Chapter 544

Chapter 544: Three Battles

"Why not?"

Divine Grace Palace Master Yu Qingzhi spoke gently, her voice carrying a faint smile.

Cheng Yuweng froze. Murong Wuqing froze. Even Ye Yun blinked in surprise.

Ye Yun knew his own cultivation level well—first-level Golden Core stage, capable of rivaling ordinary seventh-level Golden Core experts. But the three before him each hid strength beyond their apparent realms. Murong Wuqing, at the seventh-level Golden Core stage, could genuinely challenge Nascent Soul stage experts.

Cang Ye, as Vice Sect Leader Cheng Yuweng’s disciple, was no ordinary talent. At fifteen, he’d already reached the sixth level of the Golden Core stage. Though he hadn’t faced his Golden Core heavenly tribulation, his power couldn’t be underestimated. Even ordinary seventh-level Golden Core disciples might not be his match—he might even rival Nascent Soul Ancestors.

As for Jun Ruolan, her Moon Goddess Palace origins had already shocked the crowd. Now, observing her cultivation, it seemed hazy—likely around the sixth-level Golden Core stage, though she appeared untested by tribulation. But any disciple sent by the Moon Goddess Palace would be extraordinary. Cross-realm battles were surely routine for her. If she could challenge seventh-level Golden Core experts, none would doubt it. She might even fight Nascent Soul Ancestors. Among Divine Grace Palace’s Golden Core disciples, how many could match her?

Shu Anshi, of course. The freak who stood three zhang from the Spiritual Pond’s center. The one who’d defeated Ling Xudu, a Fourth-Level Nascent Soul expert. Against any opponent, he stood a chance.

Then there was Tian Yunzi’s second disciple, Kun Huazi. His powerful physique and vast true qi let him battle Kuang Wuwei, a Second-Level Nascent Soul expert. Though Kuang Wuwei hadn’t used full strength, Kun Huazi’s power meant he needn’t fear Jun Ruolan or Cang Ye.

But Ye Yun?

Merely first-level Golden Core. After Thunder Falls Valley, he’d become Tian Yunzi’s disciple. He’d stood three zhang from the Spiritual Pond’s center alongside Shu Anshi and Kuang Wuwei, astonishing all. Yet his realm remained too low. At best, he could challenge within the Golden Core stage—never Nascent Soul Ancestors.

But Divine Grace Palace Master Yu Qingzhi had declared Ye Yun’s participation. Her word was law.

With Shu Anshi and Ye Yun confirmed, who would be the third? Kun Huazi?

"Excellent! Divine Grace Palace’s young talents surprise me. With Shu Anshi leading, who else?" Cheng Yuweng laughed, excitement dripping from his voice. To him, Ye Yun was free prey—unable to withstand any of his three champions.

"Vice Sect Leader Cheng," Jun Ruolan turned, her gaze settling on Ye Yun. "Ye Yun is the one I met in Thunder Falls Valley. Back then, he was at the Foundation Establishment stage’s peak. Yet he seized two Thunder Woods, absorbed their Thunder Spirit Qi, and took the seed of thunder’s mysteries. Whether he mastered its power, I don’t know—but he fought me evenly there."

Cheng Yuweng’s smile vanished. If true, Ye Yun’s combat power needed reassessment. At Foundation Establishment’s peak, he’d rivaled Jun Ruolan. Now, with a Thunder Spirit Qi-infused Golden Core, he might battle sixth or seventh-level Golden Core disciples.

Cheng Yuweng’s face tightened briefly before easing. His three champions each matched First-Level Nascent Soul experts. Murong Wuqing could challenge Fourth-Level Nascent Souls. Even if Shu Anshi won, how could others compare to Jun Ruolan and Cang Ye?

"Who’s the third?" Cheng Yuweng asked coolly.

Divine Grace Palace Master Yu Qingzhi smiled. "Peak Masters, any suggestions? Tian Yunzi’s line offers two. Will others contribute?"

Tian Yunzi sat motionless. The other Peak Masters frowned—none had prodigies like Ye Yun or Shu Anshi.

"I recommend someone," Shu Anshi said calmly.

"Who?" Yu Qingzhi’s smile hinted she already knew.

"Demon Suppression Peak’s chief disciple under Peak Master Yan Rushui—Yin Suxin."

Yin Suxin!

Yan Rushui’s top disciple, twenty-four and already seventh-level Golden Core. She and Shu Anshi shared deep ties, yet peak rivalries kept them apart.

"Impossible!" Yan Rushui’s voice turned icy. "Suxin’s in closed-door cultivation for her Nascent Soul breakthrough."

"Recently, she confided she’s not yet ready," Shu Anshi countered. "If we ignore this challenge, our disciples’ hearts will grow cold."

"Audacious!" Yan Rushui shot to her feet, brows furrowed. "Tian Yunzi! Is this how you teach disciples?"

"Where did Shu Anshi err? If you wish to prevent Yin Suxin from participating, that’s acceptable. My second disciple Kun Huazi’s cultivation is sufficient for battle. He can take her place," Tian Yunzi remarked without opening his eyes, his tone gentle.

"You…" Yan Rushui’s reluctance wasn’t due to the Nascent Soul stage, but because Tian Yunzi had already contributed two disciples. Unable to match him, she sought to avoid sending Yin Suxin. If Tian Yunzi deployed another disciple and they triumphed, Absolute Heart Peak’s standing would surpass Demon Suppression Peak’s. That outcome was unacceptable.

"Unnecessary. I’ll summon Suxin. Since the Misty Sect refuses to see reason, they’ll witness the might of Demon Suppression Peak’s disciples." Yan Rushui flicked her sleeve, voice icy.

She murmured an incantation, and a streak of light and shadow darted from her fingertips into the distance.

"Our three Divine Grace Palace combatants are decided. Does Vice Sect Leader Cheng have further remarks?" Yu Qingzhi’s gaze settled on Cheng Yuweng.

Cheng Yuweng knew Shu Anshi’s reputation—his exceptional cultivation had recently toppled a Fourth Level Nascent Soul Ancestor. Yin Suxin, Demon Suppression Peak’s foremost junior, reportedly reached the seventh-level Golden Core stage, her power unfathomable.

Yet Cheng Yuweng was prepared. His secret weapon, Cang Ye, could defeat any opponent except Shu Anshi.

"Guests defer to hosts. The matches stand as arranged." Cheng Yuweng shrugged. "Since Palace Master Yu objects to Murong Wuqing facing Ye Yun, let Murong Wuqing battle Shu Anshi."

Divine Grace Palace Master Yu Qingzhi turned to Shu Anshi.

Clasping his hands, Shu Anshi answered, "I consent. Murong Wuqing and I both stand at the seventh-level Golden Core’s peak. Our duel shall prove enlightening, aiding my cultivation."

"Settled." Yu Qingzhi nodded.

"You may decide the second match’s participants," Cheng Yuweng offered, though the choice mattered little to him.

Yu Qingzhi looked at Ye Yun instead.

Ye Yun frowned. Unfamiliar with Cang Ye and with Murong Wuqing occupied, only Jun Ruolan remained. Their unresolved clash in Thunder Falls Valley needed conclusion.

"I’ve known Senior Sister Jun Ruolan since old times. With your permission, I’ll challenge her."

"Vice Sect Leader Cheng’s thoughts?" Yu Qingzhi inquired.

"Agreed. Second match: Jun Ruolan versus Ye Yun. Third: Cang Ye against Yin Suxin." Cheng Yuweng clapped, finalizing arrangements.

"Rest tonight. The contests commence at dawn." Yu Qingzhi retreated to the platform’s dragon throne.

Cheng Yuweng departed with his disciples, securing quarters in a side hall.

Soon only key figures remained—Tian Yunzi, Yu Qingzhi, Yan Rushui, Ye Yun, and Shu Anshi.

"Tongtong, return with the Divine Feather Vulture King. I’ll follow shortly," Ye Yun urged, noting their lingering presence.

Tongtong shook her head vigorously. "We’ll stay and play here."

"Exactly! Teach that Jun Ruolan a lesson! Crush her arrogance!" the Divine Feather Vulture King squawked.

Ye Yun’s expression hardened. "Vulture King, leave now. Hold your tongue."

"Let them stay," Shu Anshi interjected. "This bird’s Golden-winged Roc lineage grants rare essence blood—excellent for pill refinement. I’ll study it closely."

The vulture king bristled. "I’ve scant essence blood! Target me and suffer once my cultivation ascends!"

Shu Anshi chuckled. "Then I’ll harvest some beforehand." He vanished, reappearing to hoist the bird aloft by its head.

"I yield! Release me! Show respect to Golden-winged Roc’s descendant!" it screeched, knowing resistance was futile against Shu Anshi’s power.

"Flee, bird! Guard your essence blood!" Tongtong giggled, clapping.

"You too, unless you fancy three years’ confinement," Shu Anshi warned mildly.

Tongtong was about to speak when she noticed a glimmer of excitement in Shu Anshi’s eyes. Swallowing her words, she touched her nose and snorted.

"Big bird, let’s go find spirit herbs on the back mountain."

She waved at the Divine Feather Vulture King, which instantly appeared beside her. Tongtong leaped onto its back, and the pair vanished through the gates in a flash.

"Those two only respond to force. Beat them twice more and they’ll behave," Shu Anshi chuckled, brushing his hands together.

Ye Yun understood their dynamic well – though they argued constantly, their bond remained unshakable.

The Divine Grace Palace Master beckoned. "Approach."

Ye Yun and Shu Anshi ascended the stone steps to the elevated platform.

Tian Yunzi’s gentle voice carried weight. "You saw today’s provocation. The Misty Sect wants our Saint’s Secret Vault shares. Tomorrow’s ‘friendly spar’ is actually life-or-death combat. Ye Yun – don’t let past familiarity with Jun Ruolan make you hesitate. Even a Moon Goddess Palace disciple should die if necessary."

"Your Master’s words are mine," affirmed Divine Grace Palace Master Yu Qingzhi.

Yan Rushui’s murderous intent thickened. "Cheng Yuweng oversteps himself. The Misty Sect’s reign as Great Qin Empire’s top sect ends now!"

"Enough!" The Palace Master’s voice turned icy. "Such talk stays here. Open war would bleed both sects dry while rivals watch, awaiting easy spoils."

Yan Rushui stiffened. "Understood."

The Palace Master continued, "Shu Anshi can handle Murong Wuqing. My concern is Ye Yun against Jun Ruolan. Though at sixth-level Golden Core stage without heavenly tribulation, her Moon Goddess Palace training likely makes her equal to seventh-level Golden Core experts – perhaps even early Nascent Soul adepts."

Ye Yun scratched his head wryly. Why ask confidence now? If Jun Ruolan dared enter combat, ordinary Golden Core opponents meant nothing to her.

"I’ll do my utmost." Ye Yun bowed, jaw tight.

Shu Anshi interjected calmly, "Just survive, junior brother. With Suxin and me securing two victories, one loss matters little."

"Preservation comes first when true danger strikes," the Palace Master agreed.

Ye Yun nodded silently. Tonight he’d analyze Jun Ruolan’s terrifying performance in Thunder Falls Valley – unleashing such power while thunder-suppressed meant her true strength dwarfed surface appearances.

Yet fear found no purchase in him. The Heart of Immortals and Demons had forged his Soul Willpower into unbreakable steel. The grueling Cleansing Immortal Heart Technique cultivation left him certain – even if outmatched, he’d survive against early Nascent Soul Ancestors.

His Golden Core pulsed with abnormal might, true qi swirling with Thunder, Fire, and Ice Spirit Qi alongside razor-sharp sword intent. Spatial laws intertwined with these elements could multiply his attack potency exponentially when properly harnessed.

"Has Suxin been summoned?" The Palace Master turned to Yan Rushui.

The hot-tempered woman scoffed. "Worry about Cang Ye and Murong Wuqing instead! My disciple could slay both, leaving their spirits scattered through reincarnation cycles!"

Ye Yun marveled at how such a volatile woman commanded Demon Suppression Peak. His gaze shifted to Shu Anshi, noting the senior disciple’s troubled expression.

Shu Anshi stepped forward suddenly, bowing deeply to Yan Rushui.

"Elder Yan, I request permission to propose marriage to Suxin after this conflict."

"Never!" Yan Rushui erupted, face purpling with rage.

Before Shu Anshi could retort, a lilting voice carried across the platform:

"Master, I beg your blessing."

Perfumed air swirled as a graceful figure materialized below them, curtseying elegantly.

"Disciple Yin Suxin pays respects to Palace Master, Master, and Elder Tian Yunzi."