Chapter 10: The Stunning and Unmatched Yu Wuchen

In the forest, a thick Wood Element aura enveloped Cheng Lingyu, its green glow visible to the naked eye.

This life-filled energy transformed into vitality, nourishing his withered body.

Nearby, mineral energy from microorganisms flowed into his body, filtered layer by layer before merging into his cells, blood, and meridian points.

Invisible void energy seeped into his flesh, blending with the Wood Element aura and minerals to alter his physique. This awakened the two active metal sources within him, rearranging his cells into a denser, finer structure.

All visible and hidden energies merged into Cheng Lingyu’s body—a feat no ordinary person could achieve.

Cheng Lingyu carried a top secret. The eerie emergence of the Dreamless Technique paled compared to his ability to merge with dark matter energy undetectable by sight or consciousness, defying all logic.

This time, he slept deeply for half a month. Upon waking, his body felt light as a feather, muscles brimming with explosive power capable of shaking mountains and splitting the earth.

The sensation was surreal. His first thought: his strength had skyrocketed.

This wasn’t mere improvement—it was a meteoric leap, its speed startling even him.

He sensed the power stored within him far exceeded his current capabilities. Yet, limited by his low Realm, he could only access a fraction of it.

Focusing his mind, Cheng Lingyu channeled his true energy. His cultivation level surged past the Shock Phase, through the Shape Change and Spiral Phases, breaking into the Fusion Phase and nearing the Change Phase.

His rapid growth after each deep sleep baffled him. Each slumber brought explosive progress.

The Fusion Phase marked a critical leap, allowing true energy to combine in pairs, multiplying its power.

Average cultivators achieved eight to sixteenfold boosts here. Exceptional talents reached thirty-two or sixty-fourfold.

After mastering the Fusion Phase’s essence, Cheng Lingyu applied Thousand Layers of Snow to compress his true energy relentlessly.

His first attempt unleashed sixty-fourfold power—a jaw-dropping feat.

The second attempt doubled it to one hundred twenty-eightfold. The third quadrupled to two hundred fifty-sixfold. It kept climbing.

Thousand Layers of Snow’s effect during Fusion Phase defied belief. After three days of intense cultivation, his compressed true energy could unleash one thousand twenty-fourfold power instantly.

This wasn’t his limit—but pushing further risked his physical body crumbling under the Backlash Power.

Cheng Lingyu retreated to dense woods, entering deep sleep. The Wood Element aura fortified his body, adding resilience against backlash.

The Dreamless Technique stilled his thoughts, syncing his body’s rhythm with nature. He absorbed heaven and earth’s Essence, merging with the power of all things.

Three days later, he awoke stronger. His explosive power had doubled to two thousand forty-eightfold.

A single punch shattered boulders, uprooted trees, and carved a Deep Pit spanning dozens of yards—a strike surpassing the Ordinary Martial Realm’s destructive scope.

“Promising. Further body refinement could amplify this.”

A confident smile graced his face.

Back at the Cheng estate, he suppressed his cultivation level to the Spiral Phase, hiding his true strength.

“You’ve returned! Ten days remain till the Chongyang Martial Arts Festival. Are you prepared?”

Cheng Yun studied his son, noting his growth—taller now, with rugged features edged by newfound elegance.

“Worry not. I’ve reached the Fusion Phase. A thousandfold power comes easily.”

Cheng Lingyu’s eyes gleamed with unshakable confidence.

Cheng Yun was startled. “A thousandfold explosive power! Is… is this real?”

Cheng Lingyu smiled and nodded in confirmation.

Cheng Yun froze briefly before bursting into wild laughter.

“Good, excellent! My son has finally spread his wings!”

Cheng Yun’s face showed bitter sorrow – the eruption of emotions suppressed too long, filled with hardship and weariness.

Cheng Lingyu understood his father’s feelings. He knew how Cheng Yun had suffered through years of despair.

Now that his son had risen, the father naturally felt relief and pride.

For ten days, Cheng Lingyu trained at home, humbly seeking Cheng Yun’s guidance.

Though Cheng Yun had fallen from Soul Martial Realm to True Martial Realm, his cultivation insights remained intact.

Cheng Lingyu’s rapid cultivation speed was remarkable, but left shallow understanding of each Realm – an inevitable flaw.

To compensate, he adopted the geniuses’ method: first comprehending higher Realm principles before striving to reach them, maintaining mental advancement over physical progress.

…

Dawn brought light rain to Shiyang Town.

Cheng Lingyu walked through the drizzle to Ruo Xue’s tombstone again.

Remembering their academy days – the mockery and scorn he endured – Ruo Xue’s companionship had been his only joy.

Now possessing strength and status but lacking that happiness, he realized love outweighed all his current achievements.

No glory could reclaim the lost sweetness for this lonely youth.

Standing in rain, Cheng Lingyu whispered to Ruo Xue’s grave, nostalgia etched on his handsome face.

A flower umbrella approached through the mist.

Cheng Lingyu turned at the sound.

“Teacher… who is she?”

The umbrella-bearer wore white like snow – tall, graceful, radiating unparalleled beauty that stunned Cheng Lingyu.

Having always believed Ruo Xue the fairest, he now witnessed true perfection that could “topple cities with a smile”.

The sixteen-year-old girl had snow-pale skin and moon-bright eyes radiating enchanting charm.

Fortunately, Cheng Lingyu’s Dreamless Technique activated when distracted, shielding him from her spellbinding gaze.

“Are you Cheng Lingyu?”

Her voice chimed like jade bells.

Teacher said heavily: “This is Yu Wuchen. She came for Ruo Xue.”

Cheng Lingyu observed Yu Wuchen – truly “Jade Without Dust”, noble and pure beyond her years.

“I am. Greetings, Miss Yu.”

He tensed under her unfathomable aura.

“Did Ruo Xue die because of you?” Yu Wuchen glanced at the tombstone, flawless face tinged with regret.

Cheng Lingyu’s heart clenched. He’d rather have died himself.

Teacher touched the grave marker, aged face twisting. “Ruo Xue, your revenge comes soon.”

Each word stabbed Cheng Lingyu’s heart.

“Teacher, keep strong. I’ll bring Cheng Zhaolong’s head for Ruo Xue!”

Yu Wuchen scoffed: “An Ordinary Martial Realm Eighth Level Fusion Phase avenger?”

“I’ll kill Cheng Zhaolong within two years!” Cheng Lingyu growled.

“Unnecessary.” Teacher shook his head. “I’ll die within two years. I must witness his death.”

Yu Wuchen declared: “I’ll execute Cheng Zhaolong. If the Cheng family resists, I’ll erase them.”

“You?” Cheng Lingyu stared. “Can you?”

Yu Wuchen’s eyebrow arched. “Blind mortal! Can’t recognize true power?”

Her soft hush froze raindrops mid-air. Time stopped.

A jade finger flicked. Countless raindrops crystallized into ice shards, chilling the world.

Paralyzed, Cheng Lingyu watched in terror – this girl wielded unimaginable might.

Yu Wuchen released the space confinement. Ice pellets clattered down like broken glass.

“Clear enough now?”

Cheng Lingyu stammered: “You… who are you?”