C10 Orange Skin!

To gear up for his showdown with Ye Xiangguang, Ye Xiangyang doubled down on his training regimen with unyielding determination. Alongside him, the other eighty-nine outer disciples of the Ye family pushed themselves to their limits, knowing that the month ahead could grant them entry into the Ye's Compound, elevate them to the status of Profound Warriors, and alter their destinies forever.

For these disciples, the prospect of entering the Ye's Compound was transformative; it meant their families could shed their peripheral status, take on lighter work, and embrace a better quality of life. This opportunity was the most pivotal in their lives.

Moreover, the family's assessment was straightforward: they only needed to demonstrate Profound Strength in two meridians. With that, they could proceed to the talent test, and upon passing, their trials would be complete. Driven by this, each disciple poured their heart and soul into their cultivation practices.

Yet Ye Xiangyang's efforts surpassed them all. Within the Ye's Compound, he adhered to the cultivation methods imparted by the five elders, seizing every moment to engage in his most intense training when they were absent.

His progress was unmistakable. He had mastered the twelve techniques of the Southern Bear Fist, channeling Profound Strength into five meridians. As he honed the Martial God Heavenly Arts, his skin began to take on an orange hue, and his strength soared beyond 150 kilograms.

Ye Xiangguang proved to be a man of honor; he ceased troubling Ye Xiangyang's parents and compensated them with the wages of four workers. This generosity allowed Ye Xiangyang to dedicate himself fully to his cultivation.

As night fell, in the quiet of the courtyard, Ye Xiangyang shed his garments to practice the Southern Bear Fist. He stood motionless, a towering figure reminiscent of an ancient tree, his arms whirling with the force of windmills. Each movement he made carried the poise of a grandmaster.

Following the Southern Bear Fist routine, Ye Xiangyang seized a 50-kilogram stone and leaped forward, a strength-building exercise intrinsic to the technique. Where he once could manage only a handful of jumps, he now surpassed twenty, a testament to his vastly improved endurance.

After the grueling session, Ye Xiangyang was spent, having pushed his physical capabilities to the brink. He painstakingly made his way into a vat of beast blood, activated the Martial God Heavenly Arts and South Bear Arts, and commenced another round of cultivation.

Ye Xiangyang was consistent in his practices, never allowing himself to slack off.

One day, as Ye Xiangyang was deep in his cultivation, a voice echoed from within his body. His blood surged, and a pleasantly warm current flowed through him, bringing a sense of comfort throughout his entire being.

Suddenly, Ye Xiangyang felt his strength soar to two hundred kilograms, signifying he had attained the level of a Four Star Profound Warrior.

His skin had grown tougher, his resilience surpassing that of a Five Star Profound Warrior.

At the Ye family compound, Ye Xiangxiao, Ye Xiangti, and Ye Xingyue were in conversation.

"Father, we've gathered that Ye Xiangyang has been taking Raging Bull blood daily. Could his rapid advancement in cultivation be linked to that?" pondered Ye Xiangti.

Ye Xingyue sighed, reflecting on the elders' words that Ye Xiangyang's power was nearing that of a Four Star Profound Warrior.

His rate of cultivation was unprecedented, something Ye Xingyue had never encountered before.

"It's a possibility. How else could he have progressed so swiftly? Perhaps he's stumbled upon some malevolent cultivation method?"

Such matters were beyond their clearance.

They were aware of the havoc wrought by evil cultivators—indiscriminate killing and torment of the innocent.

Ye Xiangti's eyes sparkled at the thought. Evil cultivation methods were known for their potency and rapid progression. If Ye Xiangyang possessed such a technique, it was imperative to seize it.

With such a method, if he could break through to become a Martial Master or even ascend to a Martial General, he would dominate the world, unchallenged and unrestrained.

"Father, regardless of whether he's involved in heretical practices, we must keep a close eye on him. We might even claim his cultivation method for ourselves," Ye Xiangti said, his gaze darkening.

Ye Xingyue nodded in agreement. "Very well, we'll be vigilant. My son, dedicate yourself to your training, aim to rank among the top three in the Jiuzhou Empire. In time, I may be honored as Marquis Zhenhai, and you brothers will gain access to even greater resources."

Ye Xingyue presented two jade bottles. "Children, these are the Profound Qi Pills I've purchased for you at a steep price. They're Yellow Rank and brimming with energy, far surpassing the Profound Qi Pills our family produces—several times more potent. They will accelerate your cultivation speed significantly. Dedicate yourselves to your training."

The brothers were taken aback as they gazed at the Profound Qi Pills in their father's hand. Their family's version, crafted from the inner pill of the Raging Bull, was merely worth one silver coin, whereas a Yellow Level Pill commanded at least one gold coin—a sum equal to an average family's income over four or five years. Their father had spared no expense for their sake.

"Dad, rest assured, we won't disappoint you. We're determined to excel in the Family Competition and secure a spot in the top three at the Jiuzhou Tournament," they vowed.

"Dad, you must find a way to keep Ye Xiangyang out of our compound. He's bound to become a serious problem for us," Ye Xiangxiao implored.

Ye Xingyue nodded decisively. "Consider it done. I'll first cut off his Raging Bull blood supply. Next, I'll ensure he doesn't set foot in our compound or become an Inner Courtyard disciple. And if he does manage to join the Inner Courtyard, I'll have Ye Xiangguang take him out during their match."

"We will take the reins of the Ye family," Ye Xingyue declared with conviction. Even if the family wasn't granted the Marquis Zhenhai title, it had to be under their control. After all, what value was the title without a commanding position within the clan?

Ye Xiangxiao and Ye Xiangti nodded in agreement.

With a cold smile, Ye Xiangxiao mused, "Ye Xiangyang, I'm eager to see your face when you're barred from entering the Ye's Compound. Anyone who crosses me will not meet a pleasant fate."