Chapter 501

Chapter 501: Entering the Sect

“Ye Yun, you shall be my final disciple!”

Tian Yunzi’s voice remained calm and steady, devoid of any arrogance.

To Zhong Huali, however, it struck like thunder from the heavens. He had been utterly confident in becoming Tian Yunzi’s official disciple. Among the seven candidates, he believed none could rival him—even going so far as to slay two fellow disciples in Thunder Falls Valley to seize their treasures.

He had endured immense hardship to obtain a single piece of Thunder Wood, certain of his victory. Yet Ye Yun had not only produced two pieces but also absorbed their Thunder Spirit Qi, drastically advancing his cultivation. Most shockingly, the Ice Spirit Herb—a rare plant growing in the heart of the Divine Thunder’s fiercest zone—required either supreme strength, protective treasures, mastery of Thunder Spirit Qi, or comprehension of the Lightning Element Law to harvest.

Ye Yun understood the enormity of Yun Tianxing’s feat in retrieving the herb. If this act fulfilled their prior agreement, the favor was far weightier than expected. It also revealed Yun Tianxing’s true character—a man of honor, which forged their instant kinship.

“Impossible! How could Ye Yun possess the Ice Spirit Herb?!” Zhong Huali roared, his rationality shattered, heedless of Tian Yunzi’s status as Divine Grace Palace’s disciplinarian.

Uncharacteristically, Tian Yunzi showed patience. Perhaps he sympathized—Zhong Huali, having secured Thunder Wood, already stood above his peers. Yet Ye Yun’s emergence, with dual Thunder Woods and the legendary herb, defied all expectations.

“Failing to become my disciple may yet benefit you,” Tian Yunzi said. “Your Master Uncle Yue pledged to accept any Thunder Wood bearer into his tutelage. Your elder brother Shu Anshi reached the peak of the Golden Core stage’s seventh level under Yue Huai-Chang’s guidance, now half-step from the Nascent Soul stage.”

Zhong Huali’s trembling subsided as clarity returned. Before him stood the unflinching Master of Absolute Heart Peak, to whom even hidden noble clans were mere ants. One misstep could mean instant death.

“Gratitude for your guidance, Master,” Zhong Huali forced out through a stiff bow.

Tian Yunzi turned to Ye Yun. “Ten days in Thunder Falls Valley elevated your cultivation remarkably. Remember: while resources and techniques matter, fortune reigns supreme. Cultivation is to go against the heavens—fortune smooths the path; without it, even peak power crumbles to dust.”

Ye Yun bowed. “Your wisdom guides me, Master.”

“Your fortune and talent ensure no lack of resources,” Tian Yunzi continued. “Yet the Cleansing Immortal Heart Technique rooted in your bones complicates Golden Core ascension—a hundredfold harder than for others. Focus wholly on breaking through within two months. Then I may assign you tasks.”

Two months? Ye Yun nearly scoffed. The technique’s demands made Golden Core attainment seem unthinkable in such time.

“As my disciple, Golden Core is the bare minimum,” Tian Yunzi pressed. “Though your strength surpasses your level, higher realms diminish such advantages. Confronting a Nascent Soul cultivator at Golden Core would pit you as a toddler against a warrior—no hope of victory.”

Ye Yun frowned. His edge in cross-level combat had been crucial. If Golden Core couldn’t rival Nascent Soul experts, accessing the Immortal Sword Sect’s Saint’s Secret Vault—sure to draw Nascent Soul hordes—would prove disastrous. How then could he secure soul-nourishing herbs?

“Master, I’ve heard Golden Core ascension demands vast spirit stones. How many exactly?” Ye Yun’s mind raced—if Jun Ruolan’s claim of millions held true, where would he find them?

“Two million top-grade spirit stones, at minimum,” Tian Yunzi stated. “An impossible sum for most. But as my disciple, this concern is lifted.”

With a flick of his sleeve, ten stones materialized—glowing faintly as they floated to Ye Yun.

“Ten low-grade Immortal Spirit Stones. Use these until your breakthrough, when more will come.” Tian Yunzi’s tone suggested he’d tossed mere pebbles.

Ye Yun’s eyes widened. Such generosity! He swiftly collected the stones and bowed deeply.

“This disciple thanks Master!”