Bab 16: Chapter #16: 1,000,000 Square Meter!
...
Ye Xinyue looked up and her eyes meeting with her father's indifferently. "What is it?
Zhu Yongzheng took another deep breath, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I... I need to apologize to you. For forcing you into the marriage contract all those years ago."
A hush fell over the courtyard as the two siblings turned their attention to the emotional exchange. Ye Xinyue's expression softened, but she remained silent, which allowed her father to continue.
"It was wrong of me." Zhu Yongzheng admitted, "I thought I was doing what was best for the family, but I didn't consider your feelings or your happiness. I see now the pain it caused you, and for that, I am truly sorry."
Ye Chen thought for a moment, then pulled Ye Wenling into the manor, giving them time to be alone.
Ye Xinyue's eyes filled with tears as she listened to her father's heartfelt apology. "Father, I know you did what you thought was right. And while it was difficult, it led me to where I am today. I have a good husband, and I've grown stronger because of it.
Zhu Yongzheng nodded, tears finally spilling over. "I am so proud of you, Xinyue. You have become an extraordinary woman, and I am grateful for the person you are. But I needed you to know how deeply sorry I am for the pain I caused."
Ye Xinyue stood, pulling her father into a tight embrace. "I forgive you, Father. Let's move forward together, as a family. The past is behind us, and we have so much to look forward to."
...
With the past reconciled and their hearts united, they also walked inside the manor, the warmth of the family reunion enveloped them. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the hallways that seemed to reflect the peace and unity they have now felt.
Ye Xinyue guided her father to a comfortable seating area, where Ye Chen and Ye Wenling were talking to each other.
"Father," Ye Xinyue began, her tone serious yet filled with pride. "There's something important I need to share with you about Ye Chen's cultivation."
Zhu Yongzheng nodded, and looked at her curiously. "What is it, Xinyue?"
Ye Xinyue took a deep breath. "Ye Chen's cultivation has a unique aspect to it. His progress is greatly enhanced by the consumption of spirit stones. Unlike others who might find their effects unpredictable or dangerous, Ye Chen can absorb the qi from spirit stones in a way that permanently upgrades the 'technique' he practices. This has allowed his cultivation to advance at an extraordinary rate."
When Ye Chen heard this, he thought for a moment then realized that his mother realized the situation he's truly in, but he decided to kept it a secret.
"When the right time comes, I'll tell them.' Ye Chen thought
Zhu Yongzheng's eyes widened in astonishment. "This is remarkable, I've only heard about this on the books. Where only a certain type of holy body can safely absorbs these things, but how does it work exactly?"
Ye Chen leaned forward, eager to explain. "When I consume Spirit stones, the qi within them is absorbed directly into my dantian, where it is directly refined and strengthens my cultivation technique. The higher and quantity and quality of the Spirit stone, the stronger it is."
Zhu Yongzheng's face lit up understandingly.
Ye Xinyue nodded. "Exactly. His cultivation has created a ripple effect, enhancing the spiritual energy around us. It's why I decided to bring those Earth-tier Spirt stones as a gift for him. They will accelerate his progress even further."
Zhu Yongzheng smiled, "Well, if it's Spirit stones he needs, then I have something to contribute too as well."
He reached into his own space ring, then a large ornate box appeared. "He opened it to reveal an array of Spirit stones that shimmered with an otherworldly light. The stones varied in size and color but the energy they emitted filled the rom with a powerful aura.
"These are Sky-tier Spirit stones," Zhu Yongzheng said, his voice filled with 'show-off'. "They are more potent than the Earth-Tier Spirit stones. I've been holding onto them for a while now, here. Use them wisely, Ye Chen. The next time I bring you Spirit stones, the quantity and quality will surely satisfy you."
Ye Chen's eyes widened in amazement as he gazed at the precious stones. "Grandfather, this is incredible. Thank you so much. With these, I will surely be able to advance my cultivation even faster."
Zhu Yongzhen nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. "You deserve it, Ye Chen, after all, with your talent, I'm sure you'll be able to achieve your goals."
The room was filled with a sense of awe and gratitude as Ye Chen accepted the generous gift. With both Earth-tier and Sky-tier Spirit stones at his disposal, his path to greater power and mastery seemed clearer than ever.
Ye Chen thought: 'With these, it should save me a lot of time in, increasing my Cultivation."
As the excitement over the Spirit stones began, Ye Wenling couldn't help but feel jelous. She watched as her brother admired the glowing stones, her desire for a gift was also growing.
"Grandfather," Ye Wenling said, her voice a mix of playful and hopeful. "Do you have anything special for me too? I want to feel strong and powerful like big brother."
Zhu Yongzheng chuckled, seeing the expecting and eager look in his grand-daughter's eyes. "Of course, Wenling, How could I forget about you?"
He reached into his space bag once more and pulled out a long, slender box. He opened it to reveal a beautifully crafted sword, it's blade was shimmering with a blue ethereal light. The hilt was adorned with intricate patters of silver and gold, while the guard was shaped like a pair of wings, giving it an elegant yet formidable appearance.
"This is the Azure Seraph Blade," Zhu Yongzheng said, as he slowly swung the sword in an elegant motion. "It's an Earth-rank level 7 sword, forged by the master blacksmiths of the Empire, it is imbued with the essence of the Seraph spirit, it can enhance your agility and strength in battle, and it also has a special function, it can protect you.
Ye Wenling's eyes sparkled with delight as she took the sword in her hands. She could feel the energy coursing through the blade. "Thank you, Grandfather! It's beautiful and powerful. I'll treasure it and use it well."
Zhu Yongzheng nodded, his smile warm and affectionate. "I'm glad you like it, Wenling. With the Azure Seraph Blade by your side, you'll be able to protect yourself and those you care about.
Ye Wenling swung the sword, feeling it's perfect balance and the surge of energy it provided. "I will, Grandfather. I will train hard and become strong!"
As the excitement over the gifts began to settle, the family gathered around the table, ready to discuss recent events.
Ye Xinyue started, "Our family's alchemy business has seen a more than tenfold increased in sales, thanks to the Ye Chen's cultivation."
Ye Chen added. "I'm glad my cultivation had indirectly helped. I'll continue to work hard to bring more benefits like this to our family."
Ye Xinyue, who was lookeing at Ye Wenling admiring her new sword, looked up and asked, "And what about Ye Guang? Where is he now?"
Ye Chen's expression grew serious. "Ye Guang has left to follow his master."
Zhu Yongzhen sighed, "He's on a journey that will surely shape his future, but its for the best.
Ye Xinyue nodded in agreement. "Indeed. We all have our paths to follow, and Ye Guang's journey will bring him great knowledge and experience."
Ye Xinyue nodded in agreement. "Indeed. We all have our paths to follow, and Ye Guang's journey will bring him great knowledge and experience."
Ye Chen took a deep breath then looked around at his family. "I have something to share as well. Starting tomorrow, I will enter a retreat to focus on my cultivation. With the Spirit stones grandfather and mother gave me, I'm sure I'll make significant progress."
Ye Xinyue placed a reassuring hand on Ye Chen's shoulder. "I'm sure you will, son."
Ye Wenling, clutching her new sword, nodded eagerly. "I'll train hard too, big brother. We'll both become stronger and protect our family."
The next day arrived with a serene morning glow, casting a warm light over the manor. The family gathered for breakfast, enjoying their last meal together before Ye Chen's retreat. The table was filled with an array of delicious dishes.
After the meal, Ye Chen stood up, ready to begin his retreat. He felt a mix of anticipation and resolve as he made his way to the secluded training area within the manor grounds.
Ye Chen sat cross-legged then pulled out a brocade box, a bag from his space ring. Then he commanded the system. "System, upgrade!"
[Upgrade Materials detected!]
[Top-Tiered Spirit stones: 429 = 100 Square Meter each.]
Earth-Tiered Spirit stones: 732 = 1,000 Square Meter each.]
Sky- Tiered Spirit stones: 53 = 10,000 Square Meter each.]
[Increased size = 42,900 + 732,000 + 530,000 = 1,304,900 Square Meter.]
Plus his current circle.
1,398,250 Square Meter!
...
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone