The Journey Home, Hearts Pledged (4k)

At the edge of the Star Dou Great Forest, the chilling atmosphere gradually dissipated, replaced by a sense of relief after surviving a calamity and an exhilarating feeling of having reaped a bountiful harvest.

The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan successfully left that perilous primeval region. Looking back, the towering ancient trees were still deep and secluded, but no longer gave people a suffocating sense of oppression.

"Although this journey was perilous, the gains have exceeded expectations." Yu Boxuan's breathing had stabilized considerably. Looking at his grandson beside him, whose aura had become increasingly profound and vast, his eyes were filled with satisfaction. "Chen'er has successfully obtained his Eighth Soul Ring, and it's of 100,000-year quality. He has also acquired Spirit Bone, and his strength has increased dramatically. This is truly a great fortune for our sect!"

Everyone nodded, their gazes towards Yu Yuanchen filled with admiration and fervor.

Yu Yuanchen nodded slightly, feeling the surging, unprecedented power within his body, and a sense of peace and satisfaction filled his heart. Level 83 Soul Power, two top-grade Hundred Thousand Year Soul Skill, the physical and Life- level elevation brought by a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone, and... a deeper understanding of the Soul Core Condensation Method. This trip to the Star Dou was utterly perfect.

His gaze shifted to Tang Chen beside him. This young master of the Clear Sky Sect had a calm expression, and most of the hatred and ferocity in his eyes had dissipated, replaced by a sense of calm and clarity that came from experiencing the baptism of war and revenge.

"Brother Tang, what are your plans next?" Yu Yuanchen asked.

Tang Chen took a deep breath, looked towards the direction of the Clear Sky Sect, and said in a steady voice, "My great revenge has been avenged, and my heart is at peace. This trip, along with Brother Yuanchen and Brother Qian, has been very fruitful in exploring profound techniques, and I have also become aware of my own shortcomings. I need to return to the sect, go into Secluded Cultivation and digest what I have learned, and strive to break through my bottleneck as soon as possible and condense the Soul Core Prototype. In the future... when we have both achieved our titles, we will have another chance to spar!"

His words no longer held much melancholy, but rather a firm resolve and anticipation for the future. With such a resolute will, he naturally wouldn't dwell on past emotions for long.

Yu Yuanchen nodded. "I look forward to the day when I can discuss the Dao with Brother Tang again."

Tang Chen cupped his hands and solemnly said, "Brother Yuanchen, I will remember your help this time. If you ever need my assistance in the future, Tang Chen Clear Sky Sect will certainly not refuse!" This was his promise to Yu Yuanchen for helping him take revenge and for sharing the Method of Soul Cores.

Having said that, he said no more, turned around and transformed into Daoliu, speeding northwards until his figure quickly disappeared into the horizon.

After seeing Tang Chen off, Yu Yuanchen and his group did not linger and returned to Dragon City at full speed.

Upon returning to the family, there was naturally another round of celebration and excitement. Yu Yuanchen's breakthrough and astonishing achievements further enhanced the prestige and strength of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.

In the days that followed, Yu Yuanchen entered a long period of stable and secluded Secluded Cultivation.

He did not rush to reach a higher Soul Power Level, but instead devoted most of his energy to consolidating his rapidly increasing Cultivation Level, deeply comprehending the power of the two newly acquired Hundred Thousand Year Soul Skill and Spirit Bone, and further deducing and perfecting his own Soul Core Condensation Method.

Cultivation Level the Soul Douluo level, each level of advancement requires immense accumulation and comprehension, and cannot be rushed. He needs time to fully digest this gain and transform it into a more solid foundation.

In his spare time, he spent most of his time with Ye Zhilan.

The Ye Family courtyard is filled with the fragrance of flowers.

Yu Yuanchen and Ye Zhilan sat facing each other. Several sheets of paper covered with dense handwriting and energy execution diagrams were spread on the stone table. They were deduction notes about the "Blood Essence Martial Path System".

"Zhilan, look here," Yu Yuanchen pointed to a key point related to the circulation of Blood Essence and blood and the nourishment of the internal organs. "Ordinary Soul Master have insufficient physical strength. Forcibly circulating Blood Essence here can easily damage the heart meridian. If we supplement it with gentle medicinal power to guide and nourish it from the side, can we reduce the risk and improve efficiency?"

Ye Zhilan examined the medicine closely, her delicate brows furrowing slightly. After a moment of contemplation, a glint of wisdom appeared in her eyes. "Brother Yuanchen is absolutely right. Based on my knowledge, one could use ' Warm Meridian Grass ' and ' Heart Protecting Lotus ' as the main ingredients, supplemented with ' Blood Ganoderma ' powder, to make a paste. This paste could be applied externally to this acupoint before practicing, or taken internally as a decoction afterward. This should greatly alleviate the burden on the meridians caused by the rushing of Blood Essence."

Her voice was soft yet clear and articulate, demonstrating an exceptionally thorough understanding of the medicinal properties.

Upon hearing this, Yu Yuanchen's eyes revealed approval. "Excellent! In this way, the cultivation threshold here can be lowered by at least 20%! Zhilan, your talent in medicine is indeed extraordinary."

Receiving his praise, Ye Zhilan blushed slightly and lowered her head shyly. "Brother Yuanchen, you flatter me. I've only been exposed to these things since I was a child, and practice makes perfect. It's you, Brother Yuanchen, who created the Blood Essence System, that is so profound and comprehensive, and how it fits so well with medical principles. That's truly admirable."

The two often discussed the various possibilities of combining Blood Essence cultivation with Medical Skill in the courtyard. One provided the framework and direction, while the other supplemented the details and ensured safety. Yu Yuanchen shared his understanding of Blood Essence without reservation; Ye Zhilan also devoted herself to improving the system with her own knowledge, making it safer and more accessible.

During this process, their friendship deepened. Yu Yuanchen admired Ye Zhilan's gentleness, intelligence, and her focus and talent in medicine; Ye Zhilan, in turn, admired Yu Yuanchen's strength, composure, wisdom, and the maturity and responsibility he inadvertently revealed that surpassed his age.

Love grows over time, and things naturally progress.

On this day, as the sun set, it bathed the courtyard in a warm golden light.

Yu Yuanchen finished a calculation and looked at the girl beside him who was carefully organizing her notes. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on her serene profile, casting a soft halo around her face, making her look exceptionally beautiful.

Witnessing this beautiful scene, his heart stirred slightly. After a long while, he gently put down his pen and softly called out, "Zhilan."

"Hmm?" Ye Zhilan raised her head, her clear eyes looking at him. Her pretty face showed a hint of confusion, making her exceptionally cute.

Yu Yuanchen looked at her with gentle yet earnest eyes and said slowly, "These past few days, discussing cultivation with you and taking leisurely strolls together, I've been very happy. I'm gradually getting used to having you in my life. You are kind, intelligent, and resilient. Before, I only knew how to cultivate, but now, while cultivating, I also begin to look forward to meeting you again."

Yu Yuanchen's apple bobbed, his eyes incredibly serious. "I wonder... would you be willing to stay with me, to let me protect you, and to spend the rest of my life with you?"

His words were direct yet utterly sincere, without the slightest hint of frivolity.

Ye Zhilan was completely taken aback by his sudden confession and froze instantly. Her fair cheeks flushed crimson, like a ripe apple, her heart pounded, and she lowered her head helplessly, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her clothes. Her voice was barely audible as she stammered, "Brother Yuanchen... I... I..."

She had long harbored feelings for Yu Yuanchen, but had never dared to express them. Now, hearing him speak frankly, she was both surprised and shy, unsure how to respond.

Yu Yuanchen did not urge her, but simply looked at her quietly, his eyes gentle yet firm.

After a long while, Ye Zhilan finally mustered her courage, raised her head, and met his gaze. Her cheeks were still flushed, but she nodded gently, her voice soft yet clear. "I... I do."

After saying that, she immediately lowered her head in embarrassment, her ears turning bright red.

A smile appeared on Yu Yuanchen's face, and his heart was filled with peace and joy. He was not acting impulsively, but rather after careful consideration. Ye Zhilan was indeed his ideal partner; they were compatible in temperament, shared similar interests, and got along well. Since they were mutually attracted, there was no need for hesitation.

"But..." Ye Zhilan suddenly remembered something, raised her head, and a trace of worry flashed in her eyes, "Brother Yuanchen, my Cultivation Level is still shallow, only at level fifty-two. This is the golden period for cultivation. If... if we talk about marriage too early, I'm afraid it will distract me and delay my cultivation..."

In the early stages of Soul Master's cultivation, speed is crucial, especially for Healing System Soul Master like her, who needs time to accumulate experience. She worried that becoming engaged would create some obstacles.

Upon hearing this, Yu Yuanchen smiled slightly, "It's alright. We Soul Master have long lifespans, why rush things?"

He paused, then explained in detail, "As far as I know, ordinary Titled Douluo (levels 91 to 94), without special opportunities, have a lifespan of about 150 to 200 years; Super Douluo (Level 98), with even more vigorous Blood Essence and a deeper understanding of the world, can have a lifespan of 200 to 300 years; while the legendary Titled Douluo (level 99), whose physical body and soul begin to transform, touching the boundary between gods and mortals, can have a lifespan of 300 to 400 years."

"Only those who are favored by the gods, such as high priests of the God Position, Divine Inheritance, or those who have gone further than the Titled Douluo level and begun to become Demigod, can break through the limits of mortals and enjoy a longer lifespan, even reaching a thousand years, by having their bodies and souls continuously nourished by Divine Power."

"Both of us have the potential to be granted titles, and the future is long. Moreover, Healing System Soul Master like you has a lifespan much longer than other Soul Master of the same level. Now is the golden age of your cultivation, so you should focus on improving your Cultivation Level and consolidating your foundation. My idea is to first establish a marriage agreement, and then hold the wedding ceremony after you Cultivation Level, at least to the level of Soul Sage. What do you think?"

After hearing this, Ye Zhilan's worries vanished, replaced by a warm feeling. Yu Yuanchen was not in a hurry to get married; instead, he considered her needs and thought about her future in every way. This respect and thoughtfulness moved her even more.

"Yes, I'll do whatever Brother Yuanchen says." She nodded gently, a happy smile on her face.

A few days later, Yu Yuanchen told his father, Yu Mingfeng, and grandfather Yu Boxuan, about the matter.

Yu Mingfeng, already Soul Douluo Cultivation Level (level 82), clapped his hands and laughed upon hearing this, "Great news! That girl from the Ye Family is gentle and sensible, and has great talent. She's a perfect match for Chen'er! I saw it long ago!" He had a very good impression of Ye Zhilan.

Yu Boxuan readily agreed, "Although the Ye Family is not a combat sect, their Nine Heart Begonia Spirit is unique and top-notch in the field of support and healing, which complements my Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Zhilan is a kind-hearted child and is in love with Chen'er, which is excellent! I will personally discuss this matter with the Ye Family head."

Regarding his grandson's marriage, this level 97 Super Douluo acted just like an ordinary grandfather.

A few days later, Yu Boxuan personally led Yu Yuanchen, prepared generous gifts, and visited the Ye Family.

The Ye Family mansion was not luxurious, but it was filled with the fragrance of medicine and tranquility. The current head of the family, Ye Kuan, was a sprightly and kind-faced old man with Cultivation Level level of eighty-nine Soul Douluo. He was also recognized as the number one Medical Skill in the world, and the healing effect of his Nine Heart Begonia Spirit was miraculous.

However, due to the limitations of the times, the overall development of medicine in mainland China is still relatively crude, relying more on the characteristics of Martial Soul and experience, and systematic and theoretical research is still insufficient.

Ye Kuan was somewhat surprised by Yu Boxuan and Yu Yuanchen's visit, especially when he saw Yu Yuanchen, a subtle and complex emotion flashed in his eyes. He had long seen through his granddaughter's feelings for this genius of the Yu Family. Although he was pleased with his talent, he couldn't help but feel a little resentful that his own daughter had been taken, and he was also worried that his granddaughter would be wronged.

However, when Yu Boxuan explained his purpose and mentioned that he wanted to share the "Blood Essence Martial Path System" with the Ye Family for in-depth cooperation, Ye Kuan was immediately shocked!

He carefully read through the outline and operating principles of the Qi and Blood Essence System that Yu Yuanchen had brought, and the more he read, the more astonished and excited he became! This was a completely new path, unprecedented in its exploration of human potential and strengthening of physical foundation! Especially for the Ye Family, its significance was extraordinary!

It's an undeniable fact that Nine Heart Begonia Soul Master are weak in combat. However, if they cultivate this Blood Essence System, with its powerful healing abilities, they can withstand more aggressive and efficient body-refining methods, rapidly increasing their physical strength and Qi and Bloodline Power, thus gaining a certain degree of self-defense and even close-combat ability! It's practically tailor-made for them!

"This... this method, are you really willing to share it with my Ye Family?" Ye Kuan's voice trembled slightly as he looked at Yu Boxuan and Yu Yuanchen in disbelief.

Yu Boxuan smiled and said, "Patriarch Ye Family, there's no need to doubt. This method was created by Chen'er, but its perfection cannot be achieved by one person or one family alone. The Ye Family's Medical Skill are unparalleled on the continent, which can make up for the shortcomings of this system in terms of safety, conditioning, and nourishment. We sincerely hope to cooperate for mutual benefit."

Yu Yuanchen also spoke up, "Grandpa Ye, if this system can be integrated with the essence of the Ye Family's Medical Skill, it will surely be more perfect and benefit more people. I would also like to take this opportunity to learn some medical knowledge from the Ye Family, broaden my horizons, and perhaps it will also be beneficial to my subsequent cultivation." He did not directly mention that he was looking for information on Immortal Herb, so as not to appear too purposeful.

Upon hearing this, Ye Kuan had no more doubts; the resentment in his heart had long since vanished amidst his immense joy! He looked at Yu Yuanchen, his eyes filled with admiration and gratitude. "Nephew Yuanchen, you are so young yet possess such breadth of vision and achievements; I admire you greatly! It is Zhilan's good fortune to have gained your favor! The entire Ye Family has no objections to this matter! We will certainly do our utmost to help you perfect this Great Dao of Blood Essence!"

He immediately agreed to the marriage and stated that he would open most of the Ye Family's medical books to Yu Yuanchen for reference, and fully support the research on the Blood Essence System.

Both the marriage and the business partnership have brought joy to everyone.

Yu Yuanchen then frequently visited the Ye Family's Library Pavilion, browsing through various medical texts. His aim wasn't to master Medical Skill, but rather to broaden his horizons, understand the properties of herbs in this world, and, more importantly, secretly search for clues about those legendary "Immortal Herb." His memories of his previous life were hazy; he only knew of Immortal Herb existence, but not their specific forms, habits, or origins. The Ye Family, with its long history, might possess some scattered records.

Persistence pays off. After months of tedious searching, he finally found a number of detailed records in an extremely old but well-preserved herbal medicine notebook. It mentioned several "miracle treasures of heaven and earth" with the effect of defying fate. The descriptions were somewhat similar to the "Aromatic Silk Beauty" and "Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum" in his memory. It also vaguely mentioned the terrain of "ice and fire coexisting", but did not record the specific location.

"The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well..." Yu Yuanchen closed the ancient book, his eyes gleaming. "It really exists... It seems I'll need to pay more attention to information in this area in the future."

Having found a clue, he stopped rushing things, put the matter aside for the time being, and continued to focus on his own cultivation and the condensation of his Soul Core.

Peaceful and fulfilling days passed slowly. Yu Yuanchen's Cultivation Level was steadily improving, and his understanding of the Soul Core was becoming more profound; his Blood Essence System was constantly being perfected with the help of the Ye Family; and his relationship with Ye Zhilan was also growing stronger.

The mainland appears calm on the surface, but undercurrents are surging. The Spirit Hall is making increasingly frequent moves, discussions about the Upper Three Sects are quietly circulating, and all factions are secretly accumulating strength.

A storm may be brewing.