other clansmen were then dismissed to carry out their tasks.

"Uncle Xingqun has achieved another minor advancement, congratulations are in order!" Ye Jingyun, having served as Patriarch Dai for a considerable period, spoke with practiced ease.

"Jing Yun, this is the Five-Colored Bone Fire Bead, recently refined by Jing Li; it can be assimilated into the body like a Magical Treasure, and its power rivals a single strike from a Foundation Establishment Peak Cultivator..." Ye Xingqun stated directly, presenting the Five-Colored Bone Fire Bead without preamble.

Ye Jingyun accepted the Bone Fire Bead, examining its weight, before replying with a smile:

"Sixth Brother is truly remarkable, creating yet another exquisite Treasure."

Seeing Ye Jingyun's reaction, Ye Xingqun decided against voicing the words he had intended to speak.

After a brief period of inconsequential conversation, he took his leave of the hall.

As Ye Xingqun's figure receded, a flicker of melancholy crossed Ye Jingyun's eyes.

Residing on Lingyun Peak, the greater one's knowledge, the heavier the burden, and consequently, the greater the fear and apprehension.

How could he truly find peace in his heart?

Were it not for the clan, he would have faded into dust long ago, never reaching Foundation Establishment; how could he bear to witness the clan's great enterprise crumble within a single day?

At this moment, all eyes on Lingyun Peak were upon him; he was compelled to act the part of a capable Patriarch Dai for everyone to behold.

He then tightly grasped the Five-Colored Bone Fire Bead within his hand.

Previously, he had harbored concerns about his inability to even end his own life at a critical juncture; however, with the Five-Colored Bone Fire Bead, that fear was extinguished.

Yet, contemplating Ye Jingli brought forth another sigh.

The fact that his Sixth Brother had managed to modify it for internal assimilation meant he bore a weight far greater than Ye Jingyun had comprehended!

Given his Sixth Brother's straightforward disposition, his silent endurance without seeking him out suggested significant inner turmoil.

...

Tai Cang Mountain, Cyan Cloud Nunnery.

Holding two Jade Talismans and a Pill Bottle, Ye Xingsu cast a glance at the cloaked Cultivator restraining her presence, offering a slight nod.

"I understand."

The Pill Bottle contained Purple Mansion Jade Liquid, while one Jade Talisman held the new Cultivation Technique acquired by the Ye Family, and the other was intended to notify Cyan Cloud Nunnery of the Ye Family's Inner Nunnery personnel entering seclusion.

Simultaneously, it would sever ties with the Ye Family on Lingyun Peak.

Though Cyan Cloud Nunnery's origins from the Ye Family had remained undisclosed over these years, the impending marriage alliance between Ye Jingcheng and Chu Yanqing signaled a united front between the Ye Family and Cyan Cloud Nunnery.

Failing to create a clear separation now could lead to unforeseen repercussions.

"Be mindful not to overstep. When drawing a line, going too far is as detrimental as not going far enough!" a muffled voice emanated from beneath the Spirit-Blocking Robe.

"I am fully aware. Aside from entering seclusion, I will identify a Substitute Nunnery Master with a less resolute temperament; furthermore, concerning Taiyi Sect, I shall liaise with Dharma Peak, thereby establishing additional contingency plans for Cyan Cloud Nunnery!" Ye Xingsu affirmed.

After a considerable duration, a voice emerged from beneath the concealing Spirit-Blocking Robe:

"You have endured much toil."

Following this, the figure departed, vanishing into the depths of the hall.

...

Within the Taiyi Sect, specifically the Purple Extreme Hall.

The opulent Purple Sandalwood Smoke ascended, twisting into the form of a Smoke Dragon, drawing countless streams of Purple Qi to surge in its wake.

These energies then descended upon a mirror situated before the Purple Extreme Hall.

This mirror, known as the Purple Extreme Mirror of Purple Extreme Hall, possessed the capability to absorb the Purple Qi from Chen Xi, thereby providing nourishment for the Cultivation of its devotees.

Indeed, it was recognized as one of Purple Peak's most valuable treasures.

At this very juncture, Master Zitian, navigating through a multitude of clansmen engaged in their cultivation practices, entered the hallowed hall.

Inside, the distinct avatar of True Monarch Zi Ming had been in a state of patient anticipation.

"We have finally located it. The Ye Family has undoubtedly plunged into the Desert Sea, dislodging the rightful inhabitants and claiming their abode; I surmise that an individual is on the cusp of achieving Nascent Soul cultivation!" Upon receiving this intelligence, Master Zitian registered a profound sense of astonishment.

The Ye Family had maintained an extraordinary level of secrecy; previously, he had harbored doubts regarding the pronouncements of True Monarch Zi Ming, deeming them somewhat overstated.

It now appeared that the Ye Family's concealment far surpassed initial estimations. After all, the Zhang Family and their associates had been privy to this information for an extended period; their elaborate deception was no minor feat. It was merely the case that the Zhang Family had proactively offered tribute and submitted, and subsequently retreated into deeper obscurity, rendering them difficult to silence.

Consequently, no direct action had been taken against the Zhang Family.

"This is not entirely unexpected. It is plausible that the Celestial Cyan Demon Emperor residing within the Taihang Mountain Range is, in fact, a Spirit Beast belonging to the Ye Family!"

"My investigation into the Ye Family reveals a lineage of immense antiquity; when our Taiyi Sect first established itself in the Taichang Mountain Range, they were already present. Taihang Commandery has seen its dominion shift between countless families, yet the Ye Family persists, akin to an inextinguishable evergreen vine. They have experienced periods of both triumphant ascendance and unfortunate decline. Given the numerous Beast Tides that have swept through the region, had the Ye Family truly possessed no deep-rooted foundation, they would have been eradicated long ago."

"Then, our course of action..."

"We shall expunge the majority of the records pertaining to the Ye Family. For the present time, the Ye Family serves a beneficial purpose to our Taiyi Sect. The impending offensive by the Qinghe Sect against the Tian Dao Sect leaves us with precious little time."

"Tian Dao True Monarch...?"

"Precisely. He sustained further injury within the Celestial Horse Sea Domain and has since retreated to Nine Sun Peak. Should the Ye Family's assurances prove hollow, the mere act of revealing their existence could potentially stall their progress for a significant period. Conversely, if their promises hold true, allowing them to unleash a Beast Tide to assail the Qinghe Sect would grant us a much-needed respite!!"

"Speaking of which, have there been any recent revelations concerning the Zhang Family?" True Monarch Zi Ming's avatar inquired further.

"None whatsoever. Any individual who attempted to divulge information was swiftly intercepted and eliminated in secrecy at the earliest opportunity. Unless they were to broadcast such details loudly within the Qinghe Sect itself, we maintain surveillance across all other avenues. However, it is likely that the Zhang Family still retains but a scant number of members, and even fewer who possess intimate knowledge of the circumstances—none would dare to betray this trust. After all, many among them are bound by Heavenly Dao Oaths; a considerable number fell into qi deviation and perished instantly the moment they attempted to transmit any sensitive information."

"Mm, then that is satisfactory. Refrain from venturing out in the immediate future. Should your presence be discovered, preserving this current incarnation of yours would prove exceedingly difficult. How progresses the secluded cultivation of your primary body?" True Monarch Zi Ming inquired once more.

"It proceeds adequately, though a substantial chasm remains before a breakthrough can be achieved!" Master Zitian emitted another sigh.

"Mm. However, heed my counsel: exercise restraint in your utilization of that particular Treasure!"

...

At the Celestial Phoenix Oasis, within the confines of Celestial Shadow Peak's Grotto Heaven.

In this moment, Ye Jingcheng was overwhelmed with an equally potent sense of exhilaration.

Within his Grotto Heaven, the magnificent Five-Colored Cloud Deer and the swift Golden Falcon had finally achieved their advancement.

Currently, the two Spirit Beasts were engaged in a spirited aerial ballet, soaring with an unbridled sense of joy.

The confines of the Grotto Heaven no longer presented the former sense of cramped limitation. While it had not yet attained grand dimensions, it was now sufficiently spacious to accommodate the uninhibited flight of the two magnificent beasts.

"Ji!"

The Golden Falcon, unable to contain its elation, emitted a prolonged, resonant cry, seemingly reluctant to alight for an extended period. Meanwhile, the Five-Colored Cloud Deer had commenced the absorption of the ethereal dew present within the Grotto Heaven, as if seeking to reclaim every drop it had previously missed.

Ye Jingcheng observed the pair of creatures with a gentle smile. These two companions had been enduring a significant period of stagnation; after all, the other Spirit Beasts were already nearing the threshold of Fourth Tier, while they remained anchored at the Late Stage of Third Tier. Now that their long-awaited breakthrough had finally been achieved, it was only natural that they would express their exhilaration exuberantly.

Regarding Ye Jingcheng himself, his Cultivation had also seen significant advancements over the past half year. Not only was he finally capable of unleashing Bing Fire Divine Thunder within the broader spectrum of the Five Elements Divine Thunder, but his overall Cultivation had also markedly improved.

This progress was largely due to his refinement of numerous Tier Four Spirit Pills during this period.

Practicing the Five Spirits True Manual allowed him to effectively utilize nearly all types of Spirit Pills.

Nevertheless, he was still a considerable distance from reaching the Middle Stage of the Golden Core realm.

Beyond his personal Cultivation and the development of his Spirit Beasts, he had utilized the Tier Three Soul-Devouring Insect corpse, brought back by Ye Haisheng, to concoct Tier Three Dream-Devouring Pills. Several months prior, one such pill was administered to the Dream-Devouring Worm, facilitating its Advancement.

Once it successfully upgraded to a Tier Three Dream-Devouring Worm, it was only a matter of time before Ye Jingcheng’s Divine Sense would also break through to the Middle Stage of Golden Core.

This would ensure he wouldn’t have to worry about his own Divine Soul being insufficient once the Earth Dragon Demon King underwent its own Advancement.

"Ji!"

"Master!"

The Golden Falcon emitted another cry before finally alighting before Ye Jingcheng. Its golden head kept extending forward insistently, clearly seeking Ye Jingcheng to bestow it with Treasure Light.

As if by unspoken agreement, the Five-Colored Cloud Deer also nudged affectionately against Ye Jingcheng.

"Yoo—yoo—" it called out twice!

However, this Cloud Deer held its head high, projecting an air of far greater pride than the Golden Falcon.

It seemed as though it too had reached Fourth Tier.

Ye Jingcheng saw no reason to disappoint the Cloud Deer; after all, it had just achieved its breakthrough.

He generously provided both Treasure Light and Spirit Pills. Both were instrumental in advancing Ye Jingcheng’s Cultivation; while their immediate impact might be somewhat moderate, their long-term potential was substantial.

Furthermore, with the two beasts now at the peak of Tier Three, their next step was simply to undergo tempering.

Following this, by feeding them Tier Four Demon Pills, their prospects of advancing to the rank of Tier Four Demon Kings would undoubtedly be significant.

After all, both the Four-Colored Cloud Deer and the Golden Falcon had consumed Tier Three Advancement Pills, attesting to their now considerable talent.

Upon concluding the bestowal of Treasure Light, Ye Jingcheng presented each beast with a Tier Three Top-Grade Spirit Pill adorned with Pill Patterns.

He had been diligently conducting Alchemy sessions, opening numerous furnaces during this period.

Primarily, the Spirit Medicines sourced from the Pill Desolate Secret Realm and the high-tier Spiritual Medicine from the Desert Sea had overwhelmingly fallen into Ye Jingcheng’s possession.

Following the passing of Ye Shengyi, the Ye Family’s former Tier Four Alchemist, a noticeable void had emerged in the family’s alchemy proficiency. Apart from Ye Jingcheng, only Xuefu held the rank of a Tier Three Alchemist, and Xuefu was currently in the Cyan Cloud Sea Domain and unable to return.

The remaining Alchemy Masters were all merely Tier Two Alchemists.

Consequently, he had amassed a substantial quantity of Tier Four Spirit Pills and Tier Three Spirit Pills.

Several of these even bore Pill Patterns. Now that the two Spirit Beasts had advanced, this was precisely the time for consolidation, and utilizing Pill Pattern Spirit Pills would effectively shorten this process.

After tending to the two Spirit Beasts, Ye Jingcheng shifted his attention to the Jade Ring Rat.

After a prolonged period, the Jade Ring Rat had finally achieved the breakthrough to the Mid-stage of the Second Tier, and its ears had perceptibly enlarged once more.

They now appeared somewhat disproportionate.

Yet, its eyes shone brightly, and its Breathing Technique had become notably more fluid.

It emitted a continuous series of squeaks while remaining by the Spirit Field.

It was diligently guarding the Earthworm, which was currently in the throes of its own breakthrough; upon success, it would ascend to the status of a Tier Three Earthworm.

Since the Earthworm had previously guarded the Jade Ring Rat, and understanding that Ye Jingcheng might reward it with Elixirs upon its success, it faithfully stood watch over the breakthrough process.

Despite its current weakness, it clearly comprehended the principle of reciprocating kindness shown.

Ye Jingcheng approached and bestowed upon the Jade Ring Rat a genuine Spirit Pill specifically for advancing its Cultivation.

After infusing it with some Treasure Light as well, Ye Jingcheng made preparations to depart.

After all, the Ye Family’s clan assembly was fast approaching.

While many individuals would still be unable to attend this particular gathering, it represented, at the very least, the most expansive assembly of the Ye Family to date, encompassing Clan Cultivators from both the Hidden Peak and Lingyun Peak.