In the days that followed, Ye Chen settled into a rhythm of taking full advantage of the resources his master could offer. Though his master didn't provide critical hits often, the one-hundredfold multiplier was still in effect.

The resources required for late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators were more valuable, and the returns were even greater when multiplied. Thus, during this period, Ye Chen began focusing on crafting second-tier medicinal pills for his master.

"Master, this is the top-tier Golden Crow Pill I made last week..."

Another week passed, Ye Chen arrived again, presenting the second-tier medicinal pill, Golden Crow Pill, which helped harmonize the essence, energy, and spirit of Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The ingredients for this pill were expensive, and its refinement was difficult. Moreover, it was a supplementary-type pill, meaning it wasn't essential but provided extra benefits.

A single high-grade Golden Crow Pill could fetch ten middle-grade spirit stones. As for the top-grade, it was even rarer, worth at least twenty middle-grade spirit stones. Ten top-grade Golden Crow Pill equaled two high-grade spirit stones.

After applying the one-hundredfold multiplier, that came to two hundred high-grade spirit stones. A substantial profit, indeed. While the effects of the pill weren't immediately obvious, they were still real. Taking them over the years would accumulate significant benefits. Therefore, it was useful to Ye Chen as well.

With his gift delivered, Ye Chen happily departed. Meanwhile, Gu Yunyun stared at the top-grade Golden Crow Pill in Ye Chen's hand. A contemplative look crossed her flawless face.

Ever since receiving that nightdress, her disciple had been coming every week to deliver gifts. Most of these were the top-grade medicinal pills that she needed for cultivation. The effects of these pills were indeed better than those available elsewhere.

Moreover, they were particularly comprehensive. In addition to the basic cultivation pills, Ye Chen also brought along supplementary pills like Golden Crow Pill, which were highly effective but not crucial, though they were absurdly expensive.

For instance, the Golden Crow Pill, when taken once every three days in the late Foundation Establishment stage, helped harmonize spiritual power, spiritual sense, and the body, potentially improving the chances of future breakthroughs…

Then there was the Moon Essence Pill, which, when taken every five days in the late Foundation Establishment stage, could slightly increase spiritual sense, and many other similar pills. All of them provided incremental growth, but the effects were limited, and their cost-effectiveness was undeniably low. Even disciples from top-tier sects wouldn't necessarily be willing to spend their resources on such pills.

However, Ye Chen came to deliver to himself every week, and each pill he brought was of the highest grade. Although she did not know why Ye Chen possessed such an astonishing alchemy skill, even the second-tier alchemists of the sect could not compare to him in ability. But Ye Chen's enthusiasm seemed excessively overboard, didn't it?

It had far exceeded Gu Yunyun's initial assumption that Ye Chen's only motivation after breaking through to Foundation Establishment was his newfound strength, leading him to feel the desire to repay her and express filial piety.

Gu Yunyun had also noticed something else. Ye Chen had stopped delivering gifts to Yao Xi recently... Instead, he came running to her every day. Yao Xi had become the one seeking Ye Chen out.

When Ye Chen gave her gifts, his face always carried an expression of eager anticipation. After she accepted the gifts, Ye Chen would smile brightly, radiating joy.

Something was off. This disciple of hers was truly acting strangely... Recalling her disciple's past, along with the red nightgown that she felt was rather inappropriate...

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Gu Yunyun couldn't help but shiver slightly. Could it be that this disciple had developed feelings for someone else? She was aware of the matter with Sun Ruoxin. Her disciple had been deeply hurt by Sun Ruoxin, and in the end, he had rekindled his feelings for Yao Xi.

Could it be that Yao Xi had done something similar? Had she inadvertently wounded her disciple's heart? Was this the reason her disciple's affections had shifted once more? And now, Ye Chen's new object of affection was none other than herself?

The more she thought about it, the more Gu Yunyun felt that this theory was true. Otherwise, why would Ye Chen no longer go to Yao Xi?

Instead, Yao Xi came to find him every day. This situation was eerily similar to Sun Ruoxin waiting beneath the Sword Peak back then, wasn't it?

Yet, even though she had figured out why Ye Chen was being so attentive, Gu Yunyun could not accept it at all. This rebellious disciple of hers had actually set his sights on her! How could this be? After all, she was his master! This brat was simply being outrageously disrespectful!

Gu Yunyun felt her fists tighten. With her usual temperament, when faced with such a situation, she would simply march over and give him a good lesson. But then, she recalled Ye Chen's words, which had spread throughout the entire sect: "I love you, and it has nothing to do with you!"

Only someone truly devoted could say such words. Even if she were to beat Ye Chen, what would it accomplish? Ye Chen would likely still think the same way in his heart.

Moreover, Ye Chen had not explicitly stated his feelings; he merely expressed them silently, sending her various pills to the best of his ability. Had she not been sharp-minded and clear-headed, she might not have even noticed.

Besides, Ye Chen was her only disciple. Given her lazy nature, she had little interest in accepting new disciples. Thus, Ye Chen was practically the only disciple she would ever have in this life.

For that reason, Gu Yunyun could not bring herself to be too harsh. After all, Ye Chen had already been hurt twice, first by Sun Ruoxin, then by Yao Xi. If she were too cruel now, and Ye Chen's heart was broken once more, leaving him disillusioned and crushed, wandering astray on the path of cultivation. Wouldn't she, as his master, have been the one to ruin his future?

With that thought, Gu Yunyun decided to approach the matter differently. Soon, she came up with a plan. That plan was to keep Ye Chen from seeing her as often.

Although Gu Yunyun was not well-versed in matters of love, she understood the power of time more than anything. Even the greatest of ancient beings would turn to dust when faced with the passage of time. And if Ye Chen were to be kept away from her for a prolonged period…

That misplaced affection would surely fade with the passing of time. Logically speaking, in such a situation, she should have left and gone on a journey for some time.

However, the current situation was unstable. The inheritance secret realm in Middle Mountain had shattered, and it was suspected that the remains of the Boundless Demon Sect had appeared after the destruction of the realm.

The Boundless Demon Sect, part of the Nascent Soul Demon Sect from five thousand years ago, left behind remnants that were undoubtedly of great value. Both sides had already dispatched personnel to begin reconnaissance. There had been several minor skirmishes during this period. If the remains truly appeared, a great war between the Green Cloud sect and the Misty Sect was inevitable. As the strongest combat force beneath the sect master, she could not leave.

Additionally, she had been focused on comprehending the sword energy at the peak of the Sword Peak, making it unwise for her to depart. So, since she couldn't leave... she decided that Ye Chen should go instead.

Originally, Ye Chen had been included in the list of Foundation Establishment disciples sent to scout Middle Mountain by the External Affairs Hall. However, she had rejected the idea, citing Ye Chen's recent breakthrough and the need to stabilize his cultivation as the reason.

But now, Gu Yunyun had made up her mind. She would send Ye Chen to Middle Mountain. Ye Chen's talent was lacking, and he needed an opportunity. Battles and relics were the best ways for a cultivator to grow. And, with constant fighting on his hands, Ye Chen would undoubtedly have no time to indulge in such rebellious thoughts.

Furthermore, Gu Yunyun had heard rumors. Ye Chen's relationship with the Misty Sect's sorceress, Su Yuxuan, was rather peculiar.

Initially, Gu Yunyun hadn't believed the rumors. But now, she felt that as long as Ye Chen didn't betray the sect, she would turn a blind eye if there was something more between him and Su Yuxuan. As long as he no longer entertained those rebellious ideas. She had also heard that Su Yuxuan had been spotted in Middle Mountain. Her strength was immense. It would be a good opportunity for Ye Chen to meet her.

With this thought, Gu Yunyun made her decision. Her stunning figure soared into the air, heading straight for the sect's External Affairs Hall. After giving her instructions, she specifically reminded them not to mention that it was she who had sent Ye Chen. She didn't want Ye Chen to catch on to anything and feel disheartened...

Once everything was arranged, she returned to the Sword Peak, sighing deeply. Being a master was truly too difficult...

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