Chapter 23

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Chapter 23: Deep Concealment

Ye Yun opened the storage pouch and saw at least several dozen middle-grade spirit stones inside, along with two or three top-grade spirit stones.

“Though one top-grade spirit stone is missing, I’ll replace it once we pass this trial and get out,” Qu Yiping said grimly, turning to Ye Yun.

Understanding his meaning, Ye Yun didn’t waste words. He slammed his fist into the cave ahead.

The explosion gave Qu Yiping a moment to gasp for air.

Duan Chenfeng sneered, “Didn’t expect you to carry so many spirit stones.”

Qu Yiping ignored him. As Ye Yun kept punching back the spiritual power surging from the cave, he glanced up at Duan Chenfeng. “Qu Yiping handed over his spirit stones. Now you give yours. I won’t risk you backing out later or changing your mind mid-climb.”

“Cautious. I like that,” Duan Chenfeng chuckled, stuffing his spirit stones into a storage pouch and tossing it down.

Ye Yun took a deep breath, exchanged a look with Qu Yiping, then leaped up to snatch the pouch, landing beside Duan Chenfeng.

Qu Yiping seized the chance. After summoning a burst of black fire, he jumped up to join them.

Duan Chenfeng eyed Qu Yiping with a sly grin.

Ye Yun turned to him coldly. “Now there’s three of us. We’ll take turns blocking the spiritual power. This way, no one gets too drained or schemes against the others.”

Qu Yiping relaxed slightly and snorted. “Good. Less chance for sneak attacks.”

Duan Chenfeng grunted but said nothing. He shot upward, blasting another hole above.

Following Ye Yun’s plan, the trio took turns fending off attacks. Their climb grew swift and smooth, reaching the halfway point quickly.

“Duan Chenfeng and Qu Yiping’s rivalry only benefits Ye Yun!”

The servant disciples below burned with envy.

The sheer number of middle-grade and top-grade spirit stones Ye Yun now possessed was beyond their wildest dreams. Yet they knew such luck would never be theirs—only Ye Yun’s spiritual power matched Duan Chenfeng and Qu Yiping’s.

Inspired, the disciples paired up with those of similar cultivation levels and began climbing.

…

At the cliff’s peak, wind howled past the towering stone tablet radiating golden light. Duan Chenfeng soared up, landing like a bird folding its wings.

“I’ve arrived! You ants dare compare yourselves to me, Duan Chenfeng?” He laughed arrogantly, barely glancing at the tablet.

Ye Yun leaped up next, followed by Qu Yiping. Relieved, Qu Yiping eyed Ye Yun’s back, a venomous smile twisting his lips.

Unlike Duan Chenfeng, those spirit stones had been his entire fortune. Now, he couldn’t even produce one middle-grade stone. Without them, he’d be reduced to relying on Tian Zhu Peak’s meager monthly allotments like any common disciple.

Just like Liu Daolie once had, Qu Yiping vowed to reclaim every stone from Ye Yun. Worse, this trial proved Ye Yun a threat—without a spiritual weapon, Qu Yiping doubted he could defeat him.

“Plotting something, aren’t you?” Duan Chenfeng’s mocking voice cut in. “Our deal ended at the peak, Ye Yun. Let’s toss him down. At this height, he’ll die—no future troubles.”

Qu Yiping’s face flushed with rage. “Arrogant fool! Even if I lose, I’ll drag you down with me!”

Watching the two men argue, Ye Yun narrowed his eyes slightly but quickly stepped aside. "I don’t want trouble. Settle your own issues."

In his view, neither Duan Chenfeng nor Qu Yiping were decent people. Letting them cripple each other would be ideal. More importantly, a full-power fight might expose the secret of the black and white lights within him.

Even if Duan Chenfeng offered more top-grade spirit stones now, Ye Yun would still refuse through gritted teeth.

"Fine! I’ll handle this myself. How dare a maggot like you try dragging me down?" Ignoring Ye Yun’s refusal, Duan Chenfeng snorted coldly. The replica Great Sun Boxing Gloves on his hands emitted gentle white light as he savagely struck at Qu Yiping.

"You’re dead!"

Qu Yiping had only been secretly monitoring Duan Chenfeng under orders. But after repeated humiliations and this direct attack, he had to fight back.

With a roar, he moved. The black bracelet on his wrist burst into raging black fire.

Their spiritual weapons clashed violently, explosions of light erupting between them.

After observing briefly, Ye Yun saw neither could gain advantage. Hoping they’d kill each other, he turned to study the glowing stone tablet radiating golden light and immense pressure.

The ten-zhang tall stone tablet appeared ordinary – no carvings, rough surface. But as Ye Yun gazed, he sensed a golden sun blazing within.

Suddenly, the stone shell seemed to vanish. Before him floated a radiant golden sun, countless unique golden threads radiating from its surface, each pulsing with profound mysteries.

"Could these threads contain Dao truths? Understanding even one might bring great benefits?" The thought flashed through Ye Yun’s mind.

"Halt!"

"Insolence!"

Three figures materialized from shimmering air. The leading elder flicked his sleeve, releasing crimson light that blasted both fighters against rocks.

"Fighting beneath the Hall of Refining the Heart’s sacred tablet? You court death!" The icy-faced elder who’d overseen their entry glared furiously.

Instantly, even disciples climbing the cliff wall froze under crushing pressure. Weaker ones nearly collapsed.

Fortunately, the Spiritual Spring Wall stopped emitting spiritual power during the elder’s intervention, preventing falls.

Ye Yun felt the pressure lift when the black and white light flickered in his chest. But noticing others struggling – Duan Chenfeng and Qu Yiping grimacing in pain, disciples sweating profusely – he forced his spiritual power to reverse. Pale-faced, he feigned labored breathing and beaded forehead sweat.

"With your pathetic cultivation, you dare disturb this holy site? This tablet contains the alchemy pill of Tian Zhu Peak’s Golden Core expert after his death! You should be reverently seeking Dao insights, not brawling!" The elder’s voice softened slightly, though his expression remained stormy.

"What’s the use? The Golden Core’s Dao is heavens above our level," Duan Chenfeng grumbled quietly.

Ye Yun frowned. Was this fool really challenging an elder now?

"Seeking death?" The elder narrowed his eyes and waved.

Light blasted Duan Chenfeng into a massive stone, shattering it. He crashed down, blood trickling from his mouth. Though rage burned in his raised eyes, the elder’s sword-like gaze and crushing pressure forced his head down.

None noticed the cunning glint hidden behind Duan Chenfeng’s lowered eyelids, nor the faint smirk twisting his bloodied lips.