Since Xiao Yufan had offered sincerely, Ye Kong did not refuse. He crossed his legs and began absorbing the medicinal power of the Tianzang Flower…
Xie Yuan and the others gazed at Ye Kong with envy, their eyes ablaze with longing. If they, too, could obtain even a single petal of the Tianzang Flower, they might break through to the先天 (Qian Tian) realm, making this journey to the mysterious location truly worthwhile.
“I wonder if that woman has already consumed the Tianzang Flower. Hopefully, nobody disturbed her by the stream!”
Watching Ye Kong’s expression shift constantly as he absorbed the Tianzang Flower’s power, Xiao Yufan couldn’t help but think of Hua Yun. During the absorption process, one’s defenses were at their weakest. If interrupted externally, it could easily lead to serious injury.
Ye Kong didn’t hesitate because he knew Xiao Yufan and Cheng Ying had sufficient strength to protect him. However, Hua Yun was different. Among the Baihua Island group, she was the only one who had reached the先天 realm, which meant no one could protect her while she absorbed the Tianzang Flower’s power.
Shaking his head, Xiao Yufan was puzzled why he even cared about that cold-hearted woman who seemed to distrust all men. He didn’t have much fondness for her in the first place.
As time passed, beads of sweat began to roll down Ye Kong’s forehead. It was clear he was enduring intense pressure.
“The path of cultivation is never smooth. Only through greater pain can one hope to reach the peak…”
Muttering softly to himself, Xiao Yufan made no move to intervene. He could have helped ease Ye Kong’s suffering, but that wouldn’t have benefited Ye at all. Nothing in the world comes for free—everyone knows this.
Ye Kong’s talent was never lacking to begin with. If he hadn’t been so greedy during his attempt to breakthrough to the Half-Step先天 realm, he might have already reached the先天 realm by now.
This trial could be seen as a form of punishment, though the cost was painfully high—a single petal of the Tianzang Flower! Even thinking about it now made Xiao Yufan cringe inwardly…
Boom!
Who knew how much time had passed when a low groan echoed out. Xiao Yufan, who had been meditating, slowly opened his eyes. It seemed Ye Kong had succeeded.
The air currents began to swirl gently around Ye Kong, and his aura surged dramatically. Under the sheer pressure of his rising power, several experts at the peak of the Hou Tian realm instinctively took two steps back.
“The先天 realm truly possesses an awe-inspiring presence and strength…” As everyone watched, Ye Kong slowly rose to his feet, his voice brimming with newfound confidence.
He hadn’t expected the Tianzang Flower’s medicinal power to be so potent. Initially, he thought that even with the petal, he wouldn’t be able to breakthrough to the先天 realm in one go. But the result had surpassed all expectations.
Although the pain he had endured was terrifying to recall, compared to the strength gained from reaching the Pre-natal Realm, any suffering was worth it.
“Congratulations, Brother Ye, on attaining the先天 realm! Our team has now gained another先天 expert!”
A faint smile appeared on Xiao Yufan’s face. Ye Kong’s breakthrough significantly strengthened the group, and naturally, Xiao Yufan was thrilled. In this mysterious place, every bit of strength meant an increased chance of survival.
“I must thank you, Brother Xiao, for your generous help. Without the Tianzang Flower petal, I probably would have needed several more months before I could truly experience the power of this realm!”
Attaining the先天 Realm had transformed Ye Kong’s mindset. His previous resentment toward Xiao Yufan had dissipated. At this moment, he only felt gratitude—without Xiao Yufan’s generosity in giving him the Tianzang Flower despite their past conflicts, he wouldn’t have experienced the power of the先天 Realm so soon.
“Now that Brother Ye has chosen to stay, this is what you rightfully deserve.”
Ye Kong’s transformation was clearly visible to Xiao Yufan, who felt a surge of joy. It was obvious his plan had worked.
“I guess I was being a bit narrow-minded. Brother Xiao, you responded to hostility with kindness—I’m honored to call you a friend!”
Glancing at the elegant and refined beauty beside him, Ye Kong finally let go of his emotional burden. His affection for Cheng Ying had always been a one-sided infatuation. Now he realized that such an extraordinary woman truly belonged only with the man standing before him.
“Shouldn’t I feel lucky to have a young master from the Qingling Sect as a friend?”
A faint, amused smile played on Xiao Yufan’s lips, while inside he was practically bursting with joy. Ye Kong’s reaction had exceeded his expectations. He hadn’t anticipated that after reaching the先天 realm, Ye’s personality would change so drastically.
“Cheng Ying’s status in the Qingling Sect is several levels above mine. Surely you’re not still concerned about my background?”
Ye Kong gave a helpless shrug, a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. He knew Xiao Yufan had said it only to ease the awkwardness between them.
“How can it be the same?” Xiao Yufan chuckled, scratching his nose. “You still speak as bluntly as ever.”
“Forget all that. Brother Xiao, would you mind giving me a little test?”
Slightly licking his lips, Ye Kong’s eyes burned with renewed intensity. He had previously lost to Xiao Yufan, a bitter memory that had always troubled him. Now that he had entered the先天 realm, his confidence had greatly increased.
“Since you’re eager to test my strength, how could I possibly refuse?”
Xiao Yufan’s eyes narrowed slightly with a mischievous smile. Seeing this signature expression, Ye Kong felt a sudden chill run down his back.
Hearing their conversation, the others became excited. A battle between two先天 experts—something they had never even witnessed at the ancient martial arts gatherings.
“Do you think, between Captain Xiao and Brother Ye, who has a better chance of winning?” One of the men beside Xie Yuan asked as the two prepared to face off.
“Don’t dare say you know me, you idiot! Asking such a stupid question! You should be asking how many moves it’ll take Brother Ye to fall before Captain Xiao!”
Xie Yuan cast a glance of disdain at his companion. Xiao Yufan’s strength was like a bottomless abyss—no one could truly fathom its depth. Ye Kong had barely entered the先天 realm; how could he possibly stand a chance?
“Got it, got it. Then how many moves do you think Brother Ye can last?”
The man quickly switched to a fawning tone. Xie Yuan had a point—Captain Xiao was just too powerful. This would probably be a one-sided match.
“At most ten moves!” Xie Yuan declared with an air of seniority, causing the others’ eyes to nearly pop out of their sockets. Was it really going to be that one-sided?
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