However, Ye Chen possessed the Dragon-Elephant Body and had undergone the intense Thunder Refinement within the Thunder Wings realm.
His physique was far stronger than that of ordinary magical beasts, so the energy required for his advancement was naturally incomparable.
Most importantly, Ye Chen was cultivating the Swallowing Yuan Technique, a high-grade Heavenly-tier skill....extremely domineering and powerful.
On the Dou Qi Continent, the differences between cultivation techniques brought profound effects.
First, the total Dou Qi capacity within a Qi vortex varied greatly.
If two cultivators shared the same cultivation level, but one cultivated a Mysterious-tier technique while the other trained a Heavenly-tier one, the one with the Heavenly-tier technique would have far greater combat endurance.
Second, there was the difference in Dou Qi quality.
Under the same conditions, if a Heavenly-tier cultivator expended one unit of Dou Qi, a Mysterious-tier cultivator might need to expend dozens, or even hundreds of times more to achieve the same result.
Third, the efficiency of absorbing and refining natural energy differed.
To absorb the same amount of Dou Qi, a Heavenly-tier cultivator might need ten minutes, while a Mysterious-tier one might require a hundred minutes.
Fourth, in battle, the control and speed of Dou Qi deployment by a Mysterious-tier cultivator could never match that of a Heavenly-tier cultivator.
Considering all these factors, the immense value of high-level cultivation techniques became obvious. Cultivators risked everything, even their lives, to obtain such techniques.
Ye Chen, cultivating a Heavenly-tier skill, laid a far more solid foundation as a Dou Huang than ordinary Dou Huang cultivators, an advantage crucial for future ascension to higher levels.
Above the cave, the brilliant energy vortex rotated slowly, continuously drawing in natural energy. Many magical beasts in the mountains sensed this abnormality.
Yet, under the oppressive aura emanating from the cave, none dared approach.
They lingered at a safe distance, not even daring to roar loudly, fearful of attracting the being inside.
As time passed, the surrounding grass and weeds, influenced by the intense energy, grew wildly, adding a sense of desolation to the mountain. Only the massive, colorful vortex above emanated vitality.
On the twentieth day of Ye Chen's seclusion, an unusual change occurred.
The slowly rotating vortex suddenly stopped. Torrential energy poured down like a mighty flood, forming a massive energy stream that struck directly into the cave.
The air split with a sharp tearing sound as the stream cut through space, demonstrating the extraordinary power within.
Nearby, the once-wild grass wilted visibly within moments, leaving the cave entrance piled with yellowed vegetation and rubble.
The enormous vortex above dissipated completely, and the surrounding natural energy stabilized.
Ye Chen now had all the energy he needed for his breakthrough.
Inside the cave, Ye Chen opened his eyes. Lightning crackled in his jet-black pupils like a violent storm, and the air itself seemed to spark with subtle electrical sounds.
As his lightning-filled gaze awakened, a tremendous aura surged forth.
The cave trembled slightly, and spiderweb-like cracks spread from beneath the cyan lotus on which Ye Chen sat, extending to every corner of the cave.
"Finally, I've stepped into Dou Huang!"
Ye Chen spread his hands, feeling the colossal Dou Qi surging like a mountain flood, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
Though he had previously experienced greater power using a Dou Zong Trial Card, it had never felt as tangible as this.
"Congratulations, Master, on breaking through to Dou Huang!"
From a corner of the cave, Yaocen's spirit, who had silently guarded him for twenty days, congratulated him excitedly.
Even for Yaocen, this was a rare sight.
"How long was I in seclusion this time?" Ye Chen asked, nodding slightly.
"Master, your seclusion lasted only twenty days.
This is the fastest Dou Huang breakthrough I have ever witnessed!" Yaocen replied respectfully.
"Twenty days… only twenty days?"
Ye Chen shook his head lightly, clearly unsatisfied with the time.
"Let's go."
With Nalan Yanran nearing her delivery, Ye Chen returned to the palace promptly after breaking through.
Seven days after his return, Ye Chen anxiously waited outside a room early in the morning.
Sharing his anxiety were his other wives—Yun Yun, Yafei, and the recently taken-in Little Medical Fairy.
"Push, madam, it's almost here!"
"Ah!"
The midwife's voice and Nalan Yanran's cries kept Ye Chen's heart racing. He paced back and forth, emotions in turmoil....nervousness, anticipation, and excitement all swirling together.
"Ye Chen, don't worry too much. Yanran is prepared; everything will be fine," Yun Yun whispered, soothing him.
"Madam, a little more effort… it's halfway out!"
"Ah…"
Despite Yun Yun's reassurances, Ye Chen's heart could not calm, his focus entirely on the room within.
"Waa… uuuh…"
Moments later, the loud cry of a newborn shattered the tension.
"It's born! Madam has given birth! A little prince!"
The midwife's excited shouts echoed as Ye Chen burst into the room, rushing to Nalan Yanran's side.
"Yanran, you've worked so hard!"
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