The daily operations of the sect and vague expectations passed smoothly. On this day, deep in the most secret room of the Body Sect, time seemed frozen. Only the pure energy of heaven and earth flowed gently, gathering around a young figure sitting cross-legged at the center.
Chen Yi's eyelashes trembled slightly, and a pair of eyes slowly opened. At first, there was some confusion, but clarity soon returned. However, in the depths of his gaze, there was a hint of indescribable understanding.
Unconsciously, he wanted to stand and move. As soon as he did, a dense series of sharp "crackling" sounds came from his limbs, as if a long-silent machine was restarting, and his joints, muscles, and bones were adjusting to activity they hadn't experienced in a long time.
Ye Lingling, who had been quietly seated on a futon in the corner, immediately noticed when Chen Yi opened his eyes. A flash of relief crossed her eyes, but she held back from stepping forward right away. Soul power flowed to her fingertips, and a gentle, tangible fluctuation quickly spread through the secret room. After finishing her task, she quietly stood and approached.
Without many questions or greetings, Ye Lingling turned her palm upward, and the pure, life-giving Nine-Heart Begonia appeared silently. A soft white light, like the warm sun of early spring, showered onto Chen Yi.
Bathed in this light, the stiffness and faint pain from long inactivity melted away like ice and snow meeting the sun. His qi and blood flowed vigorously once more.
The white light soon faded. Chen Yi took a deep breath, feeling his body had not only recovered but was in even better condition than before. He looked at Ye Lingling, noticing the slight fatigue and worry in her eyes, and felt a deep certainty in his heart: For over eight months, she must have stayed here, guarding him in her own way.
"Lingling, thank you." His voice was hoarse after so long, but his tone was solemn.
Ye Lingling shook her head lightly, a faint smile at her lips. "No need to thank me. It's within my duty. So, how do you feel now?"
"This is the best I've ever felt," Chen Yi replied. As he tried to explain, hurried footsteps and powerful strides echoed from outside the secret room.
The stone door opened with a low rumble, and several figures quickly entered. The leader was Chen Zhen, walking with the vigor of a dragon or tiger, his calm demeanor barely concealing his excitement. Mu Xi was beside him, her eyes filled with relief as she saw her son safe and sound for the first time.
Huang Qiyi, Zhang Tao, and several other senior elders soon followed. Their sharp gazes all focused on Chen Yi, brimming with interest and expectation.
"Good child, you've finally awakened!" Chen Zhen's voice was as resonant as a bell. Stepping forward, he patted Chen Yi's shoulder with his fan-like hand, feeling his solid foundation and vitality, his smile growing even wider.
Mu Xi also stepped up, gazing quietly at her son. "It's good you've awakened. This retreat was so long—it truly worried me."
But the elders' gazes lingered on Chen Yi a moment longer before showing expressions of amazement. Some exchanged glances, seeing disbelief in each other's eyes.
At this moment, Chen Yi deliberately restrained his soul power and breathing, merely standing still. His posture was upright, yet he gave off an extraordinary sense of harmony and naturalness. It felt as if his very being had become part of the room, resonating with the circulating air, the cold metal floor beneath his feet, and the vast emptiness—not through deliberate integration, but by nature itself.
"His breathing is calm, his heart restrained, and his body in harmony with the Dao... Is this the unity of heaven and man?" the always composed Eighth Elder murmured in awe.
"You're not mistaken. Though his mastery is shallow—this is but a first glimpse through the door—it's undeniably a sign he's stepped into the realm of the unity of heaven and man!" the Third Elder exclaimed, unable to suppress his excitement. "A four-ringed soul master... I've never seen this in all my years!"
The elder stroked his long beard, eyes shining with thought. "Of course, this deep meditation alone wasn't the only reason. Xiao Yi was already extremely talented, with a solid foundation. He was just a step away from breaking through."
"This deep meditation was only natural, helping him fully open that door. Even without this opportunity, with his accumulation, in less than a year and a half, he would have stepped into this realm on his own."
Everyone nodded at these words, looking at Chen Yi with even greater gratitude and expectation. At his age, to touch such a realm—one that many Soul Douluos never reach in their lives—he was truly a genius blessed by the gods.
Chen Yi glanced at the elders' concern and amazement, feeling warmth in his heart. He bowed respectfully to everyone. "Thank you, Father, Mother, and all the elders for your concern. This retreat has been a small gain."
Chen Zhen laughed, patting Chen Yi's shoulder again, pride written all over his face. "Of course! As your father, I knew you could do it. But you've been hidden away here for over eight months, and outside, the world's been turned upside down."
"Your father and I have led the Body Sect to new heights. Now, on this Douluo Continent, there's no one who doesn't know my name, Golden Body Douluo!"
The more Chen Zhen spoke, the more excited he became, gesturing animatedly as if eager to show off the sect's recent "great achievements" to his son.
"Enough!" Mu Xi cut in sharply, pulling Chen Yi away from his father and glaring at her husband. "Your son just woke up. His realm has yet to stabilize, and his body still needs to adapt. You're good at talking endlessly when you come. These things aren't urgent—there will be time to talk slowly later."
Rebuked by his wife in front of everyone, Chen Zhen scratched his nose with a wry smile and stopped talking, though his twitching brows made it clear he was holding back a torrent of words.
Watching his parents' interaction, Chen Yi couldn't help but smile inside. From his father's pride and his mother's interruption—though she didn't deny the facts—he gleaned important information: The sect was no longer hidden.
Clearly, during his retreat, the Body Sect had publicly re-entered the world with a strong stance, achieving feats that made his father proud and raising the elders' esteem. His father's claim of "shocking the world" might be exaggerated, but it was true the Body Sect had established itself with a firm foundation.
From the depths of his heart, a warm, indescribable feeling surged through Chen Yi, spreading through his whole being. He had grown up in the Body Sect—every plant, every elder, every disciple was an irreplaceable part of his life. He knew firsthand the hardships the sect had endured to accumulate strength and await opportunity.
The sense of belonging that had lain dormant for years now transformed into pure joy. A sincere, heartfelt smile bloomed on Chen Yi's face—a joy for the sect's rise, and deep pride that his "home" was now walking a strong and righteous path.
He looked at his father, eager to share his joy; at his gentle, supportive mother; at the elders surrounding him with welcoming smiles; and at Ye Lingling, who had quietly guarded him all this time. His heart was filled with peace.
The road ahead would still be long, and challenges would not lessen—but in this moment, Chen Yi clearly felt the giant ship of the Body Sect setting sail for a broader world. And as a part of this ship, he would ride the winds and waves toward a future full of infinite possibilities.
The new era of the Body Sect was about to begin.
…
Bonus chapter at 300 PS