**Chapter 35: Qi Condensation Sixth Layer
Today, Ye Xinghe was unusually dressed in a Daoist robe, as if he had just finished meditating. Xu Xiuqing quickly stepped forward upon seeing him, pleading, "I hope Senior Ye can save my father!"
Despite the Mo family's efforts to organize an alliance against the evil cultivators, the major families, including the Four Great Families and the Purple Mansion Clan, were hesitant to act unless their own interests were directly threatened. Especially with the Tai Yi Sect mobilizing alchemists and artifact refiners, a larger conflict seemed imminent. The Four Great Families were unlikely to take action at this time.
[Translator: sauron]
Ye Xinghe was aware that the evil cultivators typically targeted itinerant cultivators and that the cost of dealing with them could be high. Although Xu Xiuqing's father's fate was a concern, the Ye family would not commit all their resources without sufficient guarantee. If Xu Xiuqing had not mentioned the spirit stone mine, the Ye family might not have considered intervening at all.
"Your father and I have a past, so I will certainly help. However, since he has been targeted by an evil cultivator's blood curse, be prepared for the worst," Ye Xinghe warned, careful not to overpromise.
Xu Xiuqing, determined to contribute, offered to assist if Ye Xinghe and the Ye family's experts were willing to intervene. Ye Xinghe, understanding her situation, agreed to help and asked her to wait for further updates. He then left to contact the family and persuade the Mo family to increase their efforts against the evil cultivators.
By the time Ye Xinghe returned, it was already late at night. The Taihang Market appeared even cooler under the moonlight. Ye Jingcheng went back to his room, and moments later, the Red Flame Fox leapt onto him, its excitement palpable as it nuzzled his hand.
Ye Jingcheng recognized the fox's eagerness as a sign of its accomplishment. He rewarded it generously with spiritual food, including three feeding spirit pills and a substantial amount of spirit beast meat. The amount of spirit stones used was close to ten, a luxury he would not normally afford.
The Red Flame Fox, having achieved its breakthrough, was devouring the food voraciously. Ye Jingcheng noticed the fox's flame pattern was clearer and warmer to the touch, indicating its enhanced power. The fox's ability to release larger fireballs—an advanced technique—was a testament to its improved capabilities.
Ye Jingcheng was excited by the prospect of the fox's new abilities. The enhancement was a significant boost, and he was eager to start using the animal's newfound powers.
The Jade-Eared Mouse, watching from the side, seemed uncomfortable with the abundance of food and attention lavished on the Red Flame Fox. Ye Jingcheng knew that maintaining the well-being of all his spirit beasts was crucial, especially during such critical times. His next goal was to advance to the sixth layer of Qi Condensation to improve his own cultivation.
After ensuring the Red Flame Fox had consumed its fill, Ye Jingcheng provided some spirit water—an expensive item reserved for breakthroughs. He then gave the Jade-Eared Mouse two feeding spirit pills and placed it in his spirit beast pouch.
With everything in place, Ye Jingcheng activated the Beast Communication Rune, now more vivid and active than before. He channeled spiritual energy into it, and the rune appeared to come alive as it transferred to the Red Flame Fox's left front paw.
The process was intense, with spiritual energy flowing between Ye Jingcheng and the Red Flame Fox. Ye Jingcheng, sweating and focused, continued to infuse the rune until it was absorbed into the fox, which emitted a low growl as the transformation occurred.
The exchange of spiritual energy had a profound effect. Ye Jingcheng felt his own cultivation rise visibly as he absorbed the fox's high-quality spiritual energy. He spent two days in seclusion, practicing the Fire Severing Technique, and by the third day, he took a Green Spirit Pill.
On the fourth day, feeling the heat within him intensify, Ye Jingcheng exhaled deeply and opened his eyes, filled with joy. He had advanced to the sixth layer of Qi Condensation in just over a year, a remarkable achievement compared to his previous progress.
Ye Jingcheng understood that while this breakthrough was exceptional, future advancements would require spirit beasts stronger than the Red Flame Fox or other methods to maintain such rapid progress. Nonetheless, the improvement in his spiritual root efficiency due to the Red Flame Fox's assistance was significant.
**End of Chapter**