Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book Chapter 1086 - 765: Invitation to the Ritual Array, the Arrogant Kong Family
Previously on Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book...
The gentle spring rain once again graced Lingyun Peak, causing the vegetation to flourish with an intoxicating fragrance. Brooks babbled as the entire mountain peak teemed with vibrant life.
Within the grand hall, Ye Jingyun and Ye Jingyu were in attendance, naturally accompanied by Ye Jing Hu, who had recently achieved a breakthrough to the Purple Mansion realm. Having resolved his internal conflicts, his cultivation had truly soared, and two years prior, he had already reached the Purple Mansion stage, becoming the second cultivator of that realm on Lingyun Peak.
At this moment, everyone had convened to deliberate on both the upcoming Ye Family clan meeting at Lingyun Peak and the crucial matter of the Teleportation Array.
The Ye Family had amassed significant resources in the Desert Sea, including potent magical artifacts, spirit fish, spirit stones, and various spirit beast materials and pills. However, conveying these treasures back to Lingyun Peak was proving impossible, and converting them into usable resources would represent a substantial loss for the family.
Furthermore, despite receiving intelligence from the Central Domain, the Ye Family remained unfamiliar with its intricacies. It would necessitate several years of acclimatization before they could fully exert their influence there.
Until then, the Ye Family's primary trading partners would continue to be the Yan Kingdom and other nations within the Eastern Domain.
Among these, the Tian Dao Sect, due to its weakened state, presented a viable trading partner. The demand for their magical artifacts was high, especially considering the sect's numerous cultivators who specialized in saber refinement.
The Nine Peaks of the Tian Dao Sect each embodied a distinct saber technique. When such a sect flourished, it naturally commanded formidable power, but in decline, it could also crumble swiftly.
Even with remedial measures implemented by the Tian Dao Sect in recent years, their efforts had thus far proven futile.
"Let us host the Purple Mansion ceremony alongside Jing Hu's breakthrough, extending invitations to several Purple Mansion clans as well as the Xiao Family from Celestial Arrival Commandery. We can utilize them as intermediaries to engage with the senior officials of the Tian Dao Sect, particularly Master Mo Dao!"
"Additionally, I shall present myself under the guise of Jingcheng, and have the people from the Hidden Peaks pose as former clan members to re-enter the broader circle of influence. Otherwise, our negotiations concerning the Teleportation Array might be jeopardized!" Ye Jingyu declared. At this juncture, his sights were set not only on the Spatial Jade but also on Master Mo Dao's Bone Flame Demon Fox Essence Blood. The Spatial Jade alone was insignificant in his eyes.
The Tian Dao Sect was presently in dire need of Longevity Elixirs.
"Excellent!" Ye Jingyun and Ye Jing Hu both concurred.
However, after a moment of contemplation, a question arose: "Which peaks of the Taiyi Sect should we extend invitations to?"
"Extend invitations to all Five Peaks. The Taiyi Sect has already reached an accord with Jingcheng; this time, we shall invite all Five Peaks. Furthermore, we must remain vigilant against any disruptions from the remnants of the Zhang Family, and also keep a close watch on the Jin and Kong families," Ye Jingyu advised.
As these arrangements were being finalized, the spiritual energy in the sky began to coalesce visibly.
Upon observing this phenomenon, a spark of anticipation ignited in Ye Jingyu's eyes. "Father is finally on the verge of breaking through!" Ye Xingliu's Purple Mansion Jade Liquid had been sourced from Lingyun Peak, utilizing Ye Qingyan's allotted quota. Yet, despite Ye Qingyan's breakthrough two years prior, he was currently only at the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment.
The Ye Family had long since prepared the Purple Mansion Jade Liquid for Ye Xingliu; it had simply not been delivered due to the absence of a functional Teleportation Array.
"I shall go and manage the Array, perhaps obscuring its operations slightly!" Ye Jingyun promptly volunteered.
Ye Jingyun departed to oversee the Array, while Ye Jingyu and Ye Jing Hu journeyed towards the mountain summit. Both having ascended to the Purple Mansion realm, they understood that, given the Ye Family's current circumstances, achieving this cultivation level was not an insurmountable obstacle. Ye Xingliu, having previously served as Patriarch, possessed a stable mindset and refined mana, which should facilitate the process. Moreover, the Ye Family's possession of the Five Elements Celestial Secret Technique ensured that Ye Xingliu could at least refine the Gold and Water Celestial Mansions.
Indeed, after a considerable portion of the day had passed, Ye Xingliu's aura expanded, signaling his successful breakthrough into the Purple Mansion realm. However, upon encountering Ye Xingliu, Ye Jingyu noticed an expression of profound melancholy etched upon his face. Observing this, Ye Jingyu remained silent. He merely instructed the others to resume their cultivation separately before discreetly withdrawing.
Although the Heart Demon Tribulation associated with the Purple Mansion breakthrough posed no significant threat to Ye Xingliu, it inevitably dredged up painful memories for him.
...At the Taichang Market, within the Ye Family's shop, Ye Qingyan's pill furnace blazed intensely, with three Fire-Devouring Sparrows diligently fanning the flames.
Before long, the furnace lid was lifted, revealing a total of ten Jade Soul Pills.
Ye Qingyan's eyes lit up with joy upon seeing this.
"The alchemy method of Eleventh Uncle is indeed effective!" Ye Qingyan carefully put away the spirit pills and began to nurture a few Fire-Devouring Sparrows.
However, in truth, he was yearning for a Three-Eyed Demon Roc at that very moment.
Among spirit sparrows of the fire attribute, the Three-Eyed Demon Roc was undoubtedly of a higher grade than the Fire-Devouring Sparrows.
But circumstances prevented it; he had been at the Taichang Market all this time, and Ye Jingcheng was not present in the Taihang Mountain Range, making it inconvenient.
Stepping out of the courtyard gate, he discovered a multitude of spirit talismans scattered at the entrance.
"Has Uncle Hu ascended as well? It seems I must redouble my efforts..."
"The Kong Family is targeting our Ye Family once more!" Ye Qingyan's initial delight turned to a degree of anger.
A few years prior, the Kong Family had acquired a Tier Four Demon Beast Core, enabling the cultivation of a Fake Pill Cultivator. Now, they were again suppressing the Ye Family's tavern.
While the Jin Family maintained courteous relations with the Ye Family, the Kong Family, having just recovered some strength, began to provoke the Ye Family. Ye Qingyan was naturally displeased.
"Yun Yu, go and invite your Uncle Jing Teng and Aunt Qingshuang!" Ye Qingyan deliberated for a moment before giving the instruction.
Soon, Ye Jingteng and Ye Qingshuang arrived in the courtyard, accompanied by several disciples from the Taiyi Sect.
Currently, Ye Qingshuang not only held a chief position but had also advanced her cultivation to the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment, possessing a robust cultivation base.
"Elder brother, Qingshuang, welcome! Please come in!" Ye Qingyan promptly invited them into the residence.
He then produced two jade bottles, each surprisingly filled with freshly refined Jade Soul Pills—one bottle contained two, and the other held three.
"Qingyan, there's no need for such formalities!" Ye Jingteng did not accept them immediately, instead stating:
"I've been informed about the Kong Family's recent activities. Currently, preparations have been made for the Taiyi Sect to be accommodated at the Ye Family Tavern, although the Kong Family has been closely associating with Dharma Peak lately!" It was evident that Ye Jingteng was concerned Ye Qingyan might wish to discuss this matter, but seeing Ye Qingyan wave his hand dismissively, he continued.
"Elder brother, the Kong Family's affairs are trivial matters, not worthy of discussion. This occasion is to celebrate Uncle Jinghu's breakthrough and Eleventh Uncle's return to Lingyun Peak; we are holding a ceremony for Uncle Jinghu and inaugurating the Ye Family's Immortal Ascension Conference!" Ye Qingyan declared.
"Jinghu has also broken through?" Upon hearing this, Ye Jingteng couldn't help but feel that his own cultivation at the Early Stage of Purple Mansion seemed somewhat inadequate once more.
"How is your Eleventh Uncle's alchemy skill now?" he inquired immediately, eager for the information.
He had amassed a considerable amount of spirit medicine, intending to exchange it for spirit pills with Ye Jingcheng.
Consequently, he was quite excited.
After all, he had not engaged in trade with Ye Jingcheng for decades, which had led to a period of stagnation in his cultivation.
"Eleventh Uncle remains in the Middle Stage of Purple Mansion!" Ye Qingyan added, unable to resist.
Naturally, he also presented various invitation cards.
"Elder brother, Qingshuang, I hope you can assist me in delivering these invitations to the cultivators of the Upper Sect's Five Peaks!"
Ye Qingyan had meticulously prepared the invitations, extending them to all Golden Core and Nascent Soul cultivators within the Taiyi Sect, as well as some familiar Purple Mansion cultivators.
Of course, Ye Qingyan was uncertain how many of these individuals would actually attend.
However, he surmised it would not be a large number; the Ye Family's act was primarily a gesture of respect.
"Naturally!" Ye Jingteng affirmed with a nod.
"However, this time, you should also extend an invitation to the Kong Family. You could use this opportunity to apply some pressure, and regarding the Jin Family, I suggest inviting them as well, but do not hold out too much hope..." Ye Jingteng advised.
Over the years, he had managed the Taichang Market for a considerable period, accumulating substantial profits and gaining keen insight into the rivalries among the various major sects.
Presently, the Jin Family's influence was not insignificant, possessing a genuine Golden Core cultivator, not merely a pseudo one.
As for the Kong Family, in Ye Jingteng's assessment, they would never truly distinguish themselves.
They deserved to be pressured, especially since, despite evident warnings, they still resorted to underhanded tactics against the Ye Family Tavern.
Conversely, the Jin Family had previously voluntarily relinquished Cyan Willow Mountain, demonstrating a much more commendable approach.
"Hmm!" Ye Qingyan acknowledged with a nod.
Naturally, within his heart, he was acutely aware that Chu Yanqing was Ye Jingcheng’s wife, and with the Ye Family now achieving Tier Five strength, the Jin Family was no different from the Kong Family in their eyes. The current predicament was how to ensure the Taiyi Sect remained inactive.
...
Within the vast expanse of the Desert Sea, specifically at Celestial Shadow Peak.
At this particular moment, Ye Jingcheng was immersed in meditation within his cave abode.
A radiant glow of yellow essence enveloped him.
Beads of sweat, as large as beans, trickled down his face, and his aura fluctuated with unpredictable intensity.
It was only after a considerable duration that he finally let out a sigh of relief.
"This Tier Five True Essence is proving exceptionally difficult to refine…" Ye Jingcheng found himself contemplating whether to laugh or cry.
Following his conversation with the Earth Dragon Demon Emperor, the emperor had entered a period of deep seclusion to consolidate his breakthrough. Meanwhile, Ye Jingcheng seized the opportunity presented by the Ye Family’s Array Talisman competition to commune with beasts. To his astonishment, he discovered that upon acquiring the Tier Five True Essence, his meridians had significantly expanded, making the essence exceedingly challenging to refine.
Ye Jingcheng spent a full ten days just to refine a minuscule portion.
The substantial disparity in cultivation had clearly resulted in a drastically reduced refinement efficiency.
Of course, despite the low efficiency, the progress was not insignificant—once refined, he could distinctly feel his Earth Phase True Essence grow considerably more potent.
In Ye Jingcheng’s estimation, if he continued to utilize the Earth Dragon’s True Essence, achieving a breakthrough to the Middle Stage of Golden Core within a decade was a distinct possibility.
Furthermore, his True Essence would attain a state of immense refinement.
The sole drawback was the potential for the other Four Phases to lag behind.
However, given that Ye Jingcheng was cultivating the Five Spirits True Manual, which did not place heavy emphasis on the balance of the Five Elements, this was less of a concern.
Ye Jingcheng rose, surprised to realize that the family martial contest had already commenced.
Upon the plaza at Celestial Shadow Peak, ten arenas were buzzing with active battles.
Each arena featured fiercely contested bouts, with spirit beasts and cultivators mingling freely, while Elders observed from the sidelines, ready to offer feedback at any moment.
What truly surprised Ye Jingcheng was that, despite Ye Yunxi’s outwardly gentle demeanor, she was holding her own against a clan member at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment.
An incessant stream of water-attribute spiritual energy, combined with a barrage of secret techniques, and bolstered by the support of her Water Spike Turtle Spirit Beast, rendered the Middle Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator unable to keep pace.
Chu Yanqing was also observing from nearby, and with a single glance, Ye Jingcheng could already ascertain the outcome.
He opted not to continue watching the martial contest.
Instead, he made his way toward the Water Attribute Spirit Lake, summoning Ye Xuefan.
Now that Ye Xuefan had reached the peak of Purple Mansion and possessed the Gold Condensing Pill, it was deemed the opportune moment for him to forge a contract with the Two-headed Turtle.
This arrangement would also liberate a blood contract slot, enabling him to capture some Black Crows!