Chapter 510

Chapter 510: Tian Yunzi’s Plan

Absolute Heart Peak!

Tian Yunzi stood with his hands behind his back, four disciples standing silently behind him.

“Ye Yun, now that you’ve condensed the Ice Spirit False Pill, the journey to the Spiritual Pond may begin.”

Tian Yunzi’s gentle voice echoed across the mountain peak.

“Master, I’ve submitted the challenge request for the Spiritual Pond, but there’s been no reply yet,” Kun Huazi reported with a bow.

“No matter. Though exceptions to the Spiritual Pond’s challenges have been rare over the centuries, my intervention should suffice. What matters most is your ability to defeat both competitors and obstacles. If fewer than three remain at the end, the Spiritual Pond won’t open,” Tian Yunzi said, turning to face them.

“Master need not worry. With our cultivation levels, success is certain. Junior brother’s previous shortcomings have been erased—his Ice Spirit False Pill doubled his strength, and the Ice Spirit Barrier you taught him enhances his defense. Reaching the end won’t be difficult,” Kun Huazi declared confidently.

“My suppressed cultivation is ready. This trip will break the seal, propelling me to peak Golden Core. Elder brother will likely shatter his pill and birth his Nascent Soul, ascending to that stage,” Zhuge Chong added, eyes gleaming.

Ye Yun drew a deep breath. The Spiritual Pond was critical. To reach the Golden Core stage, he needed vast spiritual energy—more than even Tian Yunzi’s aid could easily provide.

“Master, I’m prepared. This time, I’ll break through to Golden Core without fail.”

Tian Yunzi nodded, pride flickering in his gaze. He’d long noted Ye Yun’s Thunder Spirit, Ice Spirit, sword intent, and inevitable grasp of spatial laws. Four laws converging in one person was unprecedented in a millennium. Mastery of all could elevate Ye Yun beyond even Tian Yunzi’s imagination.

This inner disciple was vital to Tian Yunzi’s decades-long scheme. Though Nascent Soul experts could theoretically execute the plan, the targeted location bore restrictions to contain their destructive power.

Kun Huazi and Zhuge Chong, unmatched among Golden Core cultivators, were ideal. Shu Anshi, Divine Grace Palace’s genius of the century, had long restrained his cultivation to solidify his foundation before seizing the perfect moment to ascend to Nascent Soul.

Yet post-Spiritual Pond, Shu Anshi’s breakthrough might draw unwanted attention in the restricted zone. Tian Yunzi met Shu Anshi’s eyes—the disciple who needed no words to understand him.

As expected, Shu Anshi smiled. “I’ll continue suppressing my cultivation during this journey, Master.”

“Suppress further?” Zhuge Chong stared. “Why delay after so long?”

“My foundation needs refinement,” Shu Anshi replied. “The leap from Golden Core to Nascent Soul is perilous. A failed attempt could destroy my pill without birthing the spirit, erasing my cultivation… or my life.”

Zhuge Chong nodded. History showed most Golden Core cultivators failed this step—thousands attempted, dozens succeeded. The rest perished. Cultivation’s path was merciless.

Ye Yun frowned. Shu Anshi’s confidence contradicted his words. Had Tian Yunzi’s glance conveyed hidden reassurance? But Ye Yun stayed silent—Shu Anshi’s choices didn’t affect him. Breaking his seal, defeating competitors, and entering the Spiritual Pond mattered most.

“Prepare well. In three days, the Spiritual Pond challenge begins,” Tian Yunzi announced. A glimmer of excitement flashed in his eyes as a wisp of light shot skyward, vanishing instantly.

“Succeed at all costs.” With those final words, Tian Yunzi vanished—not via spatial hops, but true teleportation, traversing a hundred miles in an instant.

Ye Yun marveled. “The Palace Master must heed Master’s words.”

“Naturally,” Kun Huazi chuckled. “Had Master not erred years ago, he’d be Palace Master now.”

“Silence!” Shu Anshi’s rebuke cracked like thunder. Kun Huazi flushed, scratching his head.

Ye Yun’s eyes narrowed. The exchange hinted at tension between Tian Yunzi and the Palace Master—no mere brotherhood, but something colder. It aligned with Tian Yunzi’s secret plans, whatever they entailed.

“Return with Zhuge Chong and train,” Shu Anshi ordered. “We must breach every restriction and crush all challengers.”

“By elder brother’s will!” Kun Huazi and Zhuge Chong chorused, bowing deeply. Ye Yun mimicked the gesture, puzzled by their deference but dismissing it. Strength was all that mattered now.

As determination surged within him, Ye Yun clenched his fists.

_Spiritual Pond, I’m coming._