Chapitre 3: Chapter #3: Third milestone
...
After closing the door, Ye Jiaguo quickly used his power to construct a sound-proof barrier. "Ye Chen, how did you do it"
"How did you directly skip a level? He asked, his voice filled with curiosity and concern.
Ye Chen paused for a moment, his mind racing to find an explanation that would keep the system's existence a secret.
He knew for a fact that revealing the system could bring unforeseen dangers not only to himself but also to his entire family who greatly loved him.
Taking a deep breath, Ye Chen decided to make up a story that would be convincing enough, "Father, you remember that ancient scrolls you found years ago?" he began, his voice filled with confidence.
Ye Jianguo nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly as he recalled the incident. "Yes, the scrolls with the cultivation techniques and secrets of elemental affinities. In which for years, none of our clan members were able to decipher it's secret?. What about them?
Ye Chen continued, "I've been studying them for a while now. There were some hidden techniques in those scrolls that I've been experimenting with. Recently, I discovered a unique method to enhance elemental affinities by combining different elemental stones. It's a risky process, but I decided to give it a try."
Ye Jianguo's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean, you used those techniques to absorb the elemental energies from the stones?"
Ye Chen nodded slightly. "Exactly. The process is super complex and very dangerous, but everything paid off. The combination of fire and lightning elements created a powerful synergy within my cultivation base, allowing me to directly break through to the Mortal Core Realm." Slightly pausing, he continued. "And thanks to that, my cultivation speed multiplied more than a hundredfold!"
Hearing this, Ye Jianguo looked at his son with a mix of awe and concern. "Ye Chen, this is extraordinary. But you must be careful. We need to keep this information within our family."
"I understand, Father. I will be cautious," Ye Chen replied, his voice filled with determination.
Ye Jianguo sighed, placing a hand on Ye Chen's shoulder. "You've grown stronger than I ever imagined, my son. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. We must protect our family and ourselves from those who might seek something that would be dangerous to us. Yes, our Ye family is strong, but it is not invincible, there's always someone who'd be stronger than us, always remember that."
Ye Chen nodded, understanding the weight of his father's words. "I promise, Father. I will do my utmost best to protect our family."
With a final, reassuring squeeze of Ye Chen's shoulder, Ye Jianguo dropped the barrier and turned towards the door. "Now, let's rejoin the others. We must maintain our composure so as to not raise any suspicions."
Ye Jianguo and Ye Chen stepped towards the door, the weight of their conversation still heavy in the air. As Ye Jianguo reached for the doorknob, a sudden, muffled sound caught his attention. He quickly paused, exchanging a puzzled glance with Ye Chen.
With a swift motion, Ye Jianguo yanked the door open, revealing a surprising sight. Several elders of the clan were pressed against the door, their ears straining to catch any hint of the conversation inside. The abrupt opening caused them to lose their balance, tumbling down in a chaotic heap.
Ye Jianguo's stern softened slightly at the sight, though his voice remained firm. "Elders, I appreciate your concern, but there is nothing to worry about. Ye Chen was just experimenting with some new techniques."
One of the elders, struggling to regain his composure, stammered, "We were... just ensuring that everything was alright. The energy fluctuations were quite alarming."
Ye Chen took a stepped forward, offering a reassuring smile. "I'm sorry for causing any worry. The techniques I was using were more potent than I anticipated. But everything is under control now."
The elders exchanged glances, clearly still curious but sensing that further prying would be inappropriate. They slowly nodded, stepping back to allow Ye Jianguo and Ye Chen to exit the room.
"We trust your judgment, Patriarch," one of the elders finally said, bowing slightly. "We will not press further."
Ye Jianguo nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you for your understanding. We will address any further concerns at the next clan meeting. For now, let us all return to our duties."
As the elders dispersed, still murmuring among themselves, Ye Jianguo placed a hand on Ye Chen's shoulder once more. "Remember, son, we must always be vigilant. Truth is essential, but caution is equally important."
Ye Chen nodded. "I will, Father."
Ye Jianguo gave a brief nod, his mind already working on a solution to ensure Ye Chen's cultivation remained private. "Come with me, Ye Chen. There is a place I have been preparing for a special purpose. It will be perfect for your cultivation."
...
They walked through the grand corridors of the manor, passing through ornate hallways and richly decorated rooms. Eventually, they reached a secluded wing of the estate, an area seldom visited by others. Ye Jianguo led Ye Chen to a hidden door concealed behind a tapestry. With a series of intricate movements, he unlocked the door and revealed a stone staircase leading downward.
"This place has been kept secret for generations, " Ye Jianguo explained as they descended. "It is an ancient cultivation chamber, shielded from prying eyes and infused with naturals spiritual energy. It will not only enhance your cultivation speed, it can also provide you with the privacy you nee."
The staircase opened into a super vast underground chamber. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings, depicting scenes of ancient battls and legendary cultivators. The spiritual energy here is thicker, causing a foggy environment.
Ye Chen's eyes widened in awe as he looked at the chamber in front of him. "This place is incredible, Father."
Ye Jianguo smiled. "It is a hidden treasure of our clan. Only the most trusted and talented members allowed to use it. Here, you can cultivate without fear of interruption or discovery.
Ye Chen nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude and determination. "Thank you for your trust Father. I will make the most of this opportunity."
Ye Jianguo replied. "I'm sure you will. Remember, your journey is just the beginning. Stay focused, vigilant, and always strive for the better."
As Ye Jianguo turned to leave the chamber, he paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. Reaching into his robe, he pulled out a small, intricately designed ring that glimmered with a subtle, otherworldly light.
"Ye Chen," he said his voice solemn yet filled with warmth, "there is one more thing I need to give you."
Ye Chen looked at the ring, recognizing it immediately as a Space Ring, an invaluable artifact that could store vast amounts of items within a small, pocket dimension. A space ring's capacity varies depending on it's level.
"This ring has bene passed down through our family for generations," Ye Jianguo explained, holding it out to Ye Chen. "It contains a considerable amount of resources that will surely aid you in your cultivation journey."
Ye Chen accepted the ring with reverence, and slipping it onto his finger. As he connected with the ring's internal space, he was amazed at the sheer volume of resources stored within. Thousands of Low-Tiered Spirit stones, hundreds of Medium-Tiered Spirit stones and High-Tiered Spirit stones, and even a few dozens of Top-Grade Spirit stones.
"Thank you, Father." Ye Chen said, his voice filled with gratitude and awe.
Ye Jianguo smiled, his eyes reflecting both pride and concern. "These resources will be invaluable to you, especially now that you have unlocked your potential. Use them wisely.
Ye Chen nodded, his resolve strengthening. "I will, Father. I promise to honor our family's legacy and protect us from any threats."
With a final, reassuring nod, Ye Jianguo turned and left the chamber, leaving Ye Chen alone with his thoughts and the incredible amount of resources that he can use. Ye Chen took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination and gratitude.
...
Ye Chen sat cross-legged in the center of the newly constructed chamber, the weight of the Space ring on his finger is like a comforting reminder of his father's support. He took a deep breath, feeling the dense spiritual energy in the room and the power of the spirit stones within the ring.
"System," he commended silently, "prepare to upgrade the cultivation circle with the resources from the Space Ring."
[Upgrade Materials detected!]
[Low-Tiered Spirit Stones: 2,398 = 0.1 Square Meter each.]
[Medium-Tiered Spirit Stones: 872 = 1 Square Meter each.]
[High-Tiered Spirit Stones: 283 = 10 Square Meter each.]
[Top-Grade Spirit Stones: 32 = 100 Square Meter each.]
[Increased size = 239.8 + 872 + 2,830 + 3,200 = 7.14 Square Kilometer.]
[Congratulations to the host for completing the third milestone: 1,000 Square Meters.]
[Rewards: 750 Medium-Tiered Spirit Stones, + 200% Cultivation Speed, + 75% Elemental Affinity.]
[New function unlocked: Nurturing.]
7,810.7 Square meter
That's the total size of his Cultivation Circle!
...
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone