Chapter 526

Chapter 526: The Palace Master Intervenes

The Divine Sword descended but didn’t split Ding Qian. Instead, the Burning Divine Platform suddenly enlarged severalfold, rescuing her at the last moment.

Ye Yun withdrew his sword and stood motionless, eyebrows twitching as he sensed the platform’s transformation. His gaze instinctively shifted toward the Divine Grace Palace Master.

Since the Burning Divine Platform was controlled by the Palace Master, any alteration naturally pointed to his intervention.

True to expectations, the Divine Grace Palace Master rose, his eyes revealing faint surprise as they settled on Ye Yun. With a single step that traversed vast distances, he materialized before Ye Yun on the platform.

"You’re Ye Yun?"

Meeting the ruler’s gaze steadily, Ye Yun inclined his head. "This disciple greets the Palace Master."

The Palace Master glanced at Ding Qian standing meters away. "Ding Qian represents Demon Suppression Peak’s finest youth and our sect’s pride. While sparring should have limits, lethal force remains unnecessary. Will you spare her this time, for my sake?"

Ye Yun blinked, having anticipated intervention but not this composed demeanor. The middle-aged man before him carried quiet authority beneath his restrained bearing.

"Your wish commands obedience, Palace Master."

A faint smile appeared. "Obedience? I sense lingering discontent. Understandable – life-and-death resolutions on this platform hold tradition. My interference broke protocol. Name your compensation – any reasonable request within my power shall be granted."

Ye Yun’s pulse quickened. The Divine Grace Palace, second only to Misty Sect in the Great Qin Empire, housed unimaginable treasures and cultivation techniques. Even a secondary artifact from their vaults could transform his path.

"Consult your Master before deciding," the Palace Master added, noting his suppressed excitement.

Ye Yun bowed deeply. "This disciple expresses gratitude."

Murmurs erupted below. Even elders like Ling Xudu and Yin Moli exchanged stunned glances. Younger disciples rubbed ears in disbelief until mutual confirmation proved their leader’s unprecedented offer genuine.

On the platform, the Palace Master turned to Ding Qian. "Qian’er, your arrogance met reality today. What say you after facing Ye Yun?"

Still pale from near-death, the girl steadied her breathing. "Junior Brother’s cultivation… His Foundation Establishment pinnacle holds such power. Inconceivable."

The ruler’s calm voice carried like thunderclaps. "Ye Yun formed an Ice Spirit False Pill, absorbed Thunder Wood from Thunder Falls Valley, and mastered thunder mysteries. Though not yet condensing his alchemy pill, he’s touched spatial laws. Most crucially – he grasps true sword intent, not mere glimpses but Sword Path laws!"

The crowd stirred. Spatial laws and Ice Pills held precedents. Thunder Spirit Qi emerged sporadically through eras. But sword intent? Across millennia, every sword law cultivator surviving misfortune became at least Nascent Soul pinnacle. Earth Immortal ascension depended on fate.

Yet most staggering – Ye Yun wielded four law types simultaneously. Should he integrate them, what heights might he reach? Understanding dawned – why the Palace Master courted this youth. Such a prodigy warranted any investment.

"Palace Master flatters this unworthy disciple," Ye Yun replied evenly. His secrets remained partially veiled – the Fire Spirit Qi and Heart of Immortals and Demons undetected. Exposure of the latter might invite catastrophe regardless of talent.

"Prudence serves you," the Palace Master acknowledged, "but youth should embrace passion. Our sect stands behind you. Pursue cultivation freely within our laws."

The unspoken pact hung clear – resources for loyalty. Ye Yun’s gaze sought Tian Yunzi on the elevated platform. The elder met his look with a slight nod.

Drawing breath, Ye Yun bowed. "This disciple vows to honor our sect."

"Excellent!" The ruler’s laughter boomed. "This spirit defines Divine Grace’s future!"

Appearing beside Tian Yunzi in one step, he addressed his rival. "Senior Brother, let’s cease years of strife. Jointly nurture this talent."

Tian Yunzi’s face remained impassive. "Ye Yun’s already our disciple. Your recognition merely confirms his training’s priority. Bygones hold no meaning."

After prolonged silence, the Palace Master nodded. "Then advise him. Choose any treasure or technique within reason and sect law."

"Gratitude, Palace Master."

With a final appraising look and hidden sigh, the ruler vanished. His voice reverberated: "Spiritual Pond opens in three days. Shu Anshi – submit names. Limit: ten."