Chapter 652

Chapter 652: Teaching

"It’s almost done. Now I just need to check whether the Nine-Dragon Heartbroken Grass exists in this ancient temple," Ye Yun slowly opened his eyes and exhaled. Immediately, a potent life force erupted and spread rapidly.

As Ye Yun muttered to himself, a black spirit herb emitting strange fluctuations descended from the sky.

"The Nine-Dragon Heartbroken Grass? It’s really here?" Ye Yun froze, surprised by how easily it appeared. It seemed absorbing all the medicinal energy from the Pool of Life triggered its manifestation.

"So that’s the trick. Surprisingly simple." The Ancestor of the Sword Path sounded astonished before chuckling. "The master of this place must’ve been extraordinarily prideful."

"What arrogance. But no matter—it’s ours now." Ye Yun glanced upward at the ancient temple, where a colossal Blood Moon now aimed directly at him. His lips curled into a faint smile.

His condition had improved significantly since earlier. With the Nine-Dragon Heartbroken Grass secured, his confidence grew for retrieving treasures from the Extreme Northern Frost Land.

"Before leaving, there’s one last thing to handle." Noticing the summoning spiritual light, Ye Yun instructed the Ancestor of the Sword Path to temporarily shield him with soul power. Activating spatial laws, he teleported to the third trial’s entrance, where three cultivators stood.

"Entry forbidden! A senior decreed this area closed for three hours. Attempting to enter means risking death by his sword!"

The newly arrived Nascent Soul cultivators delivered the warning with stern faces. Ye Yun chuckled. True qi surged within him, and thirty thousand middle-grade spirit stones cascaded onto the trio. Their eyes widened in shock.

"You did well. This is your reward," Ye Yun said, shaking his head amusedly.

"Thank you, Senior!" Their joy was indescribable—each received ten thousand middle-grade spirit stones, an unimaginable windfall even within the Xumi Treasure.

"Hah! We’re rich! Let’s scram before others notice!" The trio barely celebrated before sensing greedy stares. They feigned readiness to fight but instantly fled instead.

Nascent Soul cultivators who hadn’t sought spirit stones rushed into the Pool of Life, only to curse Sword Seeking Villa upon finding its vitality drained.

"Senior, we’ll take our leave now. Should you ever require assistance, we’ll gladly serve," the three said, bowing deeply before hastily departing.

"What did you do, Senior? Why were those three Fourth Level Nascent Soul cultivators so respectful?" Golden Ling’er blinked at Ye Yun, watching the fleeing figures.

"Gave them some Immortal Spirit Stones as thanks for their help. A trivial reward." Ye Yun patted the girl’s head as she leaned close.

"Then Ling’er should help Senior more too!" Golden Ling’er giggled, savoring the warmth of his hand.

"Enough chatter. Show me that Immortal artifact—you look pleased, so it must be decent." Ye Yun smiled.

"Look! My low-quality Immortal artifact’s almost as good as Senior Brother’s!" Golden Ling’er thrust out her palm, revealing a tiny golden bell radiating fragile spatial waves.

"Not bad—a Spatial system treasure. Used wisely, it could surprise enemies. Pity it’s defensive." Ye Yun nodded approvingly at her proud grin before turning to Jin An.

The young man sighed, holding up a grain of golden sand. "Why’d the ancient temple give me this? It’s powerful, but fighting with sand feels absurd."

Though aware of the low-quality Immortal artifact’s potency, Jin An remained unenthused—a mere grain, however precious.

"Senior’s teaching you the Sword Path now! With proper training, you might reach the Second Level of the Nascent Soul stage!" Golden Ling’er chirped, nudging her despondent senior.

Despite usually teasing him, she couldn’t bear his gloom—they’d been childhood companions, after all.

"When will you begin instructing me, Senior?" Jin An asked eagerly, recalling Ye Yun’s promise.

His fervor was palpable; witnessing Ye Yun’s Sword Path had ignited dreams of matching that prowess.

"We’ll start immediately if time allows." Ye Yun chuckled at Jin An’s barely contained excitement.

"Thank you, Senior!" Jin An bowed deeply.

"Thank someone else instead," Ye Yun replied cryptically.

Jin An blinked in confusion.

"Ye Yun! Don’t tell me you’re dumping this kid on me!" The Ancestor of the Sword Path groaned. "But remember—the Nine-Dragon Heartbroken Grass is mine! My soul power needs it. Haven’t seen heavenly materials this pure in centuries!"

"Relax. I’ve suppressed my fire poison and can handle most Seventh Level Nascent Soul cultivators now. Feel free to restore your soul power." Ye Yun paused. "Though teaching Jin An a few techniques would be kind. Our paths crossed for a reason—but it’s your choice."

He never imposed his will, respecting others’ autonomy.

"Fine! Teaching some moves won’t kill me." The Ancestor snorted as Jin An gripped his wooden sword. "Let’s see how much he can endure. Amusing, if nothing else."

"Just don’t break him." True strength demanded grueling effort—both understood this. The Ancestor never nagged Ye Yun about training, and Ye Yun never needed reminders. Their harmony stemmed from mutual understanding.

"Ye Yun’s talent needs no guidance. This kid’s passable—let’s test his limits."

Through Ye Yun, the Ancestor taught Jin An basic Sword Techniques, forbidding true qi usage. Jin An endured soul power pressure purely through physical resilience, revealing his potential.

*Thud!*

"Senior Brother! Get up! You almost landed a hit!" Golden Ling’er cheered through mouthfuls of foraged fruit as Jin An collapsed onto sand again.

"Enough for today. You performed adequately." Ye Yun halted the session as Jin An staggered upright. "Next, I’ll share advanced practice methods to enhance combat skills."

A strand of mental intent struck Jin An, transmitting knowledge that left him speechless with gratitude.

"Senior…" Jin An murmured tearfully.

"Conditions apply." Ye Yun smiled. "Protect this girl when I’m gone. If she’s harmed, I’ll hold you accountable."

"Yes!" Jin An vowed solemnly. He knew Ye Yun wouldn’t stay forever but cherished their bond—unlike arrogant sect elders, Ye Yun treated him as an equal.

"Leaving him alone… is this wise?" Ye Yun murmured.

"Questioning me?!" The Ancestor huffed. "If he can’t master these basics, he’s unworthy!"

"Fair enough." Ye Yun relaxed, trusting the Ancestor’s judgment.

"Wish I had more of those blue fruits! So tasty…" Golden Ling’er sighed, licking her fingers.

"Ling’er, seek Senior’s guidance occasionally. What’s the point of Master sending you here if you slack off?" Jin An chided, abandoning his wooden sword.

"Cultivation’s boring and exhausting!" She crossed her arms, making Jin An shoot Ye Yun a helpless look.