Chapter 503

Chapter 503: Reunion of Brothers

Swish, swish, swish!

The sound of tearing air echoed as several figures shot through the churning clouds, barely clearing the mountaintop before halting mid-air and dropping straight down.

Three figures knelt on one knee, fists clasped in salute.

“Greetings, Master!”

Tian Yunzi turned slowly. “Rise.”

The three stood, hands hanging respectfully.

Ye Yun recognized Zhuge Chong. Despite years under Tian Yunzi’s tutelage, the man remained at the second layer of the Golden Core stage—puzzling for a longtime disciple.

The other two stood out. One had plain features but honest eyes, radiating sincerity. The other was handsome, idly spinning two silent walnuts with a faint smirk.

“Zhuge Chong, your Third Brother, you’ve met. This is Shu Anshi, your elder brother. Mediocre talent but relentless diligence. He survived the heavenly tribulation two years ago, now at peak Golden Core, ready to ascend to the Nascent Soul stage.” Tian Yunzi gestured to the plain-faced man.

Ye Yun bowed. “Ye Yun greets Elder Brother.”

Shu Anshi smiled warmly. “No need for formality, junior brother. Come to me for anything.”

Tian Yunzi indicated the walnut-twirler. “Your Second Brother, Kun Huazi. Lacks discipline but gifted—sixth-layer Golden Core after his tribulation.”

Ye Yun bowed again.

Kun Huazi bounded over, clapping Ye Yun’s shoulder. “Junior Brother! At Divine Grace Palace, just drop my name! They’ll either flee or grovel—Golden Core disciples fear me!”

Ye Yun chuckled at the theatrics.

Zhuge Chong stepped up, grinning. “Never thought you’d join us! Even as the inner disciple, you’re still the youngest—listen to your seniors!”

Ye Yun snorted. “You’re stuck at second-layer Golden Core. One punch from me and you’d fold.”

Zhuge Chong feigned outrage. “I’m suppressing my cultivation for a secret technique! Otherwise I’d rival Second Brother!”

Ye Yun guffawed. “What technique needs suppression? Ridiculous!”

“True! Little Chongzi slacks off, barely Golden Core second layer. Can’t even take junior’s punch. Pathetic!” Kun Huazi jeered, stoking the flames.

“Just wait till I unlock my seal, Second Brother! I’ll pummel you!” Zhuge Chong shook his fist.

“Try me.” Kun Huazi spun his walnuts faster, never letting them touch.

Shu Anshi watched indulgently, accustomed to their squabbles. Tian Yunzi ignored them, staring into the clouds as if deciphering secrets.

Ye Yun studied the group. Tian Yunzi, Divine Grace Palace’s ruthless disciplinarian with Exceptional Cultivation Level, supposedly cold-blooded and merciless, now seemed a doting patriarch. His disciples bantered freely, their bond palpable.

Shu Anshi’s gaze held brotherly affection, his nature straightforward. Kun Huazi’s playful jabs hid no malice, his bond with Zhuge Chong evident. Zhuge Chong, ever the open book, had welcomed Ye Yun from their first meeting.

Yet Tian Yunzi’s cruelty surfaced elsewhere—slaying a Registered Disciple who dared quit before Thunder Falls Valley’s opening. A man of contradictions: tender to his inner circle, brutal to outsiders.

“Ye Yun.” Tian Yunzi turned abruptly, clouds forgotten. “You lack a Golden Core, so secret techniques elude you. Train with Shu Anshi starting tomorrow. Use top-grade spirit stones freely—condense your Golden Core swiftly.”

“Understood.”

“Shu Anshi, heed this: Ye Yun wields Thunder Spirit Qi, sword intent, Ice Spirit Qi, and practices the Cleansing Immortal Heart Technique. His Golden Core formation will be arduous. Spare no spirit stones—external trinkets mean nothing compared to true power.”

“Master needn’t worry.” Shu Anshi’s voice steadied the air.

“Good. Aid him until his breakthrough’s brink—I’ll return then.” With that, Tian Yunzi vanished into the clouds.

Kun Huazi peered after him. “Master’s decisiveness never wanes.”

Ye Yun scratched his head. “Leaves without warning…”

“Hush!” Kun Huazi whispered theatrically. “Old man’s probably watching. ‘Decisive’? Just acting stern to rule Absolute Heart Peak!”

Ye Yun’s lips twitched. He forced a dry chuckle, grasping the unspoken truth.