Chapter 197

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Chapter 197: Detachment of Self and World

With Elder Seven by his side, Ye Yun harbored no worries. Gripping the top-grade spirit stones, he activated the Little Absorption Technique. Golden light erupted from the crystals as spiritual energy frantically surged into his body.

Ye Yun’s current physique was far sturdier than before. No longer did his body easily reach saturation, allowing him to continuously absorb the torrential energy.

The Cleansing Immortal Heart Technique operated at breakneck speed. Within the time it takes an incense stick to burn, the two top-grade spirit stones in his hands visibly shrank.

Elder Seven stood nearby, wine jar in hand. Though his eyes grew bleary, his gaze toward Ye Yun brimmed with approval.

Elder Seven had witnessed many fast absorbers in his time—he himself had been one in his youth. Yet even he couldn’t match Ye Yun’s current pace.

With such speed, how could Ye Yun’s true qi not be exceptionally dense? But because he practiced the Cleansing Immortal Heart Technique—requiring simultaneous cultivation of body and qi—his realm remained stuck at the first level of Qi refining. Had he focused solely on qi, his talent would’ve already propelled him to the fourth level.

Though their interactions were few, Elder Seven’s sharp eyes had long recognized Ye Yun’s potential: a robust body, stable realm, and profound true qi.

For years, Elder Seven had sought a worthy disciple. Common talents couldn’t meet his exacting standards—until Ye Yun appeared.

At their first meeting, Elder Seven detected a wisp of Golden Pill master’s aura lingering on Ye Yun—a shocking feat for someone at his level. Later reports of Ye Yun’s achievements—surviving the Hualun Secret Vault’s trials, mastering Thunder Spirit Qi, clashing evenly with Murong Wuhen despite their realm gap, and swiftly learning Ice Sealing a Thousand Miles—cemented Elder Seven’s decision.

When Elder Shi and Supreme Elder Daozhong tried coercing Ye Yun to seize his heavenly materials and earthly treasures, Elder Seven intervened without hesitation, claiming Ye Yun as his disciple regardless of the youth’s consent.

“Don’t disappoint me, brat,” Elder Seven muttered, sipping wine as he watched Ye Yun cultivate.

Instead of converting the spiritual energy into true qi, Ye Yun channeled it to temper his meridians and bones. His priority was honing his physique to master the Cleansing Immortal Heart Technique’s first layer—the Diamond Body, impervious to lightning.

Guided by the technique, the pristine energy from Elder Seven’s top-grade stones refined his body with minimal pain. Soon, Ye Yun entered a state of complete detachment—awareness shrinking to the flow of energy, the outside world fading.

This trance offered both opportunity and peril. While it allowed glimpses into the Dao’s workings—a cultivator’s ultimate pursuit—it also left him vulnerable, senses dulled to external threats. But within the spirit fields under Elder Seven’s guard, danger was negligible.

As Ye Yun immersed himself, space rippled at the field’s edge. A figure descended.

“Senior Brother Seven, your speed leaves me in the dust!” Su Hao’s voice held genuine admiration.

“Why are here, Su Hao?” Elder Seven grunted, wine jar pausing mid-sip.

“After consideration, while Ye Yun’s fortunate to be your disciple, your desire for secrecy leaves him masterless at Shadowless Peak. This’ll restrict his access to training resources and the Zang Wu Pavilion.”

“You think those Celestial Techniques compare to my teachings?” Elder Seven side-eyed him.

“Of course not,” Su Hao chuckled. “But without official standing, trivial obstacles may hinder him. Since he’ll learn my Ten Killing Formation anyway, let him be my Registered Disciple publicly. When the time comes, you can reveal your mentorship.”

“Registered Disciple?”

“Exactly. It grants him legitimacy without binding you. A temporary measure.”

Elder Seven shrugged. “Have him kowtow to you after he finishes here.”

Su Hao bowed deeply. “My thanks, Senior Brother.”

“Leave. You’re blocking my light.”

With a final glance at Ye Yun, Su Hao vanished in a shimmer.

Unaware of the arrangement, Ye Yun focused on his breakthrough. Over half the crystals’ energy now coursed through him, elevating both body and qi.

His earlier assumption—that progress required advancing to the second level of Qi refining—shattered as his meridians expanded, accommodating purer, denser true qi. The dual enhancement inched him closer to breakthrough.

Ye Yun opened his eyes, vision piercing to the field’s farthest edge.

“Two days! Two top-grade stones! For this?!” Elder Seven’s roar shattered the peace, thumb and pinky held a hair’s breadth apart.

Ye Yun blinked. The stones had crumbled to dust in his palms.

“Master, this proves only someone as exceptional as me deserves your teachings!” Ye Yun grinned, recognizing the act.

“Still smug? Come! One day remains to drill realm insights into that thick skull. Can’t have you shaming me at Shadowless Peak.”

Elder Seven’s glare softened imperceptibly as Ye Yun approached, eager.