World of Cultivation

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

Chapter 104: The Giant Palace in the Water

As the light and shadow shattered, the passage to the third layer fully opened. Shortly after Ye Yun and the others vanished into the fractured glow, dozens of figures surged into the great tomb’s second layer, charging toward the broken light. At their forefront stood Ouyang Wentian.

The third layer’s activation had drawn Ouyang Wentian himself to lead the expedition. Behind him trailed dozens of inner disciples from the Heavenly Sword Sect.

“These young fellows proved themselves admirably—not only passing the first trial but even unlocking the third layer. Excellent,” Ouyang Wentian remarked, smiling at the shattered light.

“Senior Brother, we shouldn’t delay. Per our agreement, we may enter half an incense stick’s time earlier before the Du family fools follow,” whispered Jiang Yuewen, an elderly man with greying hair. Despite being over eighty years old and at the Foundation Establishment stage four, he deferentially addressed the forty-something Ouyang as his superior.

“No matter. Entering earlier grants no advantage here—strength decides all,” Ouyang replied with unwavering confidence, waving a dismissive hand.

He flicked his wrist, sending a jade talisman aloft. Its radiance coalesced into a glowing screen displaying Su Ling, Chen Yin, and Liang Xuantong clashing with Luo Wencheng. Had Ye Yun witnessed this, he’d have gasped—every move had been under Ouyang’s surveillance.

“Curious. This third layer blocks my observation,” Ouyang muttered, eyebrows lifting as the screen’s images halted after Chen Yin’s group entered.

“We must hurry! Letting the Du fools seize the lead would be disastrous,” Jiang Yuewen pressed urgently.

Ouyang nodded and glanced back. In an instant, the Absolute Sword Peak disciples surged into the fractured light without hesitation, vanishing into the third layer.

Exchanging nods, Ouyang and Jiang stepped forward together.

Ye Yun felt engulfed in chaos—all senses nullified. No light, sound, scent, or touch remained. He drifted like a lone leaf in boundless skies, carried aimlessly by winds.

When sight returned, he faced an endless sea stretching beyond horizons.

“Another spatial array? This Golden Pill master truly obsesses over spatial restrictions!” Ye Yun grimaced. The violent forces had scattered their group—Su Ling and the others were nowhere in sight. Such mystical mechanisms lay far beyond his understanding.

Moments later, his head jerked upward.

A colossal water column erupted from the sea, roaring skyward. Its massive form shimmered with coiling water dragons, each frozen in dynamic poses—a breathtaking spectacle.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Seventeen more columns exploded upward, eighteen titanic pillars framing the heavens. At their peaks, Ye Yun glimpsed an immense crystalline hall floating among clouds. Built entirely of flowing water, it radiated faint prismatic brilliance—a vision of awe.

“Hahaha! The third layer—finally mine!”

A manic laugh shattered the moment. Ye Yun turned to see a young man in black staring rapturously at the distant hall.

“Oh? Someone arrived before me. Unexpected,” the black-clad youth mused, spotting Ye Yun.

Ye Yun maintained neutral composure but chilled inwardly. This youth emitted zero spiritual power waves—like an ordinary mortal. Yet no commoner could survive the trials to reach Hualun Secret Vault’s third layer. His cultivation must surpass mid Qi refining stage. At Ye Yun’s current level, anyone below Qi refining’s fourth tier would’ve been detectable.

The newcomer’s intentions were unclear, but their cultivation level had already unsettled Ye Yun. Though he’d expected many Qi refining stage disciples in the third layer, encountering someone of such high skill first surprised him.

"Who are you? Your clothes suggest you’re from the Heavenly Sword Sect," the young man in black inquired, eyeing Ye Yun.

"Correct. I’m Ye Yun of the Heavenly Sword Sect. May I know your origin?" Ye Yun replied warily, spiritual power churning within him.

"So it’s true. I’m Hua Yicheng of Qi Yang Sect." The black-clad youth clasped his fists without hostility.

"Greetings, Brother Hua." Ye Yun returned the gesture politely.

Hua Yicheng appeared oblivious to Ye Yun’s caution. His gaze fixed on the massive hall upheld by eighteen Water Columns, awe etching his features.

"This water-constructed hall… Those lifelike dragons… Unbelievable craftsmanship," he murmured, marveling at the liquid architecture.

"Shall we investigate?" Ye Yun suggested, noting the empty seas around them.

"Naturally. Hualun’s treasures must lie within." Hua Yicheng’s tone held casual indifference. "Coming this far empty-handed would be foolish. Join me, Brother Ye?"

Ye Yun agreed. For now, the Qi Yang disciple showed no malice nor hidden schemes.

They leapt toward the aquatic structure.

Whoosh!

Dozens descended as they landed before the hall. More figures materialized moments later – first Sun Yidao of Ba Dao Sect with his contingent, then Elder Yin’s group.

"Elder Yin moves swiftly despite her years," Sun Yidao boomed, arriving amid splashing waves.

"Age slows these bones. We’ve only just arrived," countered the old woman emerging from her retinue.

A sneering voice cut through: "Rushing ahead blindly? You’ll die confused." Du Jianming descended with Du family elites, their murderous intent palpable.

"Water Cloud Hall! Hualun’s vault!" The Du leader swaggered forward. "We’ll secure it first, then permit your entry."

"Recall our pact, Third Family Head," Elder Yin’s gentle tone held steel.

"Choose your words carefully, Du Jianming," Sun Yidao added, aura darkening.

The Du leader scoffed. "I offer first entry. Dare you accept?"

When both hesitated, he jeered: "Then wait like dogs for scraps!"

The hall’s grandeur promised priceless heavenly materials and earthly treasures. Yet neither faction dared risk their elites against a Golden Pill master’s defenses – unlike the Du family and Heavenly Sword Sect, they couldn’t easily replace lost disciples.

As Du Jianming laughed and advanced, a sword arc split the horizon.

"Du Jianming! Enter without me? You court death!"

A swordsman pierced the skies, his arrival scattering light and shadow.