Chapter 629

As time passed, various powers and families successively arrived in Cloudsea City.

These families were either affiliated with the Cloudsea Sect or had maintained good relations with it for generations. Among them were ancient noble families with profound strength and deep foundations, some even stronger than the Cloudsea Sect itself.

Naturally, there were also some forces drawn by the Cloudsea Sect's mystic realm, hoping to get a share. These were mostly rogue cultivators or members of smaller sects, not particularly strong but harboring ulterior motives.

The Cloudsea Sect naturally maintained strict precautions against such individuals but couldn't outright bar them. After all, the opening of the mystic realm was a significant event, and being overly forceful might provoke a backlash. Therefore, the Cloudsea Sect had to outwardly maintain an impartial stance. However, secretly, they had deployed additional personnel to closely monitor these ill-intentioned individuals.

At this time, Cloudsea City had become exceptionally lively. Streets and alleys were bustling with people, and the sounds of hawkers and shouts filled the air. Teahouses and taverns were packed, with everyone discussing the mystic realm.

Besides the mystic realm, another matter had also captured everyone's attention: the Cloudsea Sect's Young Master was soon to marry the Jiang family's daughter. This news had already spread within the Cloudsea Sect but was not widely known externally.

The Jiang family was one of the Cloudsea Sect's affiliated families, with considerable strength, considered a prominent clan in Cloudsea City. Jiang Luoli, the Jiang family's daughter, was even their foremost genius, with extraordinary talent and exquisite beauty. However, Jiang Luoli had a unique constitution; she had suffered from a severe illness since childhood, preventing her from cultivating.

Originally, Jiang Luoli's marriage had been arranged long ago with a true傳 disciple of the Cloudsea Sect. But later, that true傳 disciple perished during an expedition. Jiang Luoli's condition also worsened daily, to the point where she was nearing her end. To save her, the Jiang family sought renowned physicians everywhere, but to no avail.

Finally, Jiang Tianhai, the Jiang family patriarch, approached the Cloudsea Sect Master, hoping he could intervene and treat Jiang Luoli. The Cloudsea Sect Master pondered for a moment, then proposed a condition: Jiang Luoli was to marry his son, the Cloudsea Sect's Young Master.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Tianhai's heart sank. He naturally knew that the Cloudsea Sect Master coveted Jiang Luoli's unique constitution. Although Jiang Luoli's special physique prevented her from cultivating, it possessed a unique ability: it could nourish a martial artist's bloodline. If one could become Dao-companions with Jiang Luoli, it would greatly benefit a martial artist's cultivation, especially for those with impure bloodlines or those whose bloodline power was declining. The Cloudsea Sect's Young Master had an impure bloodline; if he could become Dao-companions with Jiang Luoli, his cultivation would surely advance by leaps and bounds.

Though reluctant, Jiang Tianhai knew this was the only way to save Jiang Luoli. After all, the Cloudsea Sect Master's strength was unfathomable; if he was willing to act, Jiang Luoli's illness would surely improve. Thus, Jiang Tianhai agreed to the marriage.

However, to outsiders, this marriage seemed full of calculation. Jiang Luoli, a dying invalid, was to marry the Cloudsea Sect's Young Master. There must be some hidden scheme. And for Jiang Luoli, this marriage felt more like a transaction: her life exchanged for the Jiang family's honor.

Yet, there was no ripple in Jiang Luoli's heart. She had been sickly since childhood, confined to bed for years. She had long since accepted the fragility of life. For everything worldly, she had long lost any desire. She had but one wish: to witness the beauty of this world with her own eyes. So, when Jiang Tianhai told her she was to marry the Cloudsea Sect's Young Master, she did not refuse. In fact, a faint sense of anticipation stirred within her, a hope that in these final moments, she could see the world's beauty.

The Cloudsea Sect's Young Master was named Lin Yun. Lin Yun had decent talent, and his cultivation had reached the mid-stage of the Core Condensation Realm. However, his impure bloodline caused his cultivation progress to be slow. Hence, he needed Jiang Luoli's special constitution to nourish his bloodline. Lin Yun harbored no affection for Jiang Luoli. He married her solely for his cultivation. In his heart, Jiang Luoli was merely a tool—a tool that could help him break through bottlenecks and elevate his cultivation. Of course, outwardly, Lin Yun was polite to Jiang Luoli. After all, he still needed her to nourish his bloodline. Jiang Luoli was well aware of this. She knew that Lin Yun married her only for her physique. But she didn't care. Her only concern was to see the beauty of this world in her remaining time.

However, just as Jiang Luoli and Lin Yun's wedding date approached, an unexpected event occurred: the Cloudsea Sect's mystic realm opened prematurely. The early opening of the mystic realm disrupted the Cloudsea Sect's plans. Originally, the Cloudsea Sect intended for Lin Yun and Jiang Luoli to marry before the mystic realm opened. This way, Lin Yun could utilize Jiang Luoli's constitution to gain greater benefits within the mystic realm. But now, with the mystic realm opening early, the Cloudsea Sect had to temporarily set aside the wedding and focus on the mystic realm. After all, the mystic realm concerned the Cloudsea Sect's future, making it more important than a marriage.

Thus, the Cloudsea Sect issued an order: all disciples below the Core Condensation Realm could enter the mystic realm. Simultaneously, major powers and families could also send a portion of their elite disciples into the mystic realm. This time, the mystic realm's opening also had a special rule: all treasures found within the mystic realm belonged to the discoverer. The Cloudsea Sect would not interfere or forcefully seize anything.

This rule immediately caused an uproar. After all, in previous mystic realm openings, the Cloudsea Sect would always have divided the spoils in advance. This time, it was completely open. This made all major powers and families eager, preparing to showcase their abilities within the mystic realm. Rogue cultivators in Cloudsea City were even more excited. They might not be strong, but they possessed unique treasure-hunting abilities. This time, they also had a chance to get a share in the mystic realm. Of course, some forces were puzzled by the Cloudsea Sect's rule. They didn't understand why the Cloudsea Sect would suddenly become so generous. Nevertheless, the premature opening of the mystic realm and this special rule made Cloudsea City even more lively. Everyone was discussing the mystic realm, eagerly awaiting its opening.

Meanwhile, Li Xuan was in seclusion cultivating. He was unaware of such significant changes happening outside. He was attempting to break through to the mid-stage of the Core Condensation Realm. He had consumed that Core Condensation Pill and was fully refining its power. The pill's medicinal energy was immense, and Li Xuan's cultivation was steadily rising. He could feel that he was not far from the mid-stage of the Core Condensation Realm. Given a little more time, he would be able to break through smoothly.

However, just as Li Xuan was in seclusion, the Cloudsea Sect's Young Master, Lin Yun, suddenly arrived at the pharmacy. He did not enter directly but stood at the entrance, staring coldly at the pharmacy. His gaze was filled with frost and murderous intent. It seemed he held some unknown hatred towards the pharmacy. Beside him were several Cloudsea Sect disciples. These disciples were all strong, their auras sharp. Their group standing at the pharmacy entrance immediately drew the attention of passersby. After all, few people usually came to the pharmacy, let alone the Cloudsea Sect's Young Master. Everyone speculated about Lin Yun's purpose in coming to the pharmacy.

Lin Yun, however, ignored the gazes of those around him. He just stared coldly at the pharmacy, his eyes filled with gloom. A moment later, he finally spoke. His voice was cold and low, carrying an undeniable authority. "Everyone inside the pharmacy, get out!" His voice echoed at the pharmacy entrance, causing the surrounding passersby to shiver.

The pharmacy manager, hearing the voice, rushed out. When he saw Lin Yun, his face immediately changed. He knew Lin Yun was the Cloudsea Sect's Young Master, a person of noble status. He also knew that Lin Yun was always arrogant and domineering, and those who offended him never came to a good end. "Young Master Lin, what brings you here?" the pharmacy manager asked cautiously.

Lin Yun sneered at his words. "Hmph, I'm here to find someone, naturally. Hand over that boy named Li Xuan to me!" When Lin Yun uttered the name "Li Xuan," the pharmacy manager's face instantly turned ashen. He never expected Lin Yun to be after Li Xuan. "Young Master Lin, is there some misunderstanding? There's no one you're looking for in the pharmacy." The manager forced himself to remain calm, attempting to bluff his way through.

But Lin Yun did not give him the chance. "Hmph, none? Do you take me for a fool? I saw that kid enter your pharmacy with my own eyes. If you don't hand him over, I'll tear down your pharmacy today!" Lin Yun's voice was full of menace. His eyes gleamed with a chilling cold light.

The pharmacy manager immediately broke out in a cold sweat. He knew Lin Yun wasn't joking. If he didn't hand over Li Xuan today, the pharmacy would indeed be demolished. But if he did hand over Li Xuan, Li Xuan's fate was imaginable. For a moment, the pharmacy manager was in a dilemma. He looked towards the pharmacy's backyard, a flicker of struggle in his eyes. He knew Li Xuan was in seclusion in the backyard. If Lin Yun burst in, it would definitely disturb Li Xuan. Then, Li Xuan's cultivation would inevitably be affected. Moreover, he didn't want Li Xuan to be taken away by Lin Yun. After all, Li Xuan was the hope of the pharmacy. If something happened to Li Xuan, the pharmacy would be ruined. Thinking of this, the pharmacy manager gritted his teeth and made a decision.

"Young Master Lin, Li Xuan is indeed in the pharmacy. However, he's currently in seclusion and inconvenient to receive guests. Please, Young Master Lin, come back another day." The pharmacy manager tried to stall for time.

But Lin Yun didn't give him the opportunity. "Seclusion? Hmph, I think he's hiding and afraid to come out! Since he won't come out, I'll go in myself and drag him out!" Lin Yun said, and was about to lead his men into the pharmacy.

"Young Master Lin, please stop!" The pharmacy manager rushed forward to block him.

"Get lost!" Lin Yun snarled, pushing the pharmacy manager away with a palm strike. The pharmacy manager's cultivation wasn't high and he was no match for Lin Yun. He was sent staggering back by Lin Yun's palm, his face instantly turning pale. Lin Yun led his men, striding into the pharmacy.

Seeing this, the pharmacy manager was extremely anxious. He wanted to step forward to stop them, but he was held back by several of Lin Yun's subordinates. "Get out of the way! If you dare to block us again, don't blame us for being impolite!" Lin Yun's subordinates said fiercely. The pharmacy manager was helpless and could only watch Lin Yun break into the pharmacy.

At this moment, Li Xuan was at a critical juncture of his breakthrough. He was fully immersed in his cultivation, completely unaware of anything outside. The True Essence within his body was circulating wildly, assailing the barrier of the mid-stage Core Condensation Realm. As long as he broke through this barrier, he would successfully advance.

However, just as he was about to break through, the pharmacy door was kicked open. "Bang!" A loud noise startled Li Xuan from his seclusion. Li Xuan frowned, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes. He didn't expect anyone to dare to break into the pharmacy. He opened his eyes and saw Lin Yun leading his men inside. Li Xuan's gaze fell on Lin Yun. His eyes were full of doubt. He didn't recognize Lin Yun. He also didn't know why Lin Yun would break into the pharmacy. "Who are you?" Li Xuan asked coldly.

Lin Yun sneered at his words. "Hmph, you're not qualified to know who I am. You're that boy named Li Xuan, aren't you? If you know what's good for you, obediently come with me. Otherwise, don't blame me for being merciless!" Lin Yun's tone was full of disdain and arrogance. He didn't even put Li Xuan in his eyes. He believed that Li Xuan was just a pharmacy apprentice and no match for him.

Li Xuan's brows furrowed even deeper upon hearing this. He could feel a powerful aura emanating from Lin Yun. This aura was much stronger than that of the pharmacy manager. He knew that Lin Yun's cultivation should have reached the mid-stage of the Core Condensation Realm. Moreover, Lin Yun also had a faint bloodline power about him. This bloodline power made him feel a little uncomfortable.

"What exactly do you want?" Li Xuan asked.

"What do I want? Naturally, for you to die!" A hint of killing intent flashed in Lin Yun's eyes. He raised his hand and struck a palm towards Li Xuan. This palm contained powerful True Essence. Lin Yun intended to kill Li Xuan with one strike.

Li Xuan's face changed drastically at the sight. He didn't expect Lin Yun to be so vicious. He dared not be careless and quickly activated his True Essence, meeting the attack with a punch. "Boom!" Fist and palm collided, creating a loud noise. A powerful force spread in all directions. The tables and chairs in the pharmacy were scattered everywhere. Li Xuan's body was also forced back several steps. He felt his arm go numb, and his blood churned. Lin Yun's strength was stronger than he had imagined.

Lin Yun's eyes flashed with surprise at the sight. He didn't expect Li Xuan to be able to take his palm strike. "Oh, you can actually take my palm? It seems you have some skill." Lin Yun sneered and attacked Li Xuan again. His attacks became even more ferocious. Li Xuan constantly dodged while looking for opportunities to counterattack. He knew that he hadn't broken through yet and was no match for Lin Yun. He could only stall for time, waiting for his breakthrough. However, Lin Yun's attacks became faster and faster. Li Xuan quickly fell into a disadvantage.

Just as Li Xuan was about to be unable to hold on, a powerful aura suddenly erupted from within him. "Boom!" With a loud bang, Li Xuan's cultivation finally broke through! Mid-stage Core Condensation Realm! Li Xuan's strength instantly surged. He felt his body filled with power. He looked at Lin Yun, a glimmer in his eyes. "Now, it's my turn!" Li Xuan roared, punching towards Lin Yun. This punch contained all of his power after breaking through.

Lin Yun's face changed drastically at the sight. He could feel that Li Xuan's strength was several times stronger than before. He dared not be careless and quickly activated his True Essence, resisting with all his might. "Boom!" Fist and palm collided again, creating an even louder boom. This time, Lin Yun's body was also forced back several steps. He felt his arm go numb, and his blood churned. He looked at Li Xuan, his eyes filled with shock. "You actually broke through! How is this possible!" Lin Yun said in disbelief. He didn't expect Li Xuan to break through at this moment.

Li Xuan sneered and did not answer. He attacked Lin Yun again. His attacks were more ferocious and faster. Lin Yun retreated steadily, no match for Li Xuan at all. He was terrified. He knew he had met his match today.

"Stop!" Just then, a furious shout came from outside the pharmacy. An old man, leading several Cloudsea Sect disciples, rushed in. This old man was the Cloudsea Sect's Enforcement Elder. The Enforcement Elder's face changed drastically when he saw the mess inside the pharmacy. His pupils contracted even more when he saw Li Xuan and Lin Yun fighting. He quickly stepped forward and separated the two. "Stop, what are you doing!" the Enforcement Elder roared.

Lin Yun, seeing the Enforcement Elder, quickly withdrew his hand. He respectfully saluted the Enforcement Elder. "Enforcement Elder!" Li Xuan also withdrew his fist and looked at the Enforcement Elder. The Enforcement Elder looked at Li Xuan, a hint of doubt in his eyes. He didn't expect such a young mid-stage Core Condensation Realm martial artist in the pharmacy. "Who are you?" the Enforcement Elder asked.

"I am a pharmacy apprentice, Li Xuan," Li Xuan said indifferently. The Enforcement Elder was startled by his words. He didn't expect Li Xuan to be just a pharmacy apprentice. A pharmacy apprentice being able to fight with the Young Master Lin Yun and not be at a disadvantage was simply unheard of.

"Lin Yun, what exactly is going on here?" the Enforcement Elder asked Lin Yun in a deep voice. Lin Yun's heart stirred upon hearing this. He knew that the Enforcement Elder was always fair and strict. If he told the truth, he would definitely be punished. So, his eyes darted around, and a plan formed in his mind. "Enforcement Elder, it's like this. I came to the pharmacy to buy some medicinal herbs. Unexpectedly, this Li Xuan attacked me for no reason. I was just defending myself." Lin Yun twisted the facts, pushing the blame onto Li Xuan.

The pharmacy manager's face instantly turned pale with anger upon hearing this. He wanted to retort, but Lin Yun's gaze stopped him. Li Xuan, however, sneered. "For no reason? Young Master Lin, have you forgotten what you just said? You told me to get out and even said you'd tear down the pharmacy!" Li Xuan exposed Lin Yun's lie.

The Enforcement Elder frowned upon hearing this. He looked at Lin Yun, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. He knew that Lin Yun was always arrogant and domineering. He believed that what Li Xuan said was closer to the truth. "Lin Yun, what else do you have to say?" the Enforcement Elder asked in a deep voice.

Lin Yun's heart sank. He knew his lie had been exposed. He looked at Li Xuan, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes. "Hmph, even if I made the first move, so what? A mere pharmacy apprentice dares to attack me, the Young Master? He must be tired of living!" Lin Yun was furious and embarrassed.

The Enforcement Elder's face immediately darkened. "Lin Yun, mind your words! As the Young Master, to be so arrogant and domineering, and to casually bully others, what kind of behavior is this!" the Enforcement Elder roared. Lin Yun's heart trembled. He knew the Enforcement Elder was truly angry. He dared not talk back. "Enforcement Elder, I was wrong," Lin Yun said, lowering his head.

The Enforcement Elder snorted coldly and looked at Li Xuan. "Li Xuan, are you alright?" the Enforcement Elder asked. "I'm fine," Li Xuan said indifferently. The Enforcement Elder breathed a sigh of relief. He knew Li Xuan's strength was not weak and he should not have suffered. "Since that's the case, let's leave it at that. Lin Yun, come with me!" the Enforcement Elder said coldly.

Lin Yun was unwilling upon hearing this. He looked at Li Xuan, a cold light flashing in his eyes. "Kid, you got lucky today! Next time, I won't let you off so easily!" Lin Yun secretly vowed. He knew he had lost face today. He would definitely find an opportunity to retaliate against Li Xuan.

The Enforcement Elder took Lin Yun and left the pharmacy. The pharmacy manager breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Lin Yun leave. He looked at Li Xuan, his eyes full of gratitude. "Li Xuan, thank goodness for you! Otherwise, the pharmacy would have been ruined today," the pharmacy manager said.

Li Xuan smiled faintly at his words. "Manager, I'm glad you're okay. However, Lin Yun's matter probably won't end so easily." Li Xuan said in a deep voice. The pharmacy manager's face immediately changed. He knew Li Xuan was telling the truth. Lin Yun always held a grudge and sought revenge. Having suffered such a great loss today, he certainly wouldn't let it go. "Then what should we do?" the pharmacy manager asked.

Li Xuan pondered for a moment and said, "Manager, you should clean up the pharmacy first. I'll go somewhere to gather information." Li Xuan knew he had to quickly understand Lin Yun's background. Only then could he better cope. "Alright, be careful," the pharmacy manager said. Li Xuan nodded and left the pharmacy.

He arrived in Cloudsea City and found a restaurant. Inside the restaurant, it was bustling and lively. Li Xuan found a seat by the window and ordered a few small dishes. He ate while listening to the conversations around him. He wanted to gather information about Lin Yun from these discussions. Sure enough, not long after, he heard some discussions about Lin Yun.

"Did you hear? The Cloudsea Sect's Young Master Lin Yun was beaten up at the pharmacy today!" "What? Young Master Lin was beaten up? How is that possible!" "It's true! Reportedly, a pharmacy apprentice injured Young Master Lin!" "Oh my god, a pharmacy apprentice actually managed to injure Young Master Lin, that's unbelievable!" Everyone discussed animatedly, shocked by Li Xuan's strength.

Li Xuan chuckled inwardly upon hearing this. He didn't expect his reputation to spread so quickly. He continued to listen to the discussions. Soon, he gathered some information about Lin Yun. Lin Yun was the only son of the Cloudsea Sect Master, with decent talent, and his cultivation had reached the mid-stage of the Core Condensation Realm. However, his impure bloodline caused his cultivation progress to be slow. Hence, he needed Jiang Luoli's special constitution to nourish his bloodline. As for Jiang Luoli, she was the Jiang family's daughter, with a unique constitution that prevented her from cultivating. But her physique could nourish a martial artist's bloodline. The reason Lin Yun troubled Li Xuan was because he believed Li Xuan was Jiang Luoli's fiancé. He wanted to take Jiang Luoli, which was why he attacked Li Xuan.

Li Xuan's heart stirred upon hearing this. He didn't expect Lin Yun to trouble him because of Jiang Luoli. He remembered what Jiang Luoli had told him earlier at the Jiang family—that she would repay him. So, this was the repayment? Li Xuan gave a bitter smile. Although he didn't know Jiang Luoli, he had gotten into trouble with Lin Yun because of her.

However, Li Xuan also knew that Lin Yun's trouble was not just because of Jiang Luoli. More importantly, he had infringed upon Lin Yun's interests. Lin Yun wanted to obtain Jiang Luoli's physique to nourish his own bloodline. And Li Xuan's appearance made him feel threatened. That's why Lin Yun wanted to get rid of Li Xuan. Li Xuan scoffed inwardly. Lin Yun wanted to get rid of him, but it depended on whether he had the capability. He had now broken through to the mid-stage of the Core Condensation Realm, and his strength had greatly increased. He believed that no matter how strong Lin Yun was, he couldn't easily defeat him.

Li Xuan continued to listen to the discussions. Soon, he heard another important piece of news: the Cloudsea Sect's mystic realm would open in three days. Moreover, after the mystic realm opened, all treasures would belong to the discoverer. This news made Li Xuan's heart pound. He knew this was an opportunity—an opportunity to quickly improve his strength. What he lacked most now was strength. Only with powerful strength could he protect himself and the pharmacy, and better deal with Lin Yun's retaliation.

Thinking of this, Li Xuan decided to enter the mystic realm in three days. He would seize this opportunity to gain greater benefits in the mystic realm. He finished his meal and left the restaurant. He did not return to the pharmacy but went outside the city. He found a secluded cave and began to cultivate. He wanted to completely stabilize his mid-stage Core Condensation Realm cultivation. At the same time, he also wanted to familiarize himself with the power he had gained after the breakthrough. He believed that with some time, he would be able to elevate his strength to a higher level.

In three days, the mystic realm would open, and Li Xuan would enter it, beginning his treasure hunt.