Chapter 105
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Chapter 105: A Hidden Threat
The sword arc trailed for hundreds of zhang, dazzling and radiant. Upon the great sword stood a white-robed man, his garments billowing like snow in the wind.
"Ouyang Wentian, don’t push me too far. You truly think I fear you?" Du Jianming snorted coldly as he watched the approaching sword arc.
"Oh? Could it be that Third Family Head Du’s cultivation now surpasses mine?" The sword arc withdrew as Ouyang Wentian descended, his feet lightly touching the rippling water surface.
"You think you’re the only one who’s endured human tribulation and attained the celestial realm?" Du Jianming barked, his aura erupting like tidal waves.
Sixth-layer Foundation Establishment celestial realm!
Elder Yin and Sun Yidao drew sharp breaths. Though rumors had circulated about Du Jianming’s breakthrough, they’d dismissed them – the gap between human tribulation and celestial realm seemed narrow, yet crossing it proved immensely difficult. When Ouyang Wentian had earlier revealed his peak sixth-layer Foundation Establishment cultivation, they’d all been cowed into silent obedience.
But now Du Jianming had actually achieved the celestial realm? This defied belief.
"So you’ve also endured human tribulation," Ouyang Wentian’s eyes flickered with surprise before hardening. "But you think matching my realm makes us equals?"
"Won’t know until we try." Du Jianming stepped forward defiantly.
Tension crackled between the two celestial realm experts, violence imminent.
"Third Family Head Du, Peak Master Ouyang," Elder Yin interjected, thumping her dragon-headed cane. "This isn’t the time for conflict. We still don’t know what treasures Water Cloud Hall holds – let’s first uncover them before squabbling."
"Exactly! Opening the hall should be our priority," Sun Yidao chimed in, all fight drained from him after witnessing Du Jianming’s true power.
Ouyang Wentian kept his cold gaze on Du Jianming. Should the Du patriarch break their pact, he’d cut him down without hesitation.
Du Jianming’s murderous intent faded as he scanned the trio. "Since Elder Yin intervenes, I’ll humor her. Ouyang Wentian may keep breathing… for now."
Typical Du Jianming – even when disadvantaged, his tongue remained sharp.
Ouyang Wentian remained unperturbed. He knew with certainty that in direct combat, Du Jianming stood no chance. At worst, he’d cripple the upstart.
"Then we proceed as agreed," Ouyang Wentian declared, eyeing the Water Cloud Hall suspended by eighteen water columns. "Enter together, divide spoils afterward."
"Naturally," Elder Yin nodded.
"Per our arrangement," Sun Yidao blurted anxiously, "Heavenly Sword Sect and Du family each take forty percent. The remaining twenty gets split between my Ba Dao Sect and Elder Yin."
"What gives your pathetic Ba Dao Sect claim to ten percent?" Du Jianming sneered. "Take a few trinkets. The rest stays with Du family and Heavenly Sword Sect."
"You…" Sun Yidao’s face purpled, but no retort came.
Before Du Jianming’s celestial realm reveal, Sun Yidao might’ve protested. Now? The Du family’s dominance in Jin Kingdom meant Du Jianming could slaughter him without consequence.
"The Heavenly Sword Sect decides here, not your Du clan," Ouyang Wentian snapped, irritation rising.
Du Jianming snorted. "Shall we settle this now then?"
"Third Family Head," Elder Yin’s raspy voice cut in. "The Hualun Secret Vault requires all four factions to open. Break our pact, and nobody gains entry. Why renege now?"
"Exactly!" Sun Yidao found sudden courage.
Du Jianming studied them. Arrogant but not stupid, he’d merely been posturing for better terms. The original forty percent share remained acceptable.
"Fine," he grunted. "But cross me again, Sun Yidao, and you’ll lose more than face."
Sun Yidao seethed silently, powerless against overwhelming strength.
Above them, Water Cloud Hall loomed majestically atop its watery pillars, awaiting discovery.
Ye Yun and Hua Yicheng stood hidden, not rushing forward.
Ye Yun hesitated due to his low cultivation level. As an outer disciple, openly appearing in the third layer of Hualun Secret Vault would draw suspicion. Carrying a priceless treasure, discovery could lead to robbery or even death and disappearance of spirit.
Yet Ye Yun wondered: Hua Yicheng claimed to be from Qi Yang Sect and had reached Qi refining stage through Comprehending Qi. Why hadn’t he joined his sectmates?
As Ye Yun pondered, Hua Yicheng turned with a grin.
"I’m only at fourth level of Qi refining. Many Qi Yang Sect disciples here surpass me. Mingling with the group would leave me scraps." Hua Yicheng bluntly revealed his ambitions.
Ye Yun chuckled ruefully. He shared similar thoughts, but his weaker cultivation denied him even the chance to blend with sect teams. Taking advantage of chaos became his only option.
"Brother Ye, don’t follow when they enter Water Cloud Hall," Hua Yicheng whispered.
Ye Yun frowned. "Where else? This endless ocean hides nothing but that hall."
Hua Yicheng mysteriously smiled, flipping his palm to reveal black leather.
"Who says treasures only dwell in halls? The ocean’s depths might hold greater prizes."
Ye Yun blinked, realizing he’d overlooked this possibility.
"Following them would expose us instantly with our low cultivation. Better explore the ocean first for unexpected gains," Hua Yicheng urged, pulling Ye Yun deeper into shadows.
Ye Yun nodded. Their weak cultivation would indeed stand out among elite disciples. Discovery meant certain doom.
"Take this. Eighth-grade azure-eyed crystal beast hide repels water." Hua Yicheng shoved the black material forward.
Ye Yun accepted it warily. Why involve him? Solo exploration offered better loot chances.
"Don’t think too much," Hua Yicheng preempted. "Unknown dangers lurk below. Partners survive better. But I claim first pick – one item each."
"Natural," Ye Yun agreed flatly. Three years in servant disciple outer court taught him trust no one. Relying on a half-hour acquaintance would be idiocy.
Still, Hua Yicheng’s logic held. Mutual support improved survival odds in perilous waters.
"Wait till they enter, then dive," Hua Yicheng said, strange light flashing in his eyes.
Ye Yun gazed at distant Water Cloud Hall where hundreds of elite disciples from four sects gathered eagerly.
Ouyang Wentian materialized before the mist-wreathed hall, its name flowing in liquid characters.
"Surrender all finds after exiting. Hidden items mean death and spirit annihilation." His gentle voice carried unmistakable threat.
"YES!" The thunderous reply shook air.
Disciples streamed into the hall two-by-two until none remained outside.
After waiting cautiously, the duo emerged.
"Let’s go," Hua Yicheng breathed excitedly.
Donning crystal beast cloaks, they plunged into endless blue.
Ten breaths later, air rippled beneath Water Cloud Hall as shadowy figures materialized.
