Chapter 444

Chapter 444: Life and Death Contract

No one expected Ye Yun to attack immediately after breaching the restrictions, showing no regard for courtesy.

The shocked faces at the entrance betrayed their disbelief. This newly arrived Registered Disciple had acted beyond all expectations, resorting to violence without hesitation and holding nothing back.

Ye Yun’s fury stemmed from having glimpsed the essence of the Sword of the Thunder God moments earlier. Given time to meditate, he might have integrated these insights into the first three moves of his Thundercloud Lightning Sword, elevating his combat prowess significantly.

Yet this rare moment of enlightenment had been shattered by the sudden interruption of that fool "Brother Ding" and his lackeys. On the path of cultivation, diligence mattered, but true breakthroughs came from communion with the Dao. Even with the Heart of Immortals and Demons enhancing his talents, such epiphanies were fleeting treasures.

That this precious opportunity had been ruined by some insignificant Ding Haochen was unforgivable. Ye Yun considered it mercy that he hadn’t killed the disciple outright.

"You dare strike us? Insolent!" barked the three white-clad disciples. Behind them, the bloodied restriction-breaker collapsed again after failing to rise.

"State your purpose," Ye Yun said coldly, murderous intent thickening his voice.

"Kneel before Brother Ding, you ignorant whelp!" The leftmost disciple brandished a pale yellow sword, eyes blazing.

Ye Yun ignored him, focusing on the handsome central figure radiating peak Foundation Establishment energy – half-step from condensing a Golden Core.

"I am Ding Haochen. You know my name." The icy declaration carried the weight of unquestioned authority.

"Never heard of you," Ye Yun cut him off. "Nor do I care to. Your babbling wastes my time."

Had these fools not interrupted, Ye Yun might have perfected his sword techniques. Now they dared posture like overlords? Their arrogance deserved annihilation.

Ding Haochen stiffened. Even elders nodded respectfully to him, the most promising candidate to become Tian Yunzi’s fourth disciple. That this newcomer feigned ignorance was an intolerable insult.

"Let’s see what our Master saw in you," Ding Haochen sneered, cold fury replacing shock.

"Another Jiang Feiyang," Ye Yun snorted. "All bluster, no brains. Since you crave a demonstration…" His aura shifted abruptly, becoming glacial and lethal. "I’ll show you why you’ll regret living."

Ding Haochen’s eyes narrowed. Reports claimed Ye Yun was only at Foundation Establishment’s third level, yet here he stood at the fourth. No matter – what was a candle before the sun?

The injured disciple’s condition proved Ye Yun’s attacks neared peak Foundation Establishment levels. But between peak and half-step Golden Core lay an ocean’s difference. Ding Haochen’s False Pill vibrations alone could crush ordinary cultivators.

"Jiang Feiyang lacked spine. I won’t." Ding Haochen closed the distance, breath mingling with Ye Yun’s.

"Save time." Ye Yun flicked dismissive fingers at the other two. "All three. Now."

His contemptuous confidence radiated like a mountain facing pebbles.

"Insolent beast!" the disciples roared.

Ding Haochen’s curved blade split the air with a keening wail, black shadows coalescing into deathly apparitions above.

"Cease!"

Zheng Tong materialized between them, grizzled hair fluttering. "You summon death shadows here? Have you forgotten where you stand?"

"Meddler," Ding Haochen spat. "Killing this Fourth Level ant warrants only a scolding."

Zheng Tong’s eyes hardened. "Then seal it in jade."

The Life and Death Tablet appeared. Ding Haochen sneered as he inscribed terms, then hurled the stone at Ye Yun’s heart with crushing force.

Ye Yun caught it casually. "Good. No vengeful pests after I kill you."

His mental intent scorched the jade.

"Remember this name, Ding Haochen." Ye Yun tossed the tablet back. "It’ll grace your tombstone."