Chapter 57: Breakthrough, Middle-Stage Mysterious Platform Realm
Jiang Chen returned to the courtyard where everyone eagerly awaited his arrival.
Each individual displayed a look of concern, anticipating news about Qiu Liaoxi's condition.
As he approached,
"Big Brother, how is Alchemist Qiu?"
Jiang Yuqian hurriedly approached, her voice laden with anxiety,
"She's awake and recovering well."
"Thanks to Alchemist Xie and the pill I provided, we managed to save her just in time."
Jiang Chen offered a comforting smile as he responded.
Relief washed over the faces of everyone present in the courtyard.
"Big brother, you're truly incredible!"
"Time and time again, you perform miracles and rescue people in desperate situations!"
Overwhelmed by emotion, Jiang Yuqian stepped forward and grasped Jiang Chen's arm. Her eyes shimmered with admiration as she spoke.
"It's nothing, Yuqian."
"I'm just glad I could help in this situation."
Jiang Chen gently patted her head, responding modestly.
With a warm smile, he added, "Seeing all of you healthy and safe brings me immense relief. Remember to cultivate diligently and take good care of yourself."
"I will, big brother. I promise to make you and the Jiang Clan proud."
Jiang Yuqian nodded, her face set in resolute determination.
At that moment,
"Why don't you go to recuperate for now?"
"You're still injured from the fight in the Vast Spirit Residence."
Jiang Xingtai stepped forward and suggested.
"That's right, young friend Jiang Chen should also take care of his health!"
"With us here, nothing will happen."
Du Bailei joined in from the side.
Hearing these words,
Jiang Chen silently thanked his uncle for his assistance.
Having resolved Qiu Liaoxi's issue, he no longer wished to linger.
There were other, more pressing matters to attend to.
And so,
"Thank you, Uncle, and President Du."
"I'll heed your advice and rest."
Jiang Chen nodded in agreement and spoke.
Before taking his leave,
"Elder Ge, please have someone prepare a residence for Ning Xian and Alchemist Qiu next to mine."
"They'll need a comfortable place to rest and recuperate."
Jiang Chen directed his gaze toward Elder Ge and instructed.
"Understood, Young Master Jiang Chen."
"I will make the arrangements immediately."
Elder Ge nodded respectfully.
With everything settled, Jiang Chen departed from the courtyard.
...
Returning to his own residence,
Jiang Chen promptly entered his cultivation chamber.
However, he did not commence cultivation immediately.
With a mere flicker of thought,
A nuptial band materialized in his hand, radiating refined elegance.
Though inconspicuous at first glance,
The ring shimmered with cosmic hues, and subtle, ancient runes adorned its surface, hinting at its arcane nature.
Armed with the knowledge provided by the system,
Jiang Chen swiftly understood its purpose.
[Eternal Vows Binding Ring: A mystical ring crafted from materials that have endured the onslaught of innumerable ages, its true origins remain veiled in obscurity. It harbors an inner dimension.
Once a woman's heart is captivated by the ring's possessor, a new ring inscribed with her name materializes within this hidden space.
Upon donning the ring, an unyielding bond forms between the two souls, and the woman's emotions ascend to the Boundless Love realm, a lofty state of devotion rarely experienced by mortals.]
"Is this the System's way of assisting me?"
"But to what extent, I cannot be certain!"
"After all, I must have the other party wear the ring to observe any ensuing changes."
Jiang Chen murmured to himself.
Without further hesitation,
He slipped the ring onto the fourth finger of his left hand.
As the Eternal Vows Binding Ring nestled into place, Jiang Chen suddenly sensed a subtle connection taking shape between him and the artifact.
He was aware that only those bound by the ring could perceive it.
Intrigued, Jiang Chen delved into the ring with his divine sense.
Indeed, he uncovered a small space within, at the heart of which lay another nuptial band.
Upon closer examination, he noticed Ning Xian's name gracefully inscribed on it.
Discovering nothing else within the space,
Jiang Chen retracted his divine sense and resolved to set this matter aside for the moment.
Instead, he redirected his attention to exchanging some treasures.
After all, he had amassed over ten thousand villain points by now!
'System!'
'Open the system mall!'
Jiang Chen licked his lips and issued the command mentally.
In an instant,
The system mall panel materialized.
The four categories of 'Cultivation Methods', 'Medicinal Pills', 'Artifacts', and 'Other' were neatly organized.
'Now that I possess the Burning World Red Lotus,'
Jiang Chen mused, 'I wonder whether medicinal pills or spiritual plants would aid my progress more effectively?'
Contemplating for a moment,
He resolved to compare the two alternatives.
So.
First, he opened the 'Medicinal Pills' category and searched for the 'Shaking Light Origin Platform Spirit Pill', a cultivation pill designed for the Mysterious Platform realm.
Without hesitation, he exchanged for two of them, each valued at 400 points of Villain Value!
Immediately after.
He accessed the 'Other' category and sought out fire-type spiritual plants.
In an instant.
A myriad of spiritual plants materialized, their varieties so vast that one's eyes would blur just by gazing at them!
Among these were the Half-Moon Blood Congealing Flame Pine, the Extreme Fire Gu Grass, the Thousand Birds Immortal Rosy Cloud Grass, and many more!
"Wow!"
"There are so many!"
"Generally, they're worth over 500 points of Villain Value!"
"Oh, right! I also have some spiritual plants that initially belonged to Lin Feng."
Jiang Chen abruptly smacked his forehead, recalling the two types of spiritual plants he had in his possession.
One was the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng he had acquired from a roadside stall.
The other, akin to the 'Fireheart Pinecone Fruit' but even more potent, had been secured at an auction.
'Let's test these two medicinal pills and spiritual plants first.'
Jiang Chen contemplated. He then promptly tossed one Shaking Light Origin Platform Spirit Pill into his mouth.
The pill dissolved instantaneously upon contact with his tongue.
It felt as though a warm current flowed into his stomach, spreading out and integrating with his body!
Immediately following that.
As the medicinal power was assimilated.
A substantial amount of Yuan Power converged in his dantian, underwent sublimation through the Mysterious Platform, and transformed into an even more refined Yuan Power!
These more refined energies,
In turn, solidified the Mysterious Platform further, rendering Jiang Chen's body even more robust!
The Shaking Light Origin Platform Spirit Pill, valued at 400 points of Villain Value per piece, was five times more expensive than the Clearing Mind Awakening Spirit Pill. With a few more of these, he could exchange them for cultivation methods in the Heavenly Origin Realm!
Naturally, such a costly medicinal pill yielded exceptional results!
Shortly after.
Jiang Chen realized that he had made significant progress in his cultivation level, having recently entered the Early-stage Mysterious Platform realm!
The overall quality of his body had been enhanced in numerous ways.
But that wasn't all.
His divine sense had also experienced substantial growth!
"This pill is truly incredible; I love it!"
"I wonder how many spiritual stones I could fetch for it if I were to bring it to an auction!"
"Such a pill is likely only easily obtainable through my system. For others to acquire it, they may need to invest considerable effort and hard work!"
"However, compared to spiritual stones, I'm even more delighted by the direct improvement in my cultivation level!"
"Moreover, the exceptional effects of this pill might be connected to my enhanced aptitude following the advancement!"
"Now, my aptitude has reached Top Grade!"
"..."
Jiang Chen was immensely impressed by the effects of the Shaking Light Origin Platform Spirit Pill and was once again extremely content with his current aptitude!
It must be emphasized.
Even possessing an Upper Grade aptitude was exceedingly scarce.
It was not an exaggeration to say that one might only encounter such an individual among a hundred thousand people, let alone one in ten thousand.
Regarding the Top Grade aptitude.
Even within colossal organizations like the Starry Abyss Sect, it remained an extraordinarily rare phenomenon!
Among the current generation of Starry Abyss Sect disciples,
None had yet displayed a Top Grade aptitude!
Should Jiang Chen unveil his aptitude, he would indisputably become a prized asset for the entire Starry Abyss Sect!
Now, back to the matter at hand.
Once the medicinal effects of the Shaking Light Origin Platform Spirit Pill had fully dissipated,
Jiang Chen took the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng, rinsed it with water, and directly grasped it in his hand, taking bites out of it.
In a brief moment.
The Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng was entirely consumed, leaving not even a single whisker behind.
Upon finishing it,
Jiang Chen discovered that the medicinal power of this rare Mysterious Platform realm spiritual plant did not disseminate throughout his body like the medicinal pill had!
Instead, all of it converged in his dantian, merging into the Burning World Red Lotus.
After receiving the nourishment from the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng, the fissures on the Burning World Red Lotus had somewhat vanished.
Shortly thereafter,
A warm current of energy radiated from the Burning World Red Lotus and permeated Jiang Chen's entire body!
Instantaneously,
Jiang Chen felt as if his body had become even more pristine and transparent, resembling a crystal that had been meticulously cleansed of any dust or impurities!
"What!"
"My aptitude has improved yet again!"
"Unbelievable, my aptitude can still progress? Then wouldn't I become the preeminent genius in the entire Mysterious Truth Continent! Wow, this is incredible!"
Jiang Chen excitedly examined his dantian and meridians through introspection.
He observed that his Mysterious Platform had become even more refined, with the quality and quantity of his Yuan Power reaching higher and greater levels!
The velocity of his Yuan Power circulation had also become swifter and more fluid, and his combat prowess had imperceptibly increased even further!
Furthermore,
In addition to the enhancement of his aptitude, his cultivation level had also evidently ascended.
Though it could not rival the Shaking Light Origin Platform Spirit Pill, it was still far superior to ordinary medicinal pills.
"So this is a Heaven-Defying Fate Changer trump card!"
"Simply by consuming spiritual plants, one can grow stronger, augment their aptitude, and boost their combat power. Astounding!"
Jiang Chen couldn't help but exclaim in admiration!
Immediately afterward.
He popped the second Shaking Light Origin Platform Spirit Pill into his mouth.
Once more, it dissolved instantaneously upon entering his mouth.
This time around.
The medicinal power was digested even more swiftly!
Additionally, the absorption rate had increased! In other words, he wasted less medicinal power than before!
In no time.
The pill was fully absorbed.
Jiang Chen's cultivation level had again exhibited a substantial enhancement!
"After acquiring the Burning World Red Lotus,"
"The medicinal pills and spiritual plants can synergize with each other, enabling me to grow stronger at an accelerated pace!"
"It appears that I'll need to combine both the raw and cooked forms for consumption from now on."
Jiang Chen grinned and then placed the presumed 'Fireheart Pinecone Fruit' spiritual plant into his mouth.
After the Burning World Red Lotus had recuperated slightly.
His sensitivity to spiritual plants had also experienced a minor increase. Although it was relatively subtle, it was indeed present.
'The more robust the Burning World Red Lotus becomes!'
'The greater my potential limit will be!'
As Jiang Chen pondered, he consumed the spiritual plant in his hand.
Time passed gradually.
In the blink of an eye,
Half a month had elapsed.
During these days.
Besides the two medicinal pills and two varieties of spiritual plants he had ingested earlier, Jiang Chen had also expended 3000 points of Villain Value to exchange for additional medicinal pills and spiritual plants.
Half of the exchange was dedicated to medicinal pills, while the other half focused on spiritual plants.
After consuming them.
And following an extended period of strenuous cultivation, as well as the support of the Ten-Turn Harmonious Spirit Pill, he finally advanced to the Middle-Stage Mysterious Platform realm!
Moreover, his true battle power had reached the Late-stage Mysterious Platform realm!