C15 Two Nights of Breakthrough

Unbeknownst to Zuo Qiu, Ye Tian's true identity remained a mystery. Convinced by Ye Chengfeng's words, he mistakenly believed Ye Tian to be Ye Zonglei.

Eager to befriend such a prodigious talent in alchemy, Zuo Qiu was disappointed that the day's unique circumstances meant he had to put aside his intentions for the time being.

After a brief exchange with Ye Chengfeng, Zuo Qiu bid him farewell, an interaction that only served to deepen Lin Yuting's scorn for Ye Chengfeng.

Ye Chengfeng had some rapport with Lin Yuting, but as the Ye family's fortunes soared, it was Ye Chengfeng's line that languished. Lin Yuting felt vindicated in his earlier decisions, now more than ever.

Meanwhile, Ye Tian had returned home, intending to visit his father before embarking on covert cultivation. Yet, despite a thorough search, his father, Ye Chengfeng, was nowhere to be found.

"Young Master, your father is overjoyed with your accomplishments at the academy. He's gone to the Lin family to secure some elixirs for you, to help solidify your gains!"

Unable to locate his father, Ye Tian turned to Su Xue for answers. Although Ye Chengfeng had previously instructed Su Xue not to disclose the full situation to Ye Tian, how could she keep such secrets from her young master?

As Su Xue spoke, a touch of sorrow tinged her expression. She was well aware of Ye Chengfeng's frail condition; even simple movements around the house were taxing for him.

Yet, for the sake of Ye Tian, Ye Chengfeng mustered his strength, swallowing his pride to strive for his son's future, a thought that brought a sting to Su Xue's eyes.

"Young Master, your father insisted you shouldn't worry about him. He's likely settled his affairs and is on his way back. Look, he even had me prepare this meal especially for you!"

Su Xue gently took hold of Ye Tian's arm, guiding him toward the dining table laden with dishes celebrating his achievements.

"No, I must find my father first. We can all enjoy the meal together once we're reunited."

Ye Tian couldn't bring himself to care about the feast laid out before him. His father's sacrifices weighed heavily on his heart.

Having lived ten thousand years in a past life, Ye Tian believed his emotions had dulled, but Ye Chengfeng's selfless acts still pierced his heart with pain.

Ignoring Su Xue's protests, Ye Tian stepped out of the house into the light drizzle that cast a somber pall over the world.

Guided by the map etched in his memory, he made his way toward the Lin family's direction. It wasn't long before he spotted a vague silhouette ahead. Through the misty rain, the figure moved slowly, struggling against the elements—it was Ye Chengfeng.

"Father!" Ye Tian called out, quickening his pace. He knew the damp weather would only add to his father's burdens.

Rushing forward, Ye Tian reached out to steady Ye Chengfeng, whose tears flowed freely at the sight of his son, aging him further in an instant.

"Son, I'm the one who's failed you. In the past, I could have provided so much more," Ye Chengfeng lamented, his heart heavy with sorrow, now unable to support his son just as he was coming into his own.

"Father, you're being too hard on yourself. I'll make you proud, you won't have to worry about me," Ye Tian reassured, though inside he was torn with regret for not being stronger, for not holding any grudge against the Lin family's coldness.

If he were more powerful, would the Lin family have treated him this way? Surely, they would have offered medicinal pills as a matter of course.

"My boy, those words are easily spoken, but I can't bear the thought of you falling behind right from the start," Ye Chengfeng said, mistaking Ye Tian's assurance for mere consolation, his heart sinking further into despair.

Pills were what Ye Tian needed most. Already behind his peers, without medicinal aid, his journey would only grow more arduous.

"Enough of this, Father. Let's head back and have dinner. Trust me, better days are ahead," Ye Tian said, his resolve firm. He was determined not only to hasten his own progress but to see his father, Ye Chengfeng, restored to health.

With Ye Tian's assistance, he and his father Ye Chengfeng made their way back home. Although the meal had cooled slightly, there was a special warmth in the hearts of the father and son.

They exchanged pleasantries for a while, and before they knew it, the night had deepened. Ye Tian escorted his father back to the bedroom, then returned to his own room and settled into a cross-legged position on his bed.

Ye Tian gathered his true qi within his body, letting it flow with his bloodstream. The Heaven and Earth Creation Art was instantly activated! The room's atmosphere turned solemn as the Art within Ye Tian began to radiate a holy light and emit a divine sound.

As the night thickened, Ye Tian's aura grew increasingly powerful. The Spiritual Qi in the vicinity swirled around him, drawn in by his body like a vortex.

Hours passed, and with the first calls of birds and roosters, Ye Tian gradually awoke to find his strength had ascended from the fourth to the fifth level of the Qi Profound Stage.

Though medicinal pills could speed up cultivation, Ye Tian's exceptional talent, coupled with the Heaven and Earth Creation Art, meant his progress was swift. In just one night, he had advanced a full level, and he felt confident that with another night's work, he could reach the sixth level of the Qi Profound Stage.

The following day, Ye Tian kept his advancements to himself, choosing to spend the day unassumingly. When evening came, he resumed his cultivation.

"Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!"

At midnight, Ye Tian's room was suddenly bathed in light as a bright pillar emerged, followed by another dense column, illuminating the entire space.

Ye Tian slowly opened his eyes, now at the sixth level of the Qi Profound Stage. The three pillars of light birthed from the Heaven and Earth Creation Art had multiplied his potential several-fold!

Each pillar of light had the power to transform human potential, growing exponentially with each additional beam. Yet, for Ye Tian, three pillars were still not enough to satisfy his ambition.

As the two-day break drew to a close, the Ye family home buzzed with life. Ye Chengfeng, Ye Tian, and the rest of the family were all swept up in a flurry of activity.

"Listen up, all of you servants. Tomorrow is the prime opportunity for me to become Elder Zuo's apprentice. If this robe isn't impeccably prepared, I swear I'll break your legs!"

"And you lot, how can you handle the ceremonial gifts with such negligence? Any damage, and your heads wouldn't be enough to make up for the loss!"

At that moment, Ye Zonglei stood in the courtyard, his scolding echoing arrogantly as he towered over the servants. His expression was as menacing as a demon's.

The school was set to reopen tomorrow, and it was also the day Zuo Qiu would begin teaching alchemy. With this chance, all Ye Zonglei had to do was put himself forward and catch Zuo Qiu's eye, and the apprenticeship would be secured without a hitch.

Ye Zonglei couldn't afford to be careless with his attire for tomorrow, the gifts for the ceremony, or the alchemy ingredients he had prepared himself.

Success would mean becoming Zuo Qiu's disciple and an elevated status within Spirit Feather Academy. Who would then dare to provoke a disciple of Zuo Qiu?

"Second Uncle, I truly appreciate your efforts, but it's unavoidable. The entire Ye family's preparations were ordered by Grandfather, and I'm sure you wouldn't dream of defying his wishes, would you?"

Having finished berating the servants, Ye Zonglei's gaze shifted to Ye Chengfeng and Ye Tian, who were tucked away in a corner. The smirk playing on his lips was unmistakably clear.