### Chapter Twenty-Seven: Foundation Establishment Fourth Layer
“Alright, you better get cracking and refine that Ice Heart Grass as soon as possible. Next time I see Brother Yun, remember to thank him properly.”
“Ugh… Okay, I know.”
Mu Jixue pouted her little cherry lips.
Brother Yun this, Brother Yun that, Little Yu talks about him all the time.
But Mu Jixue knew she was in the wrong, and since they had just made up, she didn’t want to provoke Little Yu again. So she simply agreed to everything.
Plus, Ice Heart Grass was indeed very useful for her. For Yun Zhonghe to offer it willingly… well, maybe he had some heart after all.
“I will let it slide for Little Yu and the Ice Heart Grass,” Mu Jixue thought to herself.
…
That night, Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu reconciled and had a blissful evening together. Meanwhile, in the Yun household, Yun Zhonghe also felt great joy.
He could feel his cultivation level steadily rising!
“Looks like Lin Zhongyu’s progress is going smoothly; the white-furred loli has already started refining the Ice Heart Grass.”
If the two hadn’t reconciled, Yun Zhonghe would never have used the Ice Heart Grass due to his understanding of Phoenix Proud Sky’s personality.
Now that the effects of the Ice Heart Grass are starting to show, it means everything is progressing smoothly per Yun Zhonghe’s expectations, and Phoenix Proud Sky and the female protagonist are back on good terms!
At the same time, Yun Zhonghe sensed that the warning from the Book of Prophecy had subsided.
Perfect!
Yun Zhonghe clenched his fists with excitement.
Not only did he avoid damaging the relationship between the two girls, but he also managed to establish an initial acquaintance with Phoenix Proud Sky. He felt quite satisfied with this start.
At least now, when he encounters Phoenix Proud Sky by chance, he has a reason to approach and say hello.
First, he’ll get closer through familiar greetings, gradually increase her goodwill, and ultimately become iron buddies. If he can pull this off, Yun Zhonghe won’t have to worry about anything for the rest of his life!
“This is all thanks to Little Yu’s help. Indeed, befriending the female lead first is key to controlling Phoenix Proud Sky.”
Yun Zhonghe felt on top of the world, his pressure eased considerably. This was especially true as he felt his cultivation rise to Foundation Establishment Fourth Layer. The excitement he felt was almost unbearable.
Oh yeah! Leveling up feels awesome!
Yun Zhonghe wasn’t incredibly gifted, and his family’s premium metal spiritual root mostly manifested in sword techniques and mystic skills, while his natural leveling up wasn’t so impressive.
At sixteen, thanks to his family’s resources and his own efforts, he had only managed to reach the Qi Refinement Ninth Level. Clearly, his talent wasn’t great.
Of course, in Cangzhou City, he would still be considered a genius, but that was just in Cangzhou City. Once in the Xuantian Sect, he’d only be barely acceptable.
However, now that he’s bound to Phoenix Proud Sky’s cultivation, Yun Zhonghe doesn’t even need to work hard anymore. Phoenix Proud Sky’s talent is his talent, and when she trains, so does he—Yun Zhonghe can just kick back and level up!
Plus, he can spend more time refining his sword techniques and enhancing his combat strength.
As long as he’s strong enough, nothing will stand in his way. In the future, he can handle any trouble the female lead and Phoenix Proud Sky encounter on his own. They just need to stick together.
“But we have to admit, that white-furred loli really has something special. The Ice Heart Grass not only improves her talent, but also boosts the chance of forming a Nine-Ringed Golden Core—yet she broke through to Foundation Establishment Fourth Layer solely relying on the Spiritual Energy from the grass…”
Fourteen years old at Foundation Establishment Fourth Layer—is that insane?
Back when playing games, Yun Zhonghe never really felt Phoenix Proud Sky’s rapid progression, but now that he’s in the story, he understands its terrifying nature.
Just hold onto Phoenix Proud Sky’s thigh tightly, and who knows? Maybe Yun Zhonghe can also fly up to the heavens.
He couldn’t help but look forward to the future.
“Looks like I need to find ways to give her more leveling-up pills.”
Yun Zhonghe pictured himself feeding pills to the white-furred loli in a loving manner.
Aotian, it’s time for your medicine.
Huh? Wait, why does that sound so strange?
Forget it, it’s fine.
As Yun Zhonghe practiced his sword techniques in the courtyard, he pondered his future path. Now, he was so focused that he could multitask effortlessly.
…
The next day.
Yun Zhonghe took off his outer robe, revealing a smooth, round and muscular torso with six perfectly defined abs. Solid yet not exaggerated muscles, the type that looks slim clothed and meaty unclothed.
Last night, his body had drastically strengthened after advancing to Foundation Establishment Fourth Level, resulting in such a fit physique.
Each advancement in the Foundation Establishment stage significantly enhanced his stats.
Just this physique alone could make countless women drool. Paired with his decent looks inherited from his family, he’d be hard-pressed to catch ladies if not for his bad reputation. Actually, seducing girls would be no problem.
Even Yun Zhonghe struggled to understand why, in the original plot, he ended up being a minotaur. With his looks, he could have easily snatched up prettier passerby girls.
He shook his head helplessly and poured a ladle of cold water over his body, washing away the sweat.
“The Nine Heavens Sword Technique is now mastered, and the Eight Desolate Sword Techniques is approaching the minor mastery stage. I am fairly regarded as a powerhouse in the Foundation Establishment stage now.”
After finishing his wash, Yun Zhonghe changed clothes while assessing himself. He felt his current battle stats were top-notch among the Foundation Establishment rank.
“Once the Eight Desolate Sword Techniques reaches mastery, wielding two sword techniques simultaneously, slaying early-stage Golden Core cultivators won’t be a problem! Handling town missions should be a piece of cake.”
Confidently, Yun Zhonghe believed he could start planning ahead. Without any unexpected hitches, the town missions should’ve already begun.
He hadn’t forgotten his plans to befriend Qin Hongye either. In the future, helping connect Qin Hongye and Phoenix Proud Sky would ensure a smoother path for him.
So, he must immediately take on the town task, ensuring no one else fills those spots.
When Yun Zhonghe was about to leave the Yun household, Tao Jiu’er caught him again.
Yun Zhonghe suspected someone had put a tracker on him.
“Sister Jiu, I’ve reformed. I’m going out on serious business, and you don’t need to follow me every moment.”
Tao Jiu’er winked playfully, “This is what Master ordered—to keep a close eye on you!”
She reported recent events of Yun Zhonghe to Chen Shi, their mother. Chen Shi seemed interested in the two girls Yun Zhonghe frequently interacted with and instructed Tao Jiu’er to pay extra attention.
Could the future young lady emerge from these two? Or… both?!
With a face showing amusement, Tao Jiu’er covered her mouth, suppressing a giggle, “Young Master, which fairy are you meeting today?”
“Huh? What nonsense are you spouting? I already said I’m doing important business.”
As they exited the Yun household, Tao Jiu’er didn’t believe him, pointing to the outside, “Then why are the two sisters of the Lin Family waiting for you at the door?”
“Oh?”
Yun Zhonghe glanced and saw Mu Jixue standing shyly at the Yun household gate, looking utterly nervous, as if she might bolt at any moment. It was clear she was hesitant without Lin Zhongyu behind her, supporting her by holding her shoulder.