Chapter 171
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Chapter 171: Cleansing Immortal Heart Technique
Ye Yun raised his head and met Elder Lan’s gaze without flinching.
“Insolence!” Elder Lan roared, never expecting Ye Yun to publicly defy him.
“Was I wrong? This trial is about survival of the fittest—only results matter, not the process. Should we bow our heads and wait for death if they want to kill us?” Ye Yun stood with his hands behind his back, showing none of the deference an elder deserved.
“So you truly killed those two,” Elder Lan’s voice turned icy, murderous intent thickening like frost.
“Of course I did. Who else would claim such a deed?” Ye Yun scoffed.
Their eyes locked, gazes blazing with intensity, as if a fight might erupt at any moment.
Ye Yun had resolved to act boldly before becoming an inner disciple. He wanted the sect’s higher-ups to see that he’d not only survived the great tomb and the trial but also slain Zhen Huacheng, a former purple robe disciple, despite being only at the first level of Qi refining.
With such talent and strength, shouldn’t the sect take notice?
Before, Ye Yun feared being too conspicuous might expose the Heart of Immortals and Demons. But now he knew its power—if it chose to hide, no one could detect it, not even himself.
As for the medium-grade spiritual weapons, experts like Su Hao in the late Foundation Establishment stage wouldn’t covet them. And if the sect discovered his ability to wield thunder, fire, and ice spiritual energy, they’d likely celebrate it. After all, no one could steal exotic spiritual energy from another’s body.
His real concern was inner disciples or elite disciples—those newly advanced to Foundation Establishment who might target him for his spiritual weapons.
But if he couldn’t overcome such challenges, how could he aspire to surpass Murong Wuqing, pursue the Golden Pill Dao, or emulate the Heart’s previous master, who’d fearlessly faced celestial soldiers?
This conviction steeled him. The pinnacle of Qi refining meant nothing now—he’d soon surpass Elder Lan entirely.
“Fine. Today, I’ll teach you the price of insolence!” Elder Lan stepped forward, hovering mid-air.
Ye Yun remained calm, hands still clasped behind him.
Even if he couldn’t defeat Elder Lan, defending himself wouldn’t be difficult.
“Enough!” Grand Elder Chunyu Yan’s voice thundered. “Elder Lan, stand down. Ye Yun, curb your arrogance.”
Elder Lan stiffened but retreated. Though they jointly managed the outer sect, Chunyu Yan held ultimate authority.
Ye Yun nodded to Chunyu Yan and stepped back as well.
The plaza fell silent. Everyone stared in shock—how had Ye Yun grown bold enough to confront an elder?
Chunyu Yan scanned the crowd before fixing his gaze on Ye Yun.
“You overstepped, Ye Yun. Elder Lan oversees Tian Zhu Peak’s outer sect. Such disrespect is unacceptable.”
Ye Yun smiled faintly. “I merely spoke truth. If Elder Lan found it harsh, I apologize.”
“Better. For a first-level Qi refining disciple to slay Zhong Ying and Zhen Huacheng is… unprecedented. But dead geniuses hold no value. Focus now on becoming Tian Zhu Peak’s pillar.” Chunyu Yan nodded, appeased.
Ye Yun returned the nod. Mutual respect was his creed.
Elder Lan seethed, transmitting privately, “Grand Elder, this undermines our authority!”
Chunyu Yan replied silently, “Patience. Consider this: how could Zhong Ying and Zhen Huacheng, with their strength, die without even activating their life-saving talismans?”
Elder Lan frowned.
“Two possibilities: the Ninth-level pinnacle Vulture King killed them instantly… or Ye Yun truly did.”
“Impossible!” Elder Lan muttered, disbelief etched on his face.
“There’s nothing impossible. If Murong Wuqing were replaced by Ye Yun, do you think it would be possible?” Chunyu Yan countered.
“Naturally! Murong Wuqing remains the most exceptional genius disciple our Heavenly Sword Sect has seen in a thousand years. It was said he could defeat early-stage Foundation Establishment experts while still at the fifth level of the Qi refining stage – a freak among freaks.”
“If Murong Wuqing managed that, why couldn’t Ye Yun? Perhaps we’ll witness another monstrous talent emerging.” Chunyu Yan’s eyes glinted with anticipation.
Elder Lan had never considered linking Ye Yun with Murong Wuqing. If Chunyu Yan’s words held truth, Ye Yun’s future cultivation growth might be boundless. Offending him now would prove foolish.
“Hmph!”
Elder Lan stepped forward after his cold snort. “Ye Yun, I’ll overlook this first offense. Defy me again, and consequences will follow.”
Ye Yun smiled, clasping his hands. “This disciple overstepped. Elder Lan’s magnanimity is appreciated.”
If authority extended courtesy, he’d accept the offered retreat.
The matter dissolved like morning mist.
Elder Lan surveyed the thirty token-bearing disciples, frosty expression thawing slightly.
“Good. Thirty candidates this time. Demonstrate your true capabilities during the inner disciple assessment in fifteen days. Become Tian Zhu Peak’s future pillars.”
Thirty voices thundered compliance.
Names recorded, they awaited the true trial. Only as inner disciples would they gain sect resources and focused training.
“Brother Ye, Brother Duan – where will you cultivate these fifteen days?” Yu Minghong approached, beaming.
“Little Yu! Let’s visit your family!” Duan Chenfeng clapped the younger disciple’s shoulder.
Yu Minghong grimaced. “From Tian Zhu Peak to the Great Qin Empire? Hundreds of thousands of miles! Ten days’ travel at least – we’d miss the assessment!”
“How stingy! Won’t show us your empire?” Duan Chenfeng feigned offense.
“No! It’s just…” Yu Minghong waved frantic denials. “After the assessment! I’ll properly guide you then!”
Duan Chenfeng roared with laughter. “Can’t recognize jesting? You’re too earnest, Little Yu!”
“Ah!” Realization dawned, followed by pique. “Brother Duan!”
Ye Yun observed quietly, amusement curving his lips.
“These fifteen days matter.” His voice sobered them. “Prepare thoroughly. Remember Zhong Ying’s warnings? The inner sect factions – especially Senior Brother Yang Hualong’s faction. Stronger cultivation means better standing.”
Two nodding faces turned grave.
“True.” Duan Chenfeng rubbed his chin. “We condensed true qi but barely grasped its depths. Time to refine properly.”
“Exactly.” Yu Minghong brightened. “Unraveling Qi refining’s early mysteries could boost our cultivation significantly.”
“Then we part ways.” Ye Yun nodded farewell. “Fifteen days.”
His parting bow included Elder Lan and Chunyu Yan before departure.
Now at Qi refining stage, Ye Yun’s prior conditioning at Vulture Peak had been basic familiarity with true qi. These fifteen days offered proper immersion in its profundities.
Most crucially – the Cleansing Immortal Heart Technique from Zang Wu Pavilion required Qi refining cultivation to practice. This window was ideal.
Ye Yun’s lips quirked upward as mental scrolls unfurled – the Cleansing Immortal Heart Technique blazing through his consciousness like dawn’s first light.
