413 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama

### Chapter 413: Increasing Strength Ye Ling Long didn't answer his question, sensing that the soul fragment wouldn't last long after awakening. Originally, this fragment might have been left with hopeful expectations for the future. It held all of Di Chang Ling’s memories, as well as those of shared adventures with Qian Jun. But upon awakening to a changed world, where mountains had shifted and friends had moved on, the sadness was inevitable. Di Chang Ling smiled warmly, without lingering on the sadness. "Since you are my disciple, what I left behind here should rightfully be inherited by you." With care, he gently leaned Qian Jun to the side, allowing it a rare moment of rest. Then he and Ye Ling Long proceeded to clear out the treasures in this stone chamber completely. After all, who would know better about the treasures hidden here than the person who concealed them? Initially, the items scattered on the ground were already quite precious, but not the most valuable. Ye Ling Long realized that things left haphazardly couldn't have been of great importance. "These common spirit crystals and rare herbs are meant to distract the greedy and short-sighted. Those who enter are easily lured by these trinkets, failing to spot the truly valuable items." With a wave of Di Chang Ling's hand, the walls of the stone chamber parted, revealing a humanoid puppet to Ye Ling Long. Though human-like in form, it was not alive; Ye Ling Long felt no hint of life from it. "I crafted this puppet from secret bronze I found by chance. It's extremely resilient. I also defeated a Yao Emperor-level beast and placed its core within." "Even though it's merely a puppet and cannot fully utilize the power of the Yao Emperor-level core, it comes infinitely close to that level, which is quite sufficient for this Middle Immortal Realm," Di Chang Ling explained patiently. The Yao Emperor was equivalent to an Immortal Emperor among cultivators, making the puppet far more valuable than the most extraordinary of treasures heaped on the floor. Soon, Ye Ling Long noticed more items hidden in the concealed recess. There were two dust-covered, ordinary-looking boxes. But stored alongside such a powerful puppet, she sensed they weren't ordinary. Di Chang Ling noticed her interest. "Your sharp eyes haven't gone unnoticed." With a light-hearted rebuke, he gestured, and the boxes flew towards him. In a swift motion, one box was opened, revealing a stone inside—the very sword stone Ye Ling Long had previously comprehended, but of higher quality. The other box contained two bright red fruits. Upon opening, a pure aura of immortal energy emerged. Ye Ling Long's eyes sparkled. "Could these be Vermilion Fruits?" known for their rarity, their ability to enhance one's cultivation was well-regarded. Their growth conditions were extremely demanding, often dying from the slightest carelessness, and they required at least a millennium to mature. Finding two mature Vermilion Fruits here was an extraordinary stroke of luck. "These fruits were a serendipitous find. A cultivator can only consume one in their lifetime, as further consumption yields no effect. Thus, I left these for a destined individual," Di Chang Ling explained, reminiscing as if all had happened just yesterday. A dream where everything had changed. "Now, these two fruits and the sword stone, formed from my sword intent, are yours. In the Upper Immortal Realm, seek my other hideaways for potentially higher-grade stones," he continued. Ye Ling Long nodded, grateful. "This is more than enough for me now." Consolidating all the celestial resources into her space, Di Chang Ling guided Ye Ling Long to drop a drop of her essence blood onto the puppet, thereby establishing ownership. Now connected, she could command it mentally. She directed the puppet to guard the chamber entrance. Given the safety of this remote and unfrequented area, it was an ideal place to cultivate strength. Di Chang Ling encouraged her to consume a Vermilion Fruit right there. Under his protective watch, Ye Ling Long took one fruit. The ensuing fiery energy spread from her Dantian, surging through her body, advancing her from mid to late Immortal King stage, and almost reaching the Immortal Sovereign level. However, the remaining energy fell short of propelling her forward. True cultivation requires not just power, but insight and a strong foundation. Di Chang Ling praised, "Impressive! You've not only mastered the art of the sword but seem to have touched upon the power of laws." She nodded, admitting, "I've barely approached the threshold of law comprehension." His delight was evident. "To grasp such power at your level—it truly befits my disciple." He imparted knowledge about the laws, the purest power within the heavens akin to the core forces cultivators wield. Recognizing laws marks one's first step toward power. Many only sense this upon becoming Immortal Emperors, and even then, some never cross this threshold. Yet Ye Ling Long, as an Immortal King, had begun to comprehend the Sword Law—truly a prodigy among prodigies. Di Chang Ling couldn't have been more pleased with her progress.