However, the First Elder seemed to turn a deaf ear, his tone stern as he declared, "Incompetence brings no cause for resentment. Ye Han possesses outstanding martial talent. He is vital to the future of the entire Ye Family; he is the dragon of our Ye Family and our leverage for regaining our status within the main Ye lineage. If you wish to touch him, you will have to get past me first!"
The First Elder did not care for Ye Han or Ye Tiange; he cared only for the interests of the family. He would stand on whichever side could bring the greatest benefits to the clan. Now that Ye Han had displayed such extraordinary potential, the First Elder was willing to go to any lengths to protect him.
Watching the father and son, Ye Han felt a secret, mocking satisfaction. This retribution had certainly arrived quickly. At this moment, they must have finally tasted the same bitterness he once endured.
Ye Tianba’s expression was so dark it seemed as if it could drip ink. With the First Elder protecting the boy, he knew that even if he exhausted all his strength, he would struggle to gain any advantage.
"I will not let this drop!"
After weighing his options, Ye Tianba retracted his spiritual energy, and the Flame Spirit Condor above his head dissolved into fragments of light that merged back into his body. His gaze sharp as a knife, he looked at Ye Han, pulled Ye Tiange to his feet, and the two turned to leave the Martial Tower.
*Hum!*
At that moment, the Grade Nine Spirit Art slowly descended into Ye Han’s hands, drawn by the almost greedy stares of the onlookers.
***
### Chapter 15: Dragon Absorption Technique
Surrounded by the Martial Tower, under the gaze of those envious eyes, a yellowish scroll descended from high above and landed in Ye Han’s palm. Simultaneously, as his soul consciousness penetrated the scroll, a vast amount of information flooded his mind, manifesting as arcane characters.
"Dragon Absorption Technique."
As the words slowly emerged, Ye Han’s spirit was instantly shaken, and his eyes were filled with profound shock. This was indeed a Grade Nine Spirit Art! However, it was vastly different from ordinary Spirit Arts. It was not an offensive technique, but an auxiliary one.
To cultivate the Dragon Absorption Technique, one must open spiritual energy vortices within the body, starting with one hundred. Once formed, these vortices would absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth with the power of a True Dragon drinking from an ocean, achieving the miraculous effect of causing one’s cultivation to soar in a short period. Unlike the explosive cultivation boost Ye Tiange received from the Bursting Spirit Pill, this method produced absolutely no side effects.
Furthermore, at its highest realm, one could cultivate up to a million spiritual energy vortices. At such a level, the amplification of one's cultivation would be unimaginable, potentially allowing one to leap across several major realms in a short time.
"The value of this Spirit Art far exceeds that of a standard Grade Nine art; it cannot be compared to ordinary offensive techniques." Ye Han gripped the scroll as if it were a rare treasure. This art was perfectly suited to his needs. Such auxiliary techniques were incredibly rare and virtually priceless.
Soon, he withdrew his soul consciousness and happily tucked the scroll into his Qiankun bag.
Nearby, the First Elder approached, his heart filled with complex emotions. They could never have imagined that the Ye Han who had been reduced to a waste would one day rise again, stunning the entire clan. At the same time, they felt ashamed of their own cold-blooded and ruthless past actions.
"Ye Han, the Ye Family was once unjust to you. I hope you will not bear a grudge. The family will do its best to compensate you. From now on, you may use all of the Ye Family's cultivation resources at will, including access to the Martial Tower. Moreover, from this day forward, you remain the Young Patriarch of our Ye Family."
*Whoosh!*
Hearing these words from the First Elder, the surrounding Ye Family disciples burned with envy, their jealousy almost palpable. Even the restricted Martial Tower was now open to Ye Han!
Although his anger had dissipated significantly, Ye Han was not particularly grateful. He had no interest in the position of Young Patriarch. However, given his current shallow cultivation, he was at a critical stage for building his foundation and indeed required vast resources. Therefore, he gave a reluctant nod.
Seeing him nod, the First Elder was greatly relieved and added, "Also, I have already sent men out to search for news of your father."
"My father?" Ye Han frowned. A gentle, kindly face immediately appeared in his mind. In his memories, this father had treated him very well, not only strictly urging him to practice diligently but also often sparing with him. The mere thought of that familiar face brought a warmth to Ye Han’s heart. Yet, ever since his dantian was crippled, his father had suddenly vanished from the Ye Family.
"If you can strengthen the Ye Family, your father will surely be pleased when he eventually hears of it," the Second Elder said with deep meaning.
"The time is up. Close the Martial Tower," the elders agreed with a glance, and they fired a bolt of spiritual energy into the tower.
*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!*
All the light orbs retracted into the tower, restoring it to its original state. Moments later, the disciples left the Martial Tower; some were clearly returning fully loaded, their faces beaming with joy. Of course, others were less fortunate, having selected lower-grade techniques, and seemed less than pleased. But regardless, having had this rare opening of the Martial Tower, everyone had gained something.
***
After the Martial Tower closed, Ye Han returned directly to his small courtyard. Although the Ye Family had arranged a more comfortable living space for him, he had grown accustomed to this secluded spot.
In the quiet courtyard, Ye Han stood beside a stone pond, reading the text from the scroll. He furrowed his brows, lost in thought. This, naturally, was the Dragon Absorption Technique. After a long while, he exhaled a heavy breath and muttered to himself, "It seems this technique is not easy to master. Forming the spiritual energy vortices within the body is no small feat, and channeling them to absorb energy like a True Dragon is even harder."
Although the technique was highly coveted, the difficulty of training was immense. Even Ye Han did not have absolute confidence in mastering it quickly. Nevertheless, he intended to try.
*Hoo~*
Taking a deep breath, Ye Han loosened his joints, found a clean stone, and sat down in a meditative pose. "Settle the energy in the dantian, exhale like a dragon, circulate spiritual energy through the meridians, open the vortices, breathe and inhale like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea."
He closed his eyes.
*Sshh!*
Pale golden spiritual energy wrapped around his body. Following the instructions in the manual, Ye Han began to cultivate. His spiritual energy circulated in a complete cycle, surging through his limbs and bones. One hour, two hours...
Before he knew it, several hours had passed. Ye Han felt no change within his body, let alone the formation of any spiritual energy vortices. However, just as he was about to give up, the golden spiritual energy in his dantian suddenly began to boil. As it surged, he could feel his strength rapidly increasing. His body seemed to erupt with a startling suction force, greedily pulling in the surrounding spiritual energy.
"Eh?" Ye Han found it increasingly miraculous. As the spiritual energy flowed into his dantian, a feeling of deep comfort washed over his limbs and bones. He did not dare to slacken; he channeled this energy through his meridians, continuously compressing it into his dantian. In the haze, a small black light point began to form.
The black light grew larger, transforming into a vortex the size of a thumb.
"A spiritual energy vortex!" Ye Han’s heart trembled. The speed at which this vortex absorbed energy was tyrannical; a powerful suction force erupted from within him, greedily plundering the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to feed the vortex. Simultaneously, he could feel his aura rising steadily.
"It’s not enough. I need to form one hundred vortices to be considered a beginner." Ye Han did not grow complacent; he became even more serious and diligent. Immersing himself in his cultivation, he lost track of time for over three days.
*ROAR—*
*BOOM!*
On the third day, a dragon’s roar echoed, and a powerful shockwave of spiritual energy blasted outwards, causing the very space to tremble. His aura had surged, temporarily stepping into the Mid Spirit Sea Realm!
"Did I succeed?" Ye Han opened his eyes, feeling pleasantly surprised. At this moment, his aura had indeed entered the Mid Spirit Sea Realm. It was even more robust than the spiritual energy of Ye Tiange, who had forcibly elevated himself to the same level using a Bursting Spirit Pill.
"However, this Dragon Absorption Technique is only an auxiliary art. It only boosts my cultivation for a short time," Ye Han muttered to himself. But, thinking about it, being able to raise his cultivation by a minor stage was more than enough.
"Young Patriarch, it’s bad!"
Just as Ye Han finished his session, a panicked servant rushed into the courtyard...
***
### Chapter 16: Liu Ming
"Young Patriarch, it’s bad!"
In the distance, a black-clad figure moved as nimbly as an ape, flying toward him and kneeling before Ye Han.
Ye Han slowly withdrew his spiritual energy, settling it back into his dantian as the glow around his body faded. "What is it?" He exhaled, opened his eyes with calm composure, and glanced at the guard.
"The Liu Family has brought men to cause trouble at our Ye Family’s Tianyang Mountain mining area!" the guard replied, his expression frantic.
"The Liu Family?" Ye Han’s expression turned cold. As two of the four great families of Yancheng, the animosity between the Liu and Ye families was long-standing. The root of this conflict lay in the struggle over a spirit mine. The Tianyang Mountain range was located at the border of their territories; it was a resource-rich area where a massive spirit mine had been discovered several years ago. Over the years, both sides had suffered victories and defeats, but the matter remained unresolved.
Eventually, the mining area was divided into two parts: the North, controlled by the Ye Family, and the South, by the Liu Family. Now that the Liu Family was openly trespassing into the Ye-controlled sector to stir up trouble, their ambition was clearly to seize the northern mines as well. The Liu Family certainly had high aspirations.
"Even though the Ye Family was once heartless toward me, the Liu Family has no right to touch this mine. Let’s go," Ye Han said, his voice cold, as he sped off with the guard toward the Tianyang Mountain range.
***
Yancheng, Tianyang Mountain Range.
Located in the north of Yancheng, the mountain range was vast, with the earth appearing a scorched red, like a range of fire. The area was extremely hot; the stones on the ground were scalding, and the air was filled with dense fire-attribute spiritual energy. This was because a deep-earth fire vein existed beneath the range, and the violent energy, compressed over centuries, had formed a high-quality mineral vein.
Spirit mines were not only vital cultivation resources but also served as currency for trade among martial artists. Whoever controlled the mine held a significant position in Yancheng!
In the northern mining area, two groups were currently locked in a tense standoff. Because of the intense heat, there was almost no vegetation, only bare rock.
"Liu Ming, what are you doing!" Ye Ling clenched his fists, staring at the group across from him, his voice filled with fury.
Standing on a rock opposite them were a dozen figures in white robes, looking down condescendingly at Ye Ling and his men. The leader, a handsome youth in white, wore an insidious smirk. Despite his youth, the spiritual fluctuations he emitted had already reached the half-step Spirit Sea Realm.
This youth was Liu Ming, the Young Patriarch of the Liu Family.
Liu Ming smiled faintly, but his core emitted a cold, serpentine aura. "Such an important mining area, yet the Ye Family sends you weaklings to guard it? Are you planning to just hand the northern mines over to my Liu Family?"
Beside him, Ye Hongli bit her lip in anger. "Delusional! You’ve trespassed into our mining area; do you want to start a war between our clans?"
To their surprise, Liu Ming did not bother to hide his ambition. Instead, he laughed greedily, "This northern mining area is several times richer in resources than our southern section. Why should it belong to the Ye Family? If the Liu Family can annex this area as well, we will undoubtedly become the head of the four great families in Yancheng."
So, the Liu Family had long been coveting the northern mines!
"Liu Ming, it seems your Liu Family is prone to delusions," Ye Ling’s expression darkened. He knew the Liu Family would not stop; Liu Ming was here to provoke them. He waved to the dozens of Ye Family disciples behind him and shouted, "Attack!"
*BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!*
The Ye disciples mobilized their spiritual energy and charged forward like hungry tigers.
"Overestimating yourselves!" Liu Ming sneered, leaping down from the rock with his men to engage in battle. Dozens of figures quickly clashed.
"Mountain Crushing Fist!" Ye Ling roared, his arms glowing with brown spiritual energy as he swung at Liu Ming. It was a Grade Three Spirit Art.
"Using a mere Grade Three Spirit Art in front of me?" Liu Ming scoffed, his body wrapped in golden spiritual energy as he slammed his palm forward. "Eight Desolations Palm!"
*BOOM!*
The palm strike transformed into a heavy, glowing imprint, accompanied by a howling wind. It collided with Ye Ling’s punch with overwhelming force. Liu Ming’s technique was a Grade Five Spirit Art, and combined with his half-step Spirit Sea Realm strength, it shattered Ye Ling’s defense like dry twigs, landing squarely on his chest.
*BANG!*
*Pfft!*
Ye Ling’s pupils constricted as he spat out blood, his body thrown backward into the rocks.
"Senior Brother Ye!" Ye Hongli’s eyes reddened, and the other Ye disciples fought even more frantically. The Liu Family was going too far!
"Little beauty, you can barely take care of yourself; why worry about him?" a Liu youth taunted with a lewd laugh.
"Get lost!" Ye Hongli struck out with her sword, but as several Liu clansmen surrounded her, she found herself in a perilous situation. The rest of the Ye disciples were dying or suffering grievous injuries.
"Liu Ming, the Ye Family will not let you get away with this! I have already sent word back to the clan—Ye Han will come to deal with you!" Ye Ling gasped, clutching his chest, his eyes bloodshot.
"Ye Han? Hahaha! That waste thinks he can handle me?" Liu Ming laughed mockingly. In all of Yancheng, who didn't know that Ye Han was a fallen genius? If the Ye Family had sent Ye Tiange, Liu Ming might have been cautious, but Ye Han was merely seeking his own death.
*BOOM!*
Suddenly, a streak of pale golden spiritual energy, accompanied by a powerful gust of wind, struck out from nowhere like lightning. It pierced clean through the body of a Liu disciple, who collapsed dead on the spot!
*Whoosh!*
The Liu clansmen immediately grew vigilant, scanning their surroundings.
"Who’s hiding? Show yourself!" Liu Ming’s face darkened as he looked at his fallen clansman.
"Liu Ming, you have quite a lot of nerve coming to stir trouble in our Ye Family’s mines!" A cold voice echoed, and a figure in blue robes walked slowly from behind the ridge...
***
### Chapter 17: The Power of a Single Punch
"Ye Han?!"
Seeing the figure in blue robes step out from behind Ye Ling, Liu Ming and his men were stunned. They had not expected this "waste" to have the courage to show his face here!
"Did this waste come here to die?" a Liu disciple sneered. Everyone in Yancheng knew Ye Han’s dantian was shattered, yet here he stood, alone. They found it laughable, though Liu Ming’s brow furrowed, his gaze darting around. He did not believe Ye Han was the one who had struck down his clansman. He feared that a hidden, powerful expert from the Ye Family was lying in wait.
"Young Patriarch!" Ye Ling, covered in dirt and blood, struggled to stand, his eyes brightening as if he had found his savior.
"Leave this to me," Ye Han said, glancing at him, then at the dozens of wounded and fallen Ye disciples. His eyes grew cold, filled with a faint killing intent.
Standing on a boulder, Liu Ming looked down at Ye Han, shaking his head with a mocking smile. "How ridiculous. I thought the Ye Family had hired a powerful reinforcement, but it turns out to be a waste like you. It seems the Liu Family will be able to take this mine today without losing a single soldier."
He acted as if he had already won. Beside him, two Liu disciples, Liu Qi and Liu Yunhai, exchanged glances and bowed to Liu Ming, eyeing Ye Han like prey. "Young Master Liu, why trouble yourself with this trash? Let us handle him and humiliate him for you."