Chapter 201
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Chapter 201: Meeting Shui Qingxuan Again
“Ye Yun, we just arrived at Shadowless Peak. There’s no need for rash actions. Since we’re aware of Junzi Hall’s existence, we’ll inevitably interact with them later. No need to rush things now,” Duan Chenfeng said with a slight frown, his voice low.
“Brother Ye’s right. Let’s first adjust to life on Shadowless Peak,” Yu Minghong added, urgency coloring his tone.
Ye Yun chuckled. “You misunderstand. I’m not seeking trouble. I simply mean since we’ve already crossed paths with Junzi Hall upon arriving, there’s no reason to fear. If they dare provoke me, I’ll strike back without hesitation.”
Duan Chenfeng and Yu Minghong, who’d feared Ye Yun would act recklessly, relaxed upon hearing this.
“Very well. We’ll begin training under our Master tomorrow. We won’t return for three months—take care during this time,” Duan Chenfeng said, stepping forward to clasp Ye Yun’s shoulder.
Ye Yun nodded silently.
The three brothers drank themselves into a stupor in Ye Yun’s Small Courtyard, uncertain what the coming months might bring. When dawn’s first light crept across the eastern sky, Duan Chenfeng and Yu Minghong departed without delay, determined to complete their trials swiftly and return to aid Ye Yun.
“Vulture King,” Ye Yun asked gravely after seeing them off, “what tier of Foundation Establishment stage expert could you face without losing?”
The Divine Feather Vulture King scoffed. “Now you worry? Weren’t you bragging earlier about fearing no Foundation Establishment cultivator?”
Ye Yun smiled. “I’m not afraid. Would any expert dare break sect rules to kill Su Hao’s Registered Disciple? My concern is you—if spotted, you’re not a Heavenly Sword Sect member. Should someone target you…”
The giant bird sprang up, eyes gleaming. “Third level Foundation Establishment experts or higher might trouble me. Otherwise, none can match my speed in escape!”
Ye Yun laughed. “Then I’ll worry no more. Stay here—I’m visiting the Peak Master.”
“Your Master,” the vulture grumbled.
“Only formal disciples may call him Master,” Ye Yun replied, already striding toward the mountain’s summit where Su Hao and Shui Qingxuan’s modest dwelling stood.
Few crossed paths with Ye Yun at dawn on Shadowless Peak. Those who did appear hurried past after brief glances. As Su Hao’s inner disciple, Ye Yun moved unimpeded.
Reaching the peak within half an incense stick’s time, he inhaled the crisp mountain wind. The crimson sun crept over the horizon, painting the land scarlet. After a momentary pause to admire the view, Ye Yun approached the secluded building.
“Halt!”
An invisible voice rang out. Two black-robed disciples materialized before him—both at the sixth level of Qi Refining stage, serving as mere guards.
“I’m Ye Yun, here to visit my Master at the back mountain,” he announced, clasping his hands.
“Master? Who claims that?” one guard snapped.
“The Ye Yun who traded blows with Murong Wuhen?” the other exclaimed, astonished.
Ye Yun nodded. “The same. You must be the back mountain guards.”
“Junior Brother Xing, do you know him?” the black robe disciple asked curiously.
The black robe disciple on the right nodded. “I heard during Tian Zhu Peak’s inner disciple assessment, Murong Wuhen suddenly appeared trying to interfere. But he ended up angering Ye Junior Brother here. They clashed for dozens of exchanges. Murong even unleashed the Ruthless Heavenly Sword, yet still couldn’t defeat him. They ended up evenly matched, agreeing to settle it another day.”
“Blocked the Ruthless Heavenly Sword? Impossible! Even seventh-level Qi refining seniors struggle against that technique. This kid’s only at the first level of Qi refining. Xing Kun, someone must’ve fooled you,” the black robe disciple gasped.
“Eyewitnesses confirmed it. No mistake.” Xing Kun shook his head before turning to Ye Yun. “If you’re Ye Yun, show your identity token.”
Ye Yun silently handed over the token. After examining it, the two guards exchanged shocked glances.
“You said you’re here to see your Master. Rumor says the Shadowless Peak Master tried accepting you during the ceremony but got stopped by a heavenly sword decree. Did he still take you in?” Xing Kun returned the token, curiosity evident.
Ye Yun nodded. “Only as a Registered Disciple. Becoming formal requires more trials.”
Respect begets respect.
That was Ye Yun’s way. Xing Kun’s lack of arrogance despite seniority – whether from hearsay or knowing Ye Yun’s connection to Su Hao – earned equal courtesy. Only fools like Murong Wuhen or Young Master Yun who picked fights got met with steel.
“After you, Junior Brother Ye.” Xing Kun inhaled deeply, envy flashing across his face.
A Registered Disciple’s status depended entirely on their master. Some ordinary elder’s disciple? Worthless. But Su Hao – Shadowless Peak Master and future Sect Leader candidate? Even this provisional title demanded respect. Even if Ye Yun never made Su Hao’s top ten disciples, this affiliation alone guaranteed deference from inner disciples.
Ye Yun cupped his fists and headed toward the back mountain.
The guards watched him leave, jealousy plain before their figures blurred into nothingness.
Standing before the familiar cottage, Ye Yun felt unexpected nostalgia.
Su Ling had first brought him here to meet Shui Qingxuan and Su Hao. Back then, he’d refused the Peak Master’s offer to avoid exposing his secrets. Yet twists of fate still bound him to Su Hao as a Registered Disciple. With Elder Seven’s approval, claiming the last top ten disciple slot would be child’s play.
“Lingering at the door? Enter.”
The ethereal voice floated from within like windchimes.
Ye Yun straightened. “Ye Yun pays respects to Aunt Xuan and Master!”
The wooden door creaked open, revealing Shui Qingxuan’s elegant figure.
Her hand flicked. The courtyard gate swung wide without light or shadow.
Ye Yun hurried forward, kneeling. “Ye Yun greets Aunt Xuan.”
“Rise.” Her eyes appraised him, lips curving. “To reach late-stage first-level Qi refining so quickly… And such densely condensed true qi. Each droplet brims with power.”
Ye Yun stifled a gasp. He knew of her perception skills, but this… It felt like she’d personally inspected every fiber except the Heart of Immortals and Demons itself.
“Aunt Xuan’s beauty and discernment both shine brighter,” he grinned.
“Flatterer,” she chuckled. “Seeking your titular Master? He’s handling affairs until evening. Keep me company till then.”
Ye Yun relaxed completely in her presence, tensions melting away.
“Perfect! Su Ling claims Aunt Xuan’s cooking surpasses immortals’ banquets. I’ll gladly sample it.”
“That chatterbox.” Shui Qingxuan smiled. “Very well, you’ll taste it today.”
“Where is Su Ling?” Ye Yun finally asked.
“I wondered when you’d ask.” Her eyes sparkled with amusement.
He scratched his head, embarrassed.
Shui Qingxuan’s expression sobered. “Your Master sent her to train in the back mountain’s Fire Dragon Cave.”
