Chapter 648

Chapter 648: The Might of One Sword

Jin An glanced at the defeated Nascent Soul cultivators around him, including Third Level Nascent Soul experts and even Fourth Level practitioners who had fallen in the first trial due to lack of Immortal artifacts or spiritual power. The four women who had rushed ahead earlier were nowhere to be seen.

“If we search for them, focus on the surroundings rather than whether others are challenging the trial now,” Ye Yun advised as Jin An scanned the crowd.

“But they’re likely already ahead. Ling’er slowed us down, but with their strength, passing the first trial would’ve been effortless.”

Jin An sighed, watching Golden Ling’er wander aimlessly. Though less experienced, she should’ve known better. Her relaxed attitude only deepened his frustration as her senior brother.

“Another challenger! Let’s see how this goes.”

“That’s North Ming Dao Ren, a Fourth Level Nascent Soul expert with two mid-grade Immortal artifacts. If even he fails, it’s unthinkable.”

“Don’t be so sure. See that injured elder? He’s also Fourth Level, yet he fell easily.”

The crowd buzzed as the white-haired North Ming Dao Ren stepped forward, ignoring the noise. His icy gaze chilled the air.

“If he succeeds, I’ll try next!” Cheers rose as North Ming Dao Ren approached the trial.

“Is North Ming Dao Ren stronger than you, Senior?” Golden Ling’er asked Jin An innocently.

Laughter erupted. “Your ‘senior’? North Ming Dao Ren could crush him with a finger!”

Noting Golden Ling’er’s entry-level Nascent Soul cultivation, the mockers dismissed her “senior” as weak.

“If your senior ignored us, he’d pass easily,” Jin An said, smiling at Golden Ling’er’s pout.

Had their Master been present, these wandering cultivators would’ve learned to hold their tongues.

“Ye Yun, why not show off? Don’t disappoint the girl,” Ancestor of the Sword Path teased inwardly.

“Dragons don’t heed ants,” Ye Yun replied coldly, eyeing the mockers—Third Level Nascent Souls he could sweep aside with one strike.

“It’s starting!” The ancient temple trembled as North Ming Dao Ren’s Ice Spirit Qi formed an icy blade. The wooden statue’s eyes glowed green, hefting its giant tree.

“Dawn Sword of the North Ming Three Swords!” North Ming Dao Ren’s blade shone like sunlight, thrusting upward.

A great crash echoed. The crowd gasped, fearing their hopes would shatter like those before them.

Ye Yun watched dispassionately. North Ming Dao Ren’s ice arts were futile against the wood-aligned statue. Even his Immortal artifacts couldn’t overcome the temple’s boundless wood spirit power channeled through the statue’s roots. Victory was impossible without overwhelming force.

“He’s amazing! I’d have lost instantly,” Golden Ling’er marveled.

“Because you never train,” Jin An sighed.

“You don’t understand!” She huffed, skipping to Ye Yun. “Senior, could you defeat that statue in one strike?”

“At my peak, easily,” Ye Yun said wearily.

“Then what about me? I’ll fail for sure!” She fake-sobbed, though knowing he’d help.

“Stop bothering Senior.” Jin An nudged her aside. “We’re grateful just to be here. You’ve already given her a mid-grade Immortal artifact.”

“Well, Ye Yun?” Ancestor of the Sword Path chuckled.

“Stay close when he falls,” Ye Yun muttered, channeling true qi into Purple Shadow Divine Sword. As predicted, North Ming Dao Ren collapsed, spiritual power exhausted.

Silence fell. A Fourth Level expert had failed.

Amidst stunned whispers, Ye Yun strode forward with Golden Ling’er and Jin An. Mocking laughter followed, but Ye Yun ignored it. On the battle platform, he gripped Purple Shadow Divine Sword. As the statue swung its tree, Ye Yun’s blade flashed down.

A magnificent sword momentum erupted with a purple light where Ye Yun stood. When his sword arc struck the giant statue, the cracking of its massive body immediately clarified the battle situation.

As the dust settled, two enormous pieces of dead wood lay collapsed on the battle platform, Ye Yun’s Purple Shadow Divine Sword firmly embedded within them.

"How’s this possible? What’s his background?"

"That sword strike’s power defies belief!"

"The girl called him ‘senior,’ but he’s only at the seventh-level Golden Core stage. How can he wield such strength?"

"Idiot! He’s clearly hiding his true cultivation level. Only someone at the Sixth Level of the Nascent Soul stage or higher could unleash such a strike!"

Nascent Soul stage cultivators whispered in awe, their gazes fixed on Ye Yun.

Ye Yun walked forward impassively while Golden Ling’er and Jin An trailed behind, nervously scanning the fearful expressions around them. Even without words, the crowd’s terror was palpable.

"Was that sword truly his full power?" Jin An wondered, still shaken by the sword arc Ye Yun had unleashed.

Golden Ling’er, however, simply beamed with pride. To her, Ye Yun’s display was only natural. Smirking at the crowd, she chirped, "Which of you wanted to challenge my senior earlier?"

Silence engulfed the platform. No one dared respond, still reeling from a strike that far surpassed even North Ming Dao Ren’s renowned prowess.

"Ling’er, let’s leave with Senior Ye Yun. There’s nothing left here," Jin An urged, tugging her sleeve. "If you keep provoking them, what’ll happen to us—mere First Level Nascent Soul cultivators—after we part ways?"

"Then let’s never part! We’ll stay together forever!" Golden Ling’er declared, stealing a glance at Ye Yun. When he showed no reaction, she pouted softly.

"Don’t spout nonsense," Jin An sighed. "Senior has his own path. Protecting us this far is already a kindness. He can’t waste time on us forever." Though aware of Golden Ling’er’s feelings, he knew Ye Yun saw her only as a junior. Their disparity in cultivation and talent made any deeper bond impossible.

Had Ye Yun been at the Seventh Level of the Nascent Soul stage, things might differ. But if he truly remained at the Golden Core stage, the power behind him must be unimaginable. A seventh-level Golden Core cultivator with such strength hinted at a future where even sects would clamor to recruit him once he reached Nascent Soul stage, showering him with spirit pills and companions.

Jin An glanced between Ye Yun and Golden Ling’er, shaking his head at the longing in her eyes.

The second trial’s guardians—three massive flowers glowing gently—fell instantly to Ye Yun’s sword, crumbling without resistance. Golden Ling’er stared at him, baffled by how a simple strike could rival Seventh Level Nascent Soul power.

"That girl watches you often lately," Ancestor of the Sword Path remarked.

"Childish curiosity," Ye Yun replied. "She’ll forget me soon." His expression remained neutral as they approached the next trial.

"Age breeds curiosity, especially toward someone as rigid as you," the Ancestor chuckled, watching Jin An and Golden Ling’er trail cautiously. "Cultivators chase opportunities blindly, even hopeless ones—gambling their lives on mere luck."

"What do you mean, Ancestor?" Ye Yun asked.

"Nothing meaningful. If life had meaning, why would I linger here?" The Ancestor sighed, then laughed as if recalling old memories.

"Then cherish the present. Few tolerate your ramblings," Ye Yun said flatly, ignoring the noise behind them.

"Ha! Since you insist, what choice does this Ancestor have?" The Ancestor grinned, nostalgia softening his weathered face.