After My Rebirth, I Ended Up Happily Ever After with the Saintess - Chapter 58

The night was like water, enveloping Cloud Dan Peak. Ye Li finished her meditation. The turbulent qi and blood in her body from the intense battle had long since calmed, and her spiritual energy was fully restored, even showing subtle signs of progress due to the high-intensity duel. She changed into a clean set of disciple robes and walked calmly toward the cave abode of Reclusive Master Muyun at the peak of the mountain.

Along the way, the disciples of Cloud Dan Peak she encountered, both inner and outer, respectfully bowed and addressed her as “Senior Sister Ye,” their eyes filled with reverence and admiration. The Little Competition battle had not only vindicated her but also greatly boosted Cloud Dan Peak’s prestige within the sect. In the past, Cloud Dan Peak, due to its focus on alchemy, talismans, and other assorted arts, was often suppressed in terms of combat power by peaks like Battle Maniac Peak and Sword Peak. Ye Li’s sudden emergence undoubtedly injected a strong shot of confidence into all Cloud Dan Peak disciples.

Reclusive Master Muyun’s cave abode was located at the apex of Cloud Dan Peak, where the spiritual energy was most dense. It wasn’t a luxurious palace but an elegant courtyard hidden among ancient trees and exotic flowers, with a clear stream murmuring and the scent of medicinal herbs wafting through the air.

After announcing her presence, Ye Li walked in slowly. Reclusive Master Muyun was sitting by a stone table under a thousand-year-old tea tree. Two cups of spiritual tea had already been brewed on the table, steaming gently with a delicate fragrance.

“Sit.” Reclusive Master Muyun motioned for Ye Li to sit, a gentle smile on his face. “How do you feel? You must have gained a lot from the battle with Leng Yun, haven’t you?”

Ye Li respectfully took the teacup and nodded, “Reporting to Master, I have benefited greatly. The way a Spirit Mansion Realm cultivator utilizes the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, as well as their control over their own power, is indeed incomparable to the Pulse Condensation Realm. Although I relied on nimble movement and finger techniques to gain an advantage, the gap in foundation and accumulation still requires time to bridge.”

Reclusive Master Muyun’s eyes showed even greater appreciation: “Not arrogant or complacent, and capable of clearly recognizing your own shortcomings—very good. The fact that you could achieve this much in the early stage of Pulse Condensation already far exceeds my expectations. The legacy of Venerable Xuan Huan is indeed extraordinary.”

Changing the subject, his expression became slightly serious: “I called you here today mainly for three matters.”

“First, regarding the rewards for your Little Competition performance. The sect contribution points and elixirs will be allocated to you shortly. As for the opportunity to visit the second floor of the Scripture Repository, you can go whenever you wish. The cultivation methods and secret arts stored there, while not the sect’s most pinnacle, are quite valuable and may compensate for some of your current weaknesses. You can choose at your own discretion.”

“Second, following a resolution by the Sect Elder Council, in light of the exceptional talent and potential you have demonstrated, the sect has decided to focus on cultivating you.” Reclusive Master Muyun took out a purple-gold token and a storage ring, placing them on the table. “This is the ‘Purple Gold Token.’ Holding this token grants you free access to most restricted areas of the sect (excluding core secret realms and legacy forbidden grounds), and allows you to receive monthly resources equivalent to eighty percent of a True Heir’s monthly allowance. Inside this ring is an additional award from the sect: ten thousand high-grade spirit stones, and three five-hundred-year-old ‘Ice Heart Snow Lotuses,’ which should be of great benefit to your cultivation of the Nether Imperial Scripture.”

Ye Li’s heart stirred slightly. The Purple Gold Token, resource allocation at the True Heir level, and the precious Ice Heart Snow Lotuses! This reward was indeed generous! It exceeded the limit of what an ordinary inner disciple could receive and was almost treating her as a quasi-True Heir. The sect’s move was both a reward and an investment, as well as an act of courtship.

“Thank you, Master, for the sect’s generous reward and your tutelage!” Ye Li stood up and bowed solemnly. She understood that Reclusive Master Muyun must have played a crucial role in securing this.

Reclusive Master Muyun made a slight gesture for her to sit down, his tone becoming serious: “The third matter is a warning. The tallest tree in the forest will be felled by the wind. While the sect’s resource inclination is a good thing, it will also push you into a more conspicuous position, drawing more attention, including jealousy and malice. On Battle Maniac Peak’s side, while Senior Brother Situ is temporarily restrained, his disciples, especially the likes of Gao Sheng, will certainly not give up. Furthermore, other peak lineages within the sect, and even some outside forces, knowing you possess a legacy and are highly regarded by the sect, will inevitably harbor more intentions.”

His gaze was deep as he looked at Ye Li: “Going forward, you must be even more cautious in your words and actions, and strive to improve your strength. Sect rules can protect you for a time, but not forever. True security comes from your own power. As for your ‘Gloomy Pavilion’…” He paused, as if he had long been aware of it, “…use it discreetly. It might become your hidden card.”

Ye Li’s heart was filled with reverence. She knew Reclusive Master Muyun was sounding a warning bell for her, and tacitly approving her development of her own influence. “Disciple understands. I will not let down Master and the sect’s expectations, and I will carefully handle the various turbulences.”

“Mmm, it’s good that you are aware.” Reclusive Master Muyun nodded, his gentle expression returning. “Go now, and make good use of these resources. If you encounter any difficulties in your cultivation, you can come and ask me anytime.”

“Yes, Disciple takes her leave.”

Ye Li collected the Purple Gold Token and the storage ring, bowed again, and withdrew from the cave abode.

Back in her small courtyard, Ye Li tallied her gains. Ten thousand high-grade spirit stones was a huge sum, enough for her to purchase many cultivation supplies. The three Ice Heart Snow Lotuses were even more priceless. The pure ice-element spiritual energy they contained would be greatly beneficial for her cultivation of the Nether Imperial Scripture. She carefully transplanted the snow lotuses into the space within the Samsara Mirror fragment (she had discovered a tiny space inside the fragment that could store living things) to maintain their vitality.

Subsequently, she used the Gloomy Pavilion token to summon Lin Feng.

“Congratulations, Pavilion Master!” Lin Feng could barely contain his excitement upon meeting her. Ye Li’s performance in the Little Competition made him feel proud.

Ye Li waved her hand, briefly informing him of Reclusive Master Muyun’s warning and the resource inclination she had received, then instructed: “News of the sect’s reward will likely spread quickly. Have Sun Xiaohou closely monitor the sect’s reaction, especially from Battle Maniac Peak and a few other powerful peak lineages. Also, pay attention to whether there are any new developments in the rumors about my legacy circulating in the marketplace.”

“Yes, Pavilion Master!” Lin Feng’s expression grew serious, and he immediately accepted the order. “I will arrange it right away.”

After Lin Feng left, Ye Li pondered for a moment, then sent messages to Xia Zhihe and Zhao Xiaoyi, telling them to be especially mindful of their safety recently, to keep a low profile, and asking Xia Zhihe to help look out for auxiliary materials suitable for refining ice-element magical artifacts.

As Reclusive Master Muyun had predicted, the news of the sect’s resource inclination toward Ye Li spread like wildfire within the Mysterious Cloud Sect.

“Have you heard? Ye Li was given the Purple Gold Token! Her monthly allowance is nearly as high as a True Heir’s!”

“And ten thousand high-grade spirit stones and the Ice Heart Snow Lotuses! The sect is practically worshipping her as a treasure!”

“Why? She hasn’t been in the sect for long! Even with a legacy, she shouldn’t be so favored, should she?”

“Hmph, it’s just good luck. Raising her this quickly will only lead to an unstable foundation!”

There were those who were envious, and those who offered congratulations, but more often, there was irrepressible jealousy and dissatisfaction! Especially from inner disciples who had toiled for years but never received much resource inclination, and even some True Heirs ranking at the bottom—their hearts were extremely unbalanced.

In Gao Sheng’s cave abode on Battle Maniac Peak.

“Bang!” Shi Feng slammed his fist on the table, his face twisted with rage, “Purple Gold Token! Ice Heart Snow Lotuses! The sect is truly blind! What qualifications does that bitch have!”

Gao Sheng’s face was so gloomy it looked like it could drip water, a cold light flickering in his eyes: “The sect is determined to protect her and nurture her. If we try to use the old methods again, it will be difficult.”

“Are we just going to let it go?” Shi Feng growled unwillingly.

“Let it go?” Gao Sheng sneered, “How is that possible! If we can’t do it openly, we’ll do it in the dark. After the sect’s Little Competition, the struggle for the ‘Thousand Domains Potential Dragon Ranking’ will start soon, and there are sect missions… there will be plenty of opportunities! Even if Ye Li is a genius, is it possible for her to never venture out for experience? As long as she leaves the sect’s boundaries… Hmph!”

Murderous intent flashed in his eyes: “Pass down the order, have our people keep a close watch on all movements of Ye Li and Cloud Dan Peak! Especially the members of her ‘Gloomy Pavilion,’ find a chance to eliminate as many as possible!”

“Yes, Senior Brother Gao!” Shi Feng responded venomously.

Similar conversations were secretly taking place in other peak lineages. Ye Li’s rise had encroached upon the interests of many and attracted more hidden malice.

Even within Cloud Dan Peak, things were not entirely unified. Some older, experienced inner disciples who had failed to break through saw Ye Li, the newcomer who surpassed them and received so many resources, with a certain bitterness and subtle criticism in their hearts. They dared not express it openly, however, due to the dignity of Reclusive Master Muyun and Ye Li’s current strength.

Ye Li clearly sensed this subtle change permeating the air. Walking along the paths, she could perceive more hidden, prying glances; when going to the Skill Transmission Hall or the Mission Hall, she could also feel some disciples deliberately distancing themselves or sizing her up with strange looks.

But she didn’t care. Jealousy and suppression are normal occurrences on the path of the strong. She had long been accustomed to it.

She dedicated most of her time to cultivation. Utilizing the privileges of the Purple Gold Token, she entered the second floor of the Scripture Repository and spent several days browsing through a vast collection of cultivation methods, secret manuals, travel notes, and miscellaneous accounts. She finally selected a high-grade Profound-tier auxiliary cultivation method called the Concentration Art, which aimed to temper the divine consciousness, enhance perception, and improve comprehension. It perfectly compensated for her current weakness in the inadequate refinement of her soul’s energy usage.

At the same time, she began to refine the Ice Heart Snow Lotuses. A petal of the snow lotus melted in her stomach, and the supremely pure ice-cold spiritual energy was guided by the Nether Imperial Scripture into her spiritual meridians. Her cultivation steadily improved at a visible rate, progressing towards the middle stage of the Pulse Condensation Realm.

In addition to her cultivation, she remotely managed the initial operations of the Gloomy Pavilion through Lin Feng. Xia Zhihe provided several effective elixir recipes, Sun Xiaohou gathered a few suspicious pieces of information about Battle Maniac Peak disciples frequently contacting non-sect personnel recently, and Zhao Xiaoyi established a relatively secure internal material transfer channel.

The Gloomy Pavilion, this nascent organization, guided by the resources and direction provided by Ye Li, was quietly spreading and taking root, like vines in the dark of night.

One day, as Ye Li was practicing the Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger in her courtyard, trying to further refine the embryonic form of the “Spirit Sealing” stance, an urgent message suddenly came through the Gloomy Pavilion token from Lin Feng:

“Pavilion Master, according to confirmed intelligence from Sun Xiaohou, the sect will issue a large-scale cooperative mission in three days to clear out a group of rogue evil cultivators entrenched in the ‘Black Wind Mountain Range.’ The reward is extremely generous. Battle Maniac Peak seems intent on using this mission to cause trouble, and their movements are suspicious! Furthermore, disciples from the Azure Water Pavilion may also participate in this mission.”

Ye Li stopped her movement and stood up, a cold light flashing in her eyes.

Black Wind Mountain Range? Evil cultivators? Battle Maniac Peak’s movements? And the Azure Water Pavilion…

A storm was brewing. It seemed her peaceful days of cultivation would have to be put on hold for a while.