Chapter 528

Chapter 528: Yan Rushui

The Spiritual Pond opened once every two years. Having already opened once in the first half of this year, it normally wouldn’t reopen for another two years.

However, after Shu Anshi led Ye Yun and others to repeatedly succeed in cross-level challenges, they obtained special permission for an additional opening.

This opening differed from regular ones, offering only ten spots. This left disciples from other peaks both envious and slightly jealous.

Yet beyond jealousy lay greater admiration. Challenging three levels above one’s own cultivation was nearly impossible. Over centuries, such attempts rarely succeeded—only when elite geniuses from various peaks joined forces. But Ye Yun’s group, with just three Absolute Heart Peak disciples, had defeated two Nascent Soul elders and a sixth-level Golden Core genius—an unprecedented feat.

When the crowd noticed two Demon Suppression Peak disciples among the ten chosen, their shock deepened into greater respect for Shu Anshi and Ye Yun.

The feud between Demon Suppression Peak and Absolute Heart Peak was legendary. Without sect rules restraining them, open warfare would have erupted long ago. Shu Anshi’s allocation of two spots to their rivals stunned everyone.

More surprisingly, the two Demon Suppression Peak representatives were elites: sixth-level Golden Core cultivator Ding Qian and second-layer Nascent Soul elder Kuang Wuwei.

The ten chosen stood silently in Divine Grace Palace’s outer square, awaiting the ceremony.

Divine Grace Palace Master emerged alongside Tian Yunzi from the grand hall.

Instantly, dozens of disciples bowed in perfect silence.

The Palace Master’s gaze swept across the assembly before settling on Shu Anshi. "Your decision pleases me. We strengthen Divine Grace Palace through unity. Well done, Shu Anshi."

Shu Anshi bowed slightly. "Your praise honors me, Palace Master. I merely acted as duty demanded."

The Palace Master chuckled, turning to Ding Qian. "Qian’er, use this Spiritual Pond opportunity to reach peak Golden Core."

His fond glance held no further questions.

Ding Qian lowered her head. "This disciple understands. Gratitude for Palace Master’s guidance."

"Kuang Wuwei! How dare you accept Absolute Heart Peak’s charity?"

A cold voice pierced the air as a white-robed woman materialized before the crowd—her beauty undimmed by years of hardship.

"Yan Rushui pays respects to Palace Master." Her bow was perfunctory.

"Junior Sister Yan emerges from seclusion." The Palace Master smiled.

As Demon Suppression Peak’s leader nearing pinnacle Nascent Soul strength, Yan Rushui normally delegated affairs to Yin Suxin and elders while pursuing closed-door cultivation.

Her smile vanished when facing Kuang Wuwei and Ding Qian. "You disgrace Demon Suppression Peak by accepting rivals’ pity!"

Ding Qian trembled under her gaze. "P-Peak Master, Senior Sister Suxin ordered this! We merely obeyed!"

"Obeyed? Since when do you heed Suxin? Dare you hide behind orders?" Yan Rushui’s voice turned glacial.

"This disciple wouldn’t dare!" Ding Qian’s head dipped lower.

The Peak Master’s sternness softened briefly at the trembling reply. She shifted her piercing gaze. "Elder Kuang?"

Kuang Wuwei met her murderous glare calmly, clasping fists in salute. "Suxin informed me of Shu Anshi’s offer. I accepted without hesitation."

"Why?"

"Because I require it."

Three simple words echoed across the square. Physical cultivators faced exponentially harder breakthroughs at higher realms. Reaching Third Level Nascent Soul could multiply Kuang Wuwei’s combat power tenfold.

Yan Rushui’s eyelid twitched at the blunt response. "Need? Who authorized this need? As Demon Suppression Peak’s guardian elder, you know my history with Tian Yunzi! Do three words justify this betrayal?"

"I am Divine Grace Palace’s disciple!"

The retort came instantly. Kuang Wuwei stood tall. "Demon Suppression Peak and Absolute Heart Peak both serve the Palace. My allegiance lies here first."

Yan Rushui’s fury burned silently. No rebuttal could counter sect loyalty.

"Go then." Bitterness tinged her surrender. She glared at Tian Yunzi beside the Palace Master before addressing her leader: "Don’t preach to me about Mental Demons, Senior Brother. My grudge against Tian Yunzi ends only in death."

With final venomous glances at Tian Yunzi and her disciples, she transformed into a rainbow streak vanishing skyward.

The Palace Master sighed at her departure. Raising his hand, he summoned the Burning Divine Platform. Light and shadow coalesced into a glowing portal.

"Enter the Spiritual Pond."