The Capital, Ye Family Ancient Estate Underground Palace.
Time flowed like water, passing quickly as Shan Hu immersed himself entirely in cultivation.
For three days and three nights, the spiritual energy gushing from the core of the spiritual vein in the center of the palace never ceased, all converging into a massive vortex centered on Shan Hu.
Under the nourishment of this magnificent and pure spiritual energy, Shan Hu's cultivation steadily improved, finally stabilizing firmly at the Mid Foundation Establishment stage on the morning of the third day. The Azure Emperor True Essence in his body was tenfold purer than before, and his foundation had reached the minimum standard of his previous Immortal Emperor physique.
"Hoo…"
Shan Hu slowly opened his eyes, two beams of sharp light, like substantial electrical bolts, flashing and disappearing in the dark palace.
He stood up and stretched his limbs. A series of crackling sounds emanated from his body, and he felt filled with explosive power. He knew that with his current strength, he had few rivals left on Earth. Even when facing a Mid Foundation Establishment cultivator like Ancestor Blood Corpse, he could instantly crush them.
He directed his gaze toward a corner of the palace, where a weak figure was sitting cross-legged on a relatively dry rock—it was Ye Chengye.
For these three days, Ye Chengye had been guarding the place. After taking the pill Shan Hu bestowed upon him, not only were his depleted vital blood and energy restored, but his cultivation also forcefully advanced by a small realm, filling him with ecstatic surprise.
But what shocked him more was the sight of Shan Hu cultivating.
The terrifying speed of spiritual energy absorption made the Ye family Patriarch tremble with fear. The spiritual vein he had guarded for centuries seemed to have been swallowed by Shan Hu by a tenth in just three days.
Hearing the movement, Ye Chengye immediately got up and respectfully walked forward.
"Congratulations, Senior Shan, on exiting your seclusion. Your divine might is even greater than before!" He bowed sincerely.
Shan Hu nodded, his tone calm: "You stayed here for three days. That shows sincerity."
Ye Chengye hastily replied, "How dare I. Senior is the savior of the Ye family and the master of the spiritual vein; it is my duty to guard you."
Shan Hu looked at him, knowing it was time to finalize the Ye family's future.
"Ye Chengye, this spiritual vein is now mine. The Ye family has contributed greatly to my cultivation here. I will not let the Ye family pay in vain."
"Senior speaks too highly! To receive the Senior's favor is the Ye family's honor!" Ye Chengye's heart leaped with joy, knowing Shan Hu was about to bestow a reward.
Shan Hu said flatly, "From now on, the Ye family shall be under my protection. You must thoroughly reorganize the Ye family, ensuring all direct and collateral descendants remain discreet regarding secular matters and curb their ambition. The priority is the development of the family's internal strength."
"Yes! What the Senior commands, I shall certainly obey!" Ye Chengye eagerly agreed. This was exactly the outcome he desired. With an Immortal like Shan Hu as their backing, the Ye family was a hundred times safer than merely possessing the spiritual vein.
Shan Hu continued, "You shall pass on the key to this palace and the control methods of the spiritual vein array to your most trusted successor. When I am away in the future, the Ye family must guard this place on my behalf, and no mistake is permitted."
Ye Chengye was deeply moved. This was Shan Hu's trust and entrustment to the Ye family. He said without hesitation, "My daughter, Ye Qingcheng, is immensely talented and resilient. She has a connection with the Senior, and I am willing to pass the Patriarch position to her and let her take charge of this place."
A hint of approval flashed in Shan Hu's eyes. Ye Chengye had not been blinded by power at a critical moment and could decisively hand over the heavy responsibility to Ye Qingcheng, showing his ability to prioritize the greater good.
"Ye Qingcheng…" Shan Hu thought of the resolute and strong-willed girl, nodding. "Very well. Hand this item to her."
Shan Hu flicked his finger, and a drop of solidified Azure Emperor True Essence flew out, condensing into a thumb-sized azure crystal in the air.
"This is an Azure Essence Crystal. Tell her to integrate this crystal into her body. It can reshape her meridians, giving her superb cultivation aptitude. Coupled with the cultivation method I will pass on to her later, it will be enough for her to travel far on the path of cultivation."
Ye Chengye looked at the Azure Essence Crystal, which radiated powerful life energy, and trembled with excitement. Reshaping meridians, superb aptitude! This was the destiny countless cultivators dreamed of!
"Thank you for your immense grace, Senior! The entire Ye family swears to follow the Senior until death!" Ye Chengye knelt on both knees, prostrating himself completely.
Shan Hu did not let him rise but said calmly, "Get up. Hand the Azure Essence Crystal to Ye Qingcheng, and then manage the Ye family's wrapping up of secular affairs. As for you… come with me. I have some things I need you to do."
Ye Chengye respectfully stood up, took the Azure Essence Crystal, his eyes filled with anticipation and reverence for the future.
From this moment on, the Ye family formally separated from the ranks of secular affluent families and became a subordinate cultivation force under Shan Hu's command.