Chapter 24
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Chapter 24: Golden Light
"The test of ascending the Hall of Refining the Heart required you to overcome the pill light’s influence, teaching you to always calm your mind first. You’ll face countless disturbances in your future cultivation journey. Without resilience, you’d be blinded by treasure radiance and die without knowing why."
The elder’s expression softened slightly as his gaze settled on Ye Yun. "The second layer’s purpose was to show that cultivation often demands cooperation, even with enemies. You performed well."
"I merely got lucky," Ye Yun replied, bowing humbly when praised.
"No need for false modesty. Though your spiritual vein aptitude is mediocre, your strong physique and mature mindset could lead you far." The elder’s tone warmed. "Focus on cultivation, and I might offer guidance when appropriate."
"My gratitude, Elder!" Ye Yun bowed again, sincerity in his voice. Regardless of the elder’s true nature, such acknowledgment would ease his path within the sect.
"The eliminated are nearly decided. Since you grasp the essentials, those still clinging to the wall shall pass."
The elder gave Ye Yun an approving glance before turning to the struggling disciples below. His disdainful gaze swept over them as the Spiritual Spring Wall’s spiritual power ceased flowing. Few among these ordinary servant disciples showed promise.
Yet his words sparked elated cheers from the climbers below.
…
Despite the elder’s leniency, only about a hundred of Tian Zhu Peak’s thousands of servant disciples reached the stone tablet’s base after the spiritual power stopped. Such ruthless elimination laid bare cultivation’s cruel nature.
In this cultivation-obsessed world, countless youths dreamed of immortality. But the path demanded defiance against the heavens – perilous, where missteps meant annihilation without hope of reincarnation.
Every year, seemingly talented youths arrived, only to become stepping stones for the few who survived successive trials.
Now, nearly all who stood beneath the stone tablet reveled in wild triumph.
Yet an inexplicable sorrow gripped Ye Yun. Surviving these brutal rules to become a Golden Pill master like the tablet’s creator… did that truly mean attaining immortality? Was cultivators’ world crueler than mortal existence?
Amid the celebrations, Ye Yun closed his eyes, steadying his turbulent thoughts.
Suddenly, the black and white light in his chest stirred. Drawn by unseen forces, it swirled upward as intertwined shadows toward his crown.
Panic surged – if this light escaped his skull, the overseeing elder might notice. Cold sweat drenched him as the light pooled at his crown instead of bursting out.
Then a wisp of golden light appeared before him, radiating overwhelming pressure. It felt like facing an expert thousands of times stronger – one glance could obliterate him.
"What’s happening?" Ye Yun internally screamed, body frozen.
A shocking realization struck. Could this be the alchemy pill left by Tian Zhu Peak’s ascended Golden Pill master?
The thought exploded like raging weeds, unstoppable as ocean tides.
The golden light shot into his crown. The black-and-white shadows embraced it eagerly, then dragged it down into his chest, vanishing without trace.
Ye Yun’s body trembled, and he regained control.
He opened his eyes slowly, uneasy. The golden light had entered through his head—surely the elders noticed? What would happen now?
He stood frozen, the cheers around him muffled. His heart pounded with terror.
Yet the elders showed no reaction.
Ye Yun breathed deeply, forcing calm.
“Did that golden light come from the alchemy pill in the stone tablet?”
Cold sweat dripped down his spine.
The path of cultivation stretched endlessly.
The body refinement stage tempered flesh and mind. Next came understanding true qi to reach the Qi refining stage, refining the soul into protective essence. Then came grasping yin and yang, achieving Foundation Establishment, forming the phantom of the alchemy path, surviving great tribulations, solidifying it into a Golden Core.
Mastering the Golden Core was harder than any mortal challenge. Those who succeeded could roam the heavens with world-shaking power. Even Ye Yun, strengthened by the black and white lights’ Marrow Cleansing, couldn’t withstand a fraction of a true Golden Core’s might.
If that flash had been a Golden Core’s remnant power, his body would’ve disintegrated instantly. Impossible. Yet the light’s terror was undeniable.
Had the black and white lights absorbed some of its energy? Possible.
But why no reaction? Why didn’t the elders sense anything?
Ye Yun’s fear grew. The lights had vanished, leaving his body unchanged—no immediate danger.
“Rejoice at becoming outer disciples,” the trial overseer droned, “but this is only the beginning. Obey sect rules, train diligently, and uphold Tian Zhu Peak’s honor.”
He gestured dismissively. “Elder Sun and Elder Yang will lead you to your quarters. Each receives a house, two robes, a token, and supplies.”
“Our thanks, Elder!”
The disciples filed through the light and shadow behind the tablet.
Beyond lay Tian Zhu Peak’s outer sect—a realm of mist-wrapped mountains where spiritual energy hung thick. Colossal ancient trees towered, their massive treetops spanning hundreds of zhang. Unusual flowers and herbs clashed in color amidst birdcalls and insect hums. Distant beast roars shook the earth.
Ye Yun gaped. For three years, he’d seen the Heavenly Sword Sect as a mere mountain beneath clouds. How wrong he’d been! Tian Zhu Peak alone spanned nearly a hundred miles—just one peak among dozens in the Shadowless Peak branch. The true scale of the Heavenly Sword Sect defied thought.
