Chapter #8: Ye Wenling cried

...

Weeks passed, and the phenomenon showed on sign of stopping. The once serene Spirit Peak became a beacon of immense power, drawing the attention of cultivators far and wide. They could feel the profound energy from miles away, an aura so intense that it made even the strong cultivators around, tremble in awe. This includes Ye Jianguo, and Ye Chen's great-grandfather, who showed up and started to guard the scene after hearing the explanation from his grandson, Ye Jianguo.

During this time, the whole mountain continued to thrive. Spiritual herbs started to grow at an unprecedented speed, their potency soared. Mystical plants, with their unique properties, became even more powerful, their effects also magnified multiple times due to the continuous influx of energy. The Spirit springs, now overflowed with rich, spiritual essence, nourishing everything within their reach,

On the other hand, the Spirit beasts, took advantage to his scene, after being baptized by the strong spiritual energy, they experienced significant transformations. They absorbed the abundant energy, growing stronger, more powerful, and some even got a wisdom of their own. Some beasts who had been on the verge of breaking through to higher cultivation did so with ease, their roars echoing across the mountain as if to celebrate their new, profound strength.

Naturally, the farmers around them also took advantage of the situation, despite their poor talent in cultivation, they managed to break the bottlenecks on their cultivation.

Of course, Ye Chen's cultivation advanced rapidly. The nurturing function of his cultivation circle worked tirelessly. The continuous flow of energy directly refined his body and mind, pushing his limits and eventually, unlocking new depths of power. The sphere around him continued to evolve, it's structure becoming more elaborate and formidable, and the quality of the Spiritual energy became top notch.

Finally, as weeks went by, the tremors suddenly subsided, and the sky slowly cleared. The mountain stood transformed, its peak now a radiant symbol of spiritual might. Ye Chen opened his eyes and felt the profound strength flowing into his veins.

Middle Nirvana Tribulation!

He skipped a major realm after weeks of continuous cultivation, and he could've went further if it wasn't for him being cautious about his foundation before breaking through.

"I could have gone further," Ye Chen murmured to himself, his voice filled with satisfaction. "But I needed to ensure my foundation was solid before breaking through. But, the benefits are clear, I can leapfrog those whose realm is one level higher than mine."

He stretched out his senses, feeling the potent aura now emanating from his core, he could also sense the stability of his new realm. The Middle Nirvana Tribulation, it had not only elevated his strength, but also refined his control over elemental energies.

Ye Chen quickly stood up, his gaze sweeping across the transformed landscape of the mountain peak. The once serene spot we was in, was now imbued with an aura of formidable spiritual energy.

'Within this Dynasty, my strength should be considered at the top right>' Ye Chen thought.

Ye Chen marveled at his power. "I've reached the Middle Nirvana Tribulation... Now I'm on par with Great-Grandfather based on Cultivation alone right?" he whispered, having a sense of achievement.

Without wasting any time, Ye Chen decided to test his speed. He focused his energy, and with a burst of lighting and fire...

Boom!

He shot down the mountain like a blazing comet. The once serene Spirit Peak was left behind in a slur as he zapped towards the foot of the mountain.

At the foot of the mountain, Ye Jianguo and Ye Chen's great-grandfather Ye Changming, were engaged in a deep discussion. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning and fire shot down from the mountain peak, stopping abruptly before them, making the both of them surprised.

Ye Chen stood before them, his eyes blazing with newfound power. The speed at which he had moved left them momentarily speechless.

"Ye Chen?" Ye Jianguo finally managed to say, his voice filled with astonishment. "How did you...? Ye Jianguo paused after he felt the abyss like power emanating from Ye Chen's body.

Ye Changming on the other side, which is usually composed, was impressed. "You've reached the Middle Nirvana Tribulation?" he asked, his eyes narrowing in surprise.

Ye Chen nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Yes, Great-Grandfather."

Ye Jianguo and Ye Changming exchanged glances, their expression showed pride and amazement.

"You've not only caught up but surpassed many of our family's expectations," Ye Changming said, his voice filled with pride. "This speed, this power... it's extraordinary."

Taking a deep breath and looking at Ye Chen. "Tell me, my great-grandson, are you pretending to be a waste all these years?"

"Uhh..." Ye Chen paused, his mind quickly running to make up a reason. "It's like great-grandfather, for years, I was studying the ancient scrolls father displayed and I only found out about something, which somehow resonated with my body."

Stroking his beard Ye Changming nodded, "I see."

Ye Jianguo stepped forward, placing a hand on Ye Chen's should. "Your progress is incredible, son. The family's future is in good hand!"

Ye Chen felt a surge of motion hearing this. "Thank you, Father, Great-Grandfather. I won't let you down."

Ye Jianguo remembered something. "Oh, and also that. During those weeks when you're cultivating, we ensured that you had the protection you needed. Your mother's family sent guards to watch over you, ensuring no harm on your way. You know, the family on your mother's side is pretty stingy. But they took a fancy to you when they saw your high potential of being a powerful person."

Ye Chen's eyes widened in the surprise. "Mother's Family?"

Ye Changming nodded, "Yes. Your mother's family has strong ties and resources. They knew the importance of your breakthrough and sent their elite guards to secure the mountain."

Ye Jianguo added. "We plan to cultivate you into the Star Empire, which is tens of millions of miles away from here. Your mother's uncle is the king of the Star Empire, a Tier 5 empire that covers a vast expanse of land and they want to support your growth."

Ye Chen replied. "What? Don't I--"

Ye Jianguo didn't let Ye Chen finish. "And your mom already told them that you're coming this week."

Ye Chen: "..."

...

The next day.

The entire dynasty buzzed with rumors and speculation. Initially, during these few days, many believed that the cultivation movements from the Ye Family's mountain were the results of Ye Wenling's. However, as more and more information came to light, and the Ye Family confirmed it, it has already been undeniable.

"It wasn't Ye Wenling who caused those powerful tremors and storms?" one elder questioned, wide-eyed.

Another answered, astonished. "No! it was Ye Chen! The so-called 'waste' of the Ye family."

The realization spread like wildfire. People who once looked down on Ye Chen felt like a clown and had to accept an undeniable truth. Ye Chen's talent was far beyond everything they had ever imagined. His recent breakthrough and the monumental changes on the mountain alone was enough proof of his prowess and potential. Just imagine someone at the Nirvana Tribulation realm causing a movement that only those at the level of an 'Earth Immortal' Realm.

"His talent is even countless times stronger than Ye Wenling',s" someone murmured in awe.

"The Ye Family's rise is already unstoppable," another one remarked. "With Ye Chen's abilities and the backing of the Star Empire, who can stand in their way?"

As the news of Ye Chen's accomplishments and his journey to the Star Empire spread, the city's power dynamics began to shift. Rivals and competitors who originally had once sought to challenge Ye family, now reconsidered their positions.

"We should let the Ye family have the business deals and the lands," one merchant advised his colleagues. "With the Star Empire's support, it's better to stand on their side rather than oppose them."

"Agreed" another nodded. "Ye Xinyue's uncle, being the king of the Star Empire changes everything. The king is also said to be fond of his family, and any conflicts about them must face the Star Empire's wrath. I heard a tier 6 sect also faced destruction because of this."

With his, the Ye family's status solidified, even the royal family must give way to them. The business disputes were settled in their favor, lands were ceded without any resistance at all, and alliances were formed with offers of support and cooperation favorable to them. Everything happened quickly, and the dynasty's people now views the Ye family with a mix of respect and caution.

...

Back at the manor, the atmosphere was charged with a mixture of excitement and melancholy. The news of Ye Chen's journey to the Star Empire had reached everyone, including Ye Wenling. She was clinging to Ye Chen, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed uncontrollably.

"Brother, do you really have to go?" Ye Wenling cried, her small hands gripping his robes tightly.

Ye Chen knelt down to her level, gently wiping her tears away. "Wenling, I have to. This is a great opportunity for me to become stronger."

"But... but I'll miss you... And... I.. I'll be a good girl from now on! I'll follow everything you say, I won't pester you like I always do..." she said between sobs, her voice trembling.

Ye Chen hugged her tightly, feeling her emotions. "I'll miss you too, Wenling. But I'll be back. And when I return, I'll be even stronger. You'll see."

...