Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 160: Chapter 160: Alchemy Pavilion Master

Ye Qingchen wanted to ask for the mysterious woman’s name, hoping he could find more information about her.

However, to his disappointment, no matter how he called out, she did not respond.

Ye Qingchen sighed. It seemed that just as she had said, she had exhausted too much of her Vitality Force saving him and had grown even weaker.

At the same time, Ye Qingchen finally understood the reason for his slow cultivation progress, a question that had long troubled him.

Having figured this out, Ye Qingchen set his worries aside and continued to regulate his body to recuperate.

Still, he could faintly sense the mysterious woman’s extraordinary nature. Not even Li Qingfeng, the Sect Master at the peak of the Martial Spirit Realm, or his own Dual Pupil Martial Soul could detect her presence—and this was while she was in a weakened state.

What kind of invincible existence would she become if she regained her strength? At least, she’s not someone I can contend with right now.

The night passed without incident. Early the next morning, Vice Pavilion Master Liu knocked on Ye Qingchen’s door.

Seeing the spirited Ye Qingchen, Vice Pavilion Master Liu felt relieved. He knew Sect Master Li Qingfeng had accepted Ye Qingchen as his disciple. It was only natural for a master to spare no expense, including any Miraculous Elixir, to heal his apprentice. Therefore, Liu wasn’t surprised by Ye Qingchen’s dramatic recovery.

Ye Qingchen gave a slight bow, but Vice Pavilion Master Liu waved his hand, indicating that he needn’t be so polite, and then said, ”Qingchen, you’re in luck. The Pavilion Master returned to the Alchemy Pavilion early this morning. I have already reported to him, and you may go see him now.”

Ye Qingchen nodded and expressed his thanks.

Although he now understood the issue within his body and his original purpose for seeking the Alchemy Pavilion Master was fulfilled, Ye Qingchen had long admired the man reputed to be the Qingyun Sect’s greatest alchemist. An opportunity to interact with such an expert could be a great boon to my own alchemy.

Vice Pavilion Master Liu led the way, sharing many stories about the Pavilion Master. After all, the Vice Pavilion Master was the Pavilion Master’s number one fan.

From him, Ye Qingchen learned that the Alchemy Pavilion Master’s name was Zhang Dingqiang, a man whose skill in alchemy had reached a transcendent level.

Vice Pavilion Master Liu brought Ye Qingchen to Pavilion Master Zhang Dingqiang’s residence and announced respectfully, ”Pavilion Master Zhang, I have brought Ye Qingchen.”

A hoarse, elderly voice came from within the room. ”Hmm, come in.”

Although he had yet to see the man, Vice Pavilion Master Liu had already bowed several times at the door, a clear sign of his deep reverence for Pavilion Master Zhang Dingqiang.

Receiving permission to enter, Vice Pavilion Master Liu gently opened the door and led Ye Qingchen inside.

The furnishings were spartan: a table, a few chairs, and a rudimentary bed. That was all. If he hadn’t known the occupant’s identity beforehand, Ye Qingchen would have found it impossible to believe this was where Pavilion Master Zhang Dingqiang lived. Given the Pavilion Master’s special status within the Qingyun Sect, if not second only to the Sect Master himself, he was certainly among the top five most influential figures. Yet this esteemed man lived in quarters less luxurious than those of a menial disciple.

What surprised Ye Qingchen even more was that Pavilion Master Zhang Dingqiang appeared to be a middle-aged man in his thirties or forties. Recalling the hoarse and elderly voice from moments before, Ye Qingchen found it hard to believe it had come from the man standing before him.

As Ye Qingchen was appraising Pavilion Master Zhang Dingqiang, Zhang Dingqiang was sizing him up as well.

Remembering the reason for his visit, Ye Qingchen quickly bowed. ”Disciple Ye Qingchen pays his respects to Pavilion Master Zhang.”

Pavilion Master Zhang Dingqiang smiled and waved a hand. His voice, still hoarse and aged, addressed Ye Qingchen. ”You little fellow, you’ve made quite a name for yourself recently. I’ve only just returned, and I’ve already heard so many people talking about you that my ears have nearly grown calluses.”

Ye Qingchen hadn’t expected the Alchemy Pavilion Master to be so approachable and to joke with him right away. He replied in a relaxed tone, ”This disciple has always tried to keep a low profile. It’s just that sometimes, the tree may wish for calm, but the wind will not subside.”

”A good saying, ’the tree may wish for calm, but the wind will not subside.’ But let’s not dwell on that. The Sect Master sent word asking me to examine your body and help you sever your Heart Demon. Since you’re here, let’s begin,” Pavilion Master Zhang Dingqiang said, getting straight to the point without dwelling on Ye Qingchen’s famous deeds.

Ye Qingchen nodded and walked toward him. Pavilion Master Zhang pointed to a nearby meditation cushion, gesturing for Ye Qingchen to sit cross-legged.

Ye Qingchen did as instructed. Though Pavilion Master Zhang was known as the strongest wielder of Soul Power in the Qingyun Sect, Ye Qingchen wasn’t worried the man would discover his secrets. The mysterious woman had already assured him he was safe.

Sure enough, Pavilion Master Zhang circulated his Vitality Force and conducted a meticulous, thorough examination of Ye Qingchen’s entire body, but he came up empty-handed. To be safe, he repeated the examination three times, yet the result was always the same: there was nothing out of the ordinary in Ye Qingchen’s body.

”Pavilion Master Zhang, do I have a Heart Demon?” Seeing the deep furrow in the Pavilion Master’s brow, Ye Qingchen guessed that the man had found nothing and took the initiative to ask.

Pavilion Master Zhang shook his head and answered directly, ”Your aura is steady and your foundation is solid. The Spiritual Energy in your body flows smoothly, showing no signs of a Heart Demon’s presence.”

Although he already knew the answer, Ye Qingchen feigned a sigh. He understood that while the mysterious woman in his body would absorb his Vitality Force to recover, she was also his trump card for survival. Moreover, she had saved him before, so she likely wasn’t malevolent. Having her remain in his body for a while shouldn’t pose a major problem.

Seeing Ye Qingchen sigh, Pavilion Master Zhang assumed he was worried about the Heart Demon and continued, reassuring him, ”Even though I found nothing, you needn’t worry. As long as your will is firm and your Vitality Force is complete, any Heart Demon can be overcome. Furthermore, the path of alchemy is the best way to strengthen one’s mind and Vitality Force! I heard from Vice Pavilion Master Liu that you have exceptional Alchemic Talent and are destined for greatness. As long as you diligently practice alchemy, even if you truly are afflicted by a Heart Demon now, you will eventually be able to resolve it with ease!”

Ye Qingchen nodded thoughtfully. He then stood and bowed respectfully to thank Pavilion Master Zhang.

Pavilion Master Zhang Dingqiang’s words struck Ye Qingchen like a sudden enlightenment.

Strengthen the mind through alchemy to combat the Heart Demon!