Chapter 443

Chapter 443: Uninvited Guest

The Small Courtyard lay battered and full of holes. Were it not for the restrictions protecting it, the unleashed energy would’ve long spilled out, devastating everything within ten zhang.

Ye Yun had remained standing in the courtyard for three full days and nights without moving.

When the new sun’s crimson glow emerged from the eastern horizon, Ye Yun finally stirred and opened his eyes.

"Foundation Establishment stage four? I merely stood here three days and broke through?"

Excitement flashed in his eyes before being replaced by deeper confusion.

Though his understanding of the Heavenly Path had deepened with this breakthrough, his true qi showed no significant increase. The exotic spiritual energies within him hadn’t strengthened either, nor had his recently enhanced physique improved further.

"Your true qi’s already purified to its limit and vast beyond measure," chuckled the Ancestor of the Sword Path, sensing his puzzlement. "With just your current cultivation level, you can already tussle with early Golden Core cultivators. Add your exotic energies and spatial laws, and even Third Level Golden Core experts become manageable. Did you truly expect more drastic improvements?"

Ye Yun’s brow creased. "Does this mean reaching Seventh Level of Foundation Establishment won’t bring major strength gains either?"

"Not entirely," the Ancestor mused. "The Seventh Level differs fundamentally from previous stages. There’ll be improvements, just not the explosive leaps you’re accustomed to."

This revelation troubled Ye Yun. His bold entry into Divine Grace Palace relied on his ability to challenge Golden Core opponents while at third level of Foundation Establishment. Though the Registered Disciples here mostly occupied Seventh Level of Foundation Establishment, they concerned him less than the impending Thunder Falls Valley expedition and the Heavenly Sword Sect’s secret vault.

While confident about passing the disciple trials, facing Golden Core veterans in Thunder Falls Valley posed different challenges.

"Rapid advancement left your combat techniques underdeveloped," the Ancestor observed. "Now’s the time to rectify that. Complete the Thundercloud Lightning Sword’s fourth form – the Sword of the Thunder God – and your offensive power will transcend current limits."

A sudden clarity struck Ye Yun. The Heart of Immortals and Demons had always granted strength disproportionate to his cultivation level – Qi Refining stage battling Foundation Establishment, Foundation Establishment confronting Golden Core. None in Great Qin Empire’s history had bridged entire cultivation realms like this.

His current plateau might prove beneficial. Should he reach Golden Core stage, matching peak Golden Core experts would become feasible. Their spatial law mastery would even let him evade Nascent Soul stage pursuers temporarily.

Resolving to refine his techniques, Ye Yun summoned the auction-acquired fragment of Thunder God’s Sword. Lightning crackled as he channeled true qi into the parchment, tracing its energy pathways-

"New disciple! Emerge and pay respects to Senior Brother Ding!"

The shout shattered his concentration. Angry flickers lit Ye Yun’s eyes as cracking sounds erupted from the courtyard gates – intruders breaching his restrictions.

Moving faster than sight, Ye Yun phased through the defenses. His palm struck before the lead intruder registered movement. The man flew backward, blood arcing through air like gruesome blossoms.