Chapter 37 - A Breakthrough to the Qi Gathering Realm

Chapter 37 : A Breakthrough to the Qi Gathering Realm

“……Second Female Lead? System, does this world even have a concept of a ‘Second Female Lead’? What are you playing at? I haven’t even perfectly resolved the real-world phase of the story with the first female lead yet—!!!” Ye Xuan was originally excited.

The first time he heard Yu Ling’er recite the Taihua Heart Method, he successfully attracted Qi into his body, entering the Qi Gathering stage. This proved that the Immortal Spiritual Roots given to him by the system were indeed genuine.

This was indeed a joyous, no, an ecstatic occasion. Plus, Yu Ling’er now liked him a lot too. As long as he found the right opportunity to reconcile with Yu Ling’er, he could then marry a beautiful immortal maiden and reach the pinnacle of life.

But now, the system suddenly popped up, telling him that he had caught the attention of a second female lead who harbored intense murderous intent towards him.

He didn’t remember the existence of a ‘second female lead’ in this world. The world was supposed to be a female-centric novel with Yu Ling’er as the lead, so where did this concept of a second female lead come from?

“Ding, detection indicates that the Second Female Lead has temporarily left, the host is now safe,” the system’s voice rang out again as Ye Xuan looked on in shock.

???

The Second Female Lead left? Where exactly was the Second Female Lead just now?

“System, does this world… have more than just Yu Ling’er as a lead?” Ye Xuan asked the system.

“Every story has its protagonist. If a world exists, how could there possibly be only one story, only one protagonist?” the system replied.

“You’re right,” Ye Xuan nodded, realizing he had indeed underestimated this world. Because he had read

“……” Ye Xuan pondered silently to himself. “It seems I was indeed in danger just now. The enemy already harbored intense killing intent towards me, and even Yu Ling’er didn’t notice their presence. Clearly, their cultivation level isn’t inferior to Yu Ling’er’s.

But they didn’t make a move, probably due to some reservations. So, even if their cultivation is stronger than Yu Ling’er’s, it can’t be by much. In other words, if I hadn’t been with Yu Ling’er just now, I might have fallen victim to their attack. Did she unwittingly save my life?”

With this thought, Ye Xuan softened his gaze as he looked at Yu Ling’er.

“?” Feeling Ye Xuan’s gaze on her, Yu Ling’er grew a bit nervous. “Why is he suddenly looking at me like that? Could it be that he’s finally willing to admit he likes me?” Yu Ling’er, brimming with secret joy, waited for Ye Xuan’s confession.

However, Ye Xuan was entangled with another issue. “Previously, I was so engrossed in the melodramatic love story I created, but I seem to have forgotten something crucial. My system is an antagonist system. So… I’m essentially a major villain. Any female lead that appears is bound to be my sworn enemy.”

Yu Ling’er, who was eagerly awaiting a confession from Ye Xuan, was disappointed as he continued to look at her for a long time without saying anything. “It looks like I thought too much,” she mused. “But his attitude towards me has improved a lot. Being proactive towards him does seem to work.”

Then Yu Ling’er suggested to Ye Xuan, “Brother Ye Xuan, why don’t you come with me to see my father? He might know the reason for your sudden ability to cultivate.”

“It’s indeed an important matter that should be reported to the master,” Ye Xuan responded. “Even if you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have done so.”

Yu Ling’er stuck out her tongue and then led the way to the Qingyan Great Hall. Inside, Elder Qingyan was sitting in meditation on the Spirit Gathering Array. Hearing footsteps, he opened his eyes and saw Yu Ling’er and Ye Xuan entering.

“Elder, Ye Xuan and I have something to discuss with you,” Yu Ling’er said.

“Ye Xuan?” Elder Qingyan raised an eyebrow and glanced disapprovingly at Ye Xuan. “This guy has just arrived, and already my daughter is calling him brother.”

Elder Qingyan didn’t comment further, understanding that his daughter, rarely interacting with outsiders, might feel closer to this new junior brother.

Then, he asked, “What about Ye Xuan? I’ve already told you, without spiritual roots, his progress in cultivation will be a hundred times slower than others. He might never be able to achieve Qi Gathering in his lifetime. Why bring up this matter again?”

Yu Ling’er knew her father disapproved of Ye Xuan and hurriedly said, “Father, it’s not about that. Ye Xuan can cultivate now. Just now, in the Qingyan Spirit Spring, I recited the Taihua Heart Sutra to him, and he successfully absorbed spiritual Qi.”

“Oh?” Elder Qingyan’s interest piqued as he turned to Ye Xuan but soon shook his head in disappointment. “A rootless person talking about cultivation?”

He asked casually, “So, how much spiritual Qi did he absorb? Just a few strands?”

“He has already achieved Qi Gathering!” Yu Ling’er replied.

“What? I’ve reached Qi Gathering?!!” Ye Xuan was equally surprised. “Just now, in less than half an hour, about an hour, I reached Qi Gathering? No wonder I felt so different, as if my whole being became lighter. I thought it was just an illusion!”

Realizing this was the feeling of Qi Gathering, Ye Xuan excitedly looked at his hands. “Does this mean I can start learning Taihua techniques now?”

However, Elder Qingyan frowned, skeptical of Yu Ling’er’s claim. “Nonsense. Even you took several days to reach Qi Gathering, and now you’re telling me Ye Xuan achieved it in one day? You disturb my meditation with such absurd claims. Do you think I won’t punish you just because your mother protects you?”