After hearing the explanation, Ye Chen became even more interested in this dual cultivation technique. It wasn't because of the act itself; Ye Chen wasn't that kind of person. The main reason was that Ye Chen was well aware of his poor talent and knew that in order to speed up his cultivation progress, he needed to seize every opportunity.

  Dual cultivation was different from normal training. It wouldn't place an extra burden on his meridians. It could be combined with regular cultivation. Even if the cultivation increase from dual cultivation was only one-tenth of that from normal training, over a long period, it would save quite a bit of time.

  Furthermore, Ye Chen realized that the system truly only recognized virgins. For example, after he had been with Lu Jing and Lin Ke'er last night, they no longer appeared on the system's feedback list today. In a certain sense, they had already lost much of their value to him. Keeping them around would only serve the purpose of serving as attendants.

  But with the dual cultivation technique, it was different. Even if it wasn't recognized by the system, it could still have its benefits around Ye Chen. It wouldn't be a complete waste. It was perfect.

  ...

  With this thought in mind, Ye Chen picked up the jade slip, and after receiving the vendor's consent, he used his spiritual sense to scan the technique's brief introduction:

  "Extreme Joy Technique: Life is short, enjoy dual cultivation to the fullest! The joy is boundless! Once the technique is cultivated, it automatically activates when discussing Dao with a female cultivator, converting energy without requiring distraction. Both parties receive feedback. The higher the female cultivator's cultivation level, the better the effect. Dual cultivation can be practiced for four hours each day. Beyond that, the conversion efficiency greatly decreases. When dual cultivating with a female cultivator of equal cultivation level, the efficiency is one-tenth of normal cultivation."

  ...

  It really was just one-tenth. When calculated, it was equivalent to gaining an additional three days of cultivation every month. But this didn't even account for the increase from pills used in regular cultivation. So those three days were essentially just one day.

  If Ye Chen cultivated diligently every month, he'd gain only one extra day of cultivation progress. This efficiency? It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it was nearly useless. Moreover, the effective time was only four hours per day. Who are they looking down on with such little time?

  Ye Chen felt that this technique wasn't worth it.

  "The effect is too ordinary; it's more of a consolation than anything useful. Ten middle-grade spirit stones, and I'll take it."

  Ye Chen immediately bargained.

  The vendor's lips twitched upon hearing this.

  "Senior Brother, you know how difficult it is to increase one's cultivation. Any opportunity to improve, even if it's just a little bit, should be seized. After all, one step slow means many steps slow. Ten middle-grade spirit stones won't work. How about this? I'll consider it a friendly gesture and offer it to you for ninety middle-grade spirit stones."

  Ye Chen curled his lips. "Since every little bit counts, why don't you keep it for yourself then?"

  The vendor, looking entirely justified, replied, "Because I don't have a Dao partner! Look at me, I’m just a regular disciple. Every month, I have so few resources, how could I possibly find a Dao partner? If your Dao partner is out on a mission and finds it too difficult or is afraid, you'll have to go along with them, right? If your Dao partner runs out of resources to cultivate, and you happen to have some, can you really bear to not share a little?

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  “And if you have a child... that's even more trouble. If the child has a spiritual root, you'll need to provide resources. Finding a Dao partner only wastes time and resources. Only a fool would do that. I heard from a new disciple yesterday that his cousin is a simp, always thinking about finding a Dao partner. He's sending all his pill resources, even giving away more valuable treasures. Now, that's a real fool."

  Ye Chen couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth.

  This guy was quite sharp. But the cousin he mentioned…. Why did Ye Chen feel so familiar with that story? Wasn't that Ye Tian, the guy who couldn't be bothered to properly cultivate in Green Cloud Sect and instead focused on spreading rumors about him? Next time he saw him, he'd give him a good thrashing.

  ...

  This dual cultivation technique certainly had its unique benefits, but it was too minimal in terms of actual cultivation improvement. It was the kind of thing low-level cultivators couldn't afford, and high-level cultivators wouldn't care for.

  The vendor had probably been stuck with it for a long time, and on top of that, Ye Chen's identity as a direct disciple likely made him eager to form connections. In the end, they settled on a price of fifty middle-grade spirit stones, and the deal was made.

  After the transaction was completed, Ye Chen walked back with a pleasant mood. The technique’s efficiency was indeed a bit lacking, but what about after the system feedback? This might just turn into something useful.

  A hundredfold feedback would definitely be the best. But if he dared to give this to his master... he'd probably be cleaning out the sect the next day. What about giving it to the female cultivator he met earlier with the twentyfold feedback?

  That seemed to have some potential. The woman already had someone she was interested in. If Ye Chen gifted her a dual cultivation technique, wouldn't that be a perfect match? But giving a dual cultivation technique to a female cultivator felt a bit like harassment. And she had a boyfriend, what if she thought he was flirting with her? Would he get beaten up? Moreover, it didn't seem too good for his reputation.

  Just as Ye Chen was hesitating, a familiar voice came from behind: "Senior Sister, you actually managed to refine the top-grade Green Spirit Pill! You're almost ready to break through to the second-grade Alchemist, you're amazing!"

  It was Sun Ruoxin's voice.

  Hearing this, Ye Chen instinctively turned around. Sure enough, Sun Ruoxin was there. She was wearing the Green Cloud Sect disciple robes, but her long, slender legs still managed to catch the eye, radiating brilliance.

  But when the system prompt chimed, Ye Chen was instantly startled! It wasn't because of Sun Ruoxin. It was because of the female cultivator standing beside her.

  "System detects an eligible feedback target."

  "Yao Xi: Thirtyfold feedback!"

  What?!

  Ye Chen immediately took a closer look.

  There, standing next to Sun Ruoxin, was a tall female cultivator. Her legs were as long as Sun Ruoxin's, but she was even taller, at least 1.75 meters. Her figure was just as exquisite: slim waist, long legs, and a full, graceful form.

  But what truly caught Ye Chen's attention was her back. Slightly turning his face, he could clearly see her exaggerated curves. It was as if one could place a glass of wine on her back. Her figure was absolutely perfect. No wonder her feedback rate was thirtyfold.

  This female cultivator, named Yao Xi, walked alongside Sun Ruoxin, her beautiful face adorned with a calm smile. Her chin was slightly raised. Clearly, she was a proud woman. Quite interesting….

  ...

  "Your talisman-making skills aren't bad. If you keep practicing, there's no reason you couldn't be taken as a disciple by the Elder in charge of talismans."

  Yao Xi lightly complimented her, sounding sincere, yet her tone was indifferent. Her father had ties with Sun Ye, so out of respect for her father, she occasionally showed some favor to Sun Ruoxin in the sect. Despite being a senior sister and having reached the ninth level of Qi Refining, Yao Xi had her own concerns. She didn't have time to deal with Sun Ruoxin much. After exchanging a few words, she was ready to leave.

  "Ruoxin?"

  Noticing that Sun Ruoxin seemed distracted, Yao Xi furrowed her brows and reminded her.

  Sun Ruoxin snapped back to reality, her eyes filled with surprise and disbelief. She quickly apologized to her senior sister Yao Xi: "Sorry, I was just surprised to see an acquaintance."

  Yao Xi casually waved her hand. "Since you've seen someone you know, go chat with them. I've got things to do!"

  With that, she was about to leave. But as she casually glanced around, wondering who Sun Ruoxin's acquaintance was….

  She spotted the three clouds embroidered on Ye Chen's robes.

  Sun Ruoxin's acquaintance... was actually a direct disciple of the peak master?!

  Yao Xi, who had been about to leave, immediately froze in her tracks.