Chapter 549

Chapter 549: Murong’s Grace

Lost!

Murong Wuqing had actually conceded.

The crowd stood dumbfounded, staring upward. While either outcome would’ve been acceptable given their similar strength and age, Murong’s abrupt declaration still shocked them momentarily.

Cheers erupted. Divine Grace Palace disciples roared approval—Murong’s surrender meant Shu Anshi’s victory, securing their sect’s first triumph.

Divine Grace Palace Master Yu Qingzhi and Tian Yunzi exchanged gentle smiles. Losing the Saint’s Secret Vault’s two percent share would’ve been disastrous. With Shu Anshi’s win, only one more victory from Yin Suxin or Ye Yun was needed.

Cheng Yuweng gaped at the sky, disbelief twisting his face. He’d never questioned Murong Wuqing’s prowess—the Misty Sect’s most gifted Golden Core disciple in centuries, unmatched in talent.

Yet defeat had come. How? Even Fifth Level Nascent Soul Ancestors hesitated before Murong’s killing moves. What made Shu Anshi, without even condensing his Golden Core’s Buddha-like projection, capable of this?

"Impossible!" Cheng Yuweng suddenly bellowed. "This was clearly a draw! Since when do personal surrenders decide inter-sect matches? Murong Wuqing, who permitted this?"

Silence fell. All eyes turned to the Misty Sect’s Vice Leader, stunned by his outburst.

"Does Misty Sect fear loss, Vice Leader Cheng?" Divine Grace Palace Master Yu Qingzhi inquired, her eyes glinting with quiet mockery.

Cheng Yuweng stiffened. "We accept defeat fairly. But this match’s significance demands clarity."

"Then clarify," Yu Qingzhi gestured calmly.

The Vice Leader glared at Murong. "Who surrendered? Was it truly you, Wuqing?"

Gasps rippled through spectators. Boos followed—Divine Grace disciples knew their higher-ups would curb Cheng Yuweng’s temper.

Shu Anshi’s green robe fluttered as he spread his hands. "If the Vice Leader doubts, declare it drawn. I’d gladly spar with Brother Murong another day."

"Agreed!" Cheng Yuweng seized the offer shamelessly.

Murong’s clear voice cut through murmurs. "I lost. Brother Shu surpasses me without his Buddha-like projection. Continued battle would confirm my defeat." He hovered serenely, showing no bitterness.

"You—!" Cheng Yuweng’s face purpled.

"Well said!" Yu Qingzhi rose, applauding. "This dignity befits Misty Sect’s finest."

Even Jun Ruolan and Cang Ye nodded approval—such conduct honored the Great Qin Empire’s premier sect.

"Shall we proceed, Vice Leader Cheng?" Yu Qingzhi asked.

Cheng Yuweng breathed deeply, anger fading. Two matches remained. Surely Jun Ruolan and Cang Ye could crush that Golden Core novice and Demon Suppression Peak’s Yin Suxin.

Yet doubt lingered. Their Golden Core expert had fallen. What if Divine Grace hid more monsters like Shu Anshi?

"Cang Ye, in this battle, you must win, no defeat is allowed. Can you do this?" Cheng Yuweng turned to Cang Ye and asked coldly.

Cang Ye answered loudly, "This disciple will never fail Master’s expectations. If I lose this battle, I’ll destroy my cultivation and vanish from this world without needing Master’s command."

His voice carried absolute determination through the air.

Ye Yun and others exchanged glances. Why such extreme vows for a mere sparring match? The finality in his words suggested life-or-death commitment.

"Good. Victory would justify my years of teaching. Upon returning to the sect, I’ll request the Sect Leader to grant you a Moon Goddess Pill as reward." Cheng Yuweng nodded, fleeting satisfaction in his eyes.

"Grateful to Master." Cang Ye’s slight frame trembled before erupting in joy.

Ye Yun curiously asked, "Second Brother, what’s this Moon Goddess Pill?"

Kun Huazi answered gravely, "A sacred pill from Moon Goddess Palace. When taken at Golden Core stage, it boosts one’s cultivation by an entire layer instantly. First-level Golden Core becomes second-level after ingestion."

Ye Yun gaped. "Such pills exist? Then what about sixth-level Golden Core cultivators?"

"Those at sixth-level would skip Golden Core heavenly tribulation. Those who’ve survived tribulation would directly reach seventh-level Golden Core stage. Rare divine medicine even in Great Qin Empire."

Ye Yun narrowed his eyes. No wonder Moon Goddess Palace ranked among Eight Major Sects. Such pills could mass-produce experts if widely available.

"Does Divine Grace Palace have these?" Ye Yun whispered.

Kun Huazi glanced at him. "Possibly, but too precious. Never heard of any being awarded to Golden Core disciples."

Zhuge Chong added, "Don’t overestimate it. Rapid advancement destabilizes foundations. Loses crucial cultivation insights. Master says gains don’t outweigh losses."

Ye Yun nodded. Yet why would prodigy Cang Ye, reaching sixth-level Golden Core stage at fifteen, crave this pill?

"You ignorant fools!" Tongtong’s voice cut in. "Real Moon Goddess Pills aren’t what you describe!"

All turned to the little girl.

"Tongtong! You’ve seen one?" Ye Yun pressed.

"Seen? I’ve eaten several!" She stuck out her tongue. "Only first one worked. Later ones worse than candy!"

"Stop lying, brat!" Kun Huazi rolled eyes. "Thinking Moon Goddess Pills grow on trees?"

"Stupid! Zhuge Chong too! Ask when ignorant instead of pretending!" Hands on hips, she lectured like an elder.

"Fine, enlighten us oh wise one," Kun Huazi mocked.

Tongtong’s piercing eyes locked onto Ye Yun. "Believe me? Earlier when I said look carefully – saw those two behind the light?"

Ye Yun sobered. "Tell me the truth about these pills."

"Eight Major Sects’ foundations dwarf your imagination. Moon Goddess Pills aren’t even rare in their palace. Useless below Golden Core – lethal spiritual energy overload. Useless above – just true qi replenishment."

The trio exchanged startled looks.

"True Moon Goddess Pills boost one Golden Core layer in an hour," Tongtong continued. "No instability. Each contains power of laws matching your comprehension. No lost insights."

Ye Yun inhaled sharply. "So that’s why Cang Ye…"

"Exactly."

Kun Huazi and Zhuge Chong stared. Instant cultivation leaps?

"Ancient hag! What else you hiding?" Kun Huazi blurted, now seeing Tongtong as centuries-old monster in child’s skin.

"What?!" Tongtong’s eyes darkened, whites vanishing into black voids.

Ye Yun jumped between them, pointing skyward. "Stop! Senior Sister Yin Suxin arrives!"

All looked up to see Yin Suxin descending like celestial maiden, green robes fluttering.

The second bout approached.