Chapter 256
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Chapter 256: Departure
Duanmu Longtai and the others didn’t understand why this trial had suddenly been added before the sect competition. Not only was it set in the Soul-Cutting Mountains, but participation was restricted to disciples under eighteen. While Shadowless Peak wasn’t lacking in talent, few under eighteen possessed the strength to survive there. Even with Ye Yun leading, the five of them would face immense challenges.
“When does it begin?” Ye Yun didn’t ask for reasons—the decision was final. He even felt a flicker of anticipation. Currently, he struggled to fully unleash his strength within the Heavenly Sword Sect. Below the Foundation Establishment stage, he had no rivals, while those above it refused to spar seriously. The Soul-Cutting Mountains offered an ideal training ground: spirit beasts, powerful demonic creatures, and ruthless cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage. Surviving there would greatly benefit his future cultivation path.
Still, he worried for Su Ling and the others. Their cultivation levels were lacking, and even with talent and protective artifacts, survival wouldn’t be easy.
“In ten days, a teleportation array will send you to the Soul-Cutting Mountains,” Su Hao said, nodding. He noted no fear in Ye Yun’s eyes—only a fleeting battlelust.
“Who else is participating?” Ye Yun pressed. Since retreat wasn’t an option, he needed details.
Mo Ru glanced at Ye Yun, surprised by the astute question. Assuming the greatest dangers were spirit beasts or criminals would be a mistake. Other disciples from rival peaks would join, and in the lawless Soul-Cutting Mountains, human malice and pent-up rivalries could erupt—that was the true threat.
“Shadowless Peak, the other three main peaks, and Tian Shen Peak will send five teams. Absolute Sword Peak’s leader is Murong Wuhen. Tian Shen Peak’s is Jun Ruolan, Lan Yue Peak’s is Jiang Shui Ning, and Tian Zhu Peak’s remains unknown,” Su Hao answered gravely.
“Jun Ruolan…” Ye Yun recalled the girl’s image, wondering how far she’d progressed.
“The Soul-Cutting Mountains have no rules—only the strong survive. Hold back against enemies, and you’ll die,” Mo Ru interjected, disregarding formalities in Su Hao’s presence.
“Your task is to survive. Who dies among the others is irrelevant,” Su Hao added coldly.
“Master, this trial was proposed by Tian Shen and Absolute Sword Peaks, wasn’t it? They think they can overpower Shadowless Peak? Peak Master Ouyang’s mindset has shifted these past years,” Mo Ru remarked lightly.
Su Hao nodded. “With the sect competition nearing and the Sect Leader stepping down, tensions rise—as expected.”
“But sending Su Ling… Her cultivation is low, and she’s your beloved daughter. Isn’t it too dangerous?” Mo Ru frowned.
Su Hao waved a hand. “I’m aware. The reasons are complex. Among Shadowless Peak’s under-eighteen disciples, few match Ling’er’s strength. Yu Minghong and Duan Chenfeng have grown remarkably, and with Ye Yun and Yinxue leading, our rivals may miscalculate.”
Ye Yun raised an eyebrow. “How do Yu and Duan fare now?”
“Yu Minghong’s talent is exceptional—his true qi is endless. Elder Bai has taken him as a successor. He reached the sixth level of Qi refining stage half a month ago and may advance further. Duan Chenfeng, despite his Jin Kingdom royal blood, lags slightly but should still reach the sixth level,” Su Hao replied.
Ye Yun nodded, impressed. If those two reached the sixth level, even peak Qi refining cultivators would struggle against them.
“Master, has Yinxue left seclusion? Did she reach Foundation Establishment?” Shui Ruyan’s voice chimed brightly.
Su Hao smiled. “Yinxue succeeded two days ago. With her and Ye Yun leading, I’m reassured.”
“But isn’t she over eighteen?” Shui Ruyan asked.
“Perhaps not. Since they demand her participation, we’ll oblige,” Su Hao said cryptically.
Ye Yun was puzzled—Su Yinxue was Su Hao’s eldest daughter; her age shouldn’t be ambiguous. Regardless, her presence was a boon. Reaching Foundation Establishment at eighteen showcased staggering talent. Even at the first level, she could challenge second or third-level opponents.
Confident in his own nearing breakthrough to the third level of Qi refining, Ye Yun believed that if he and Su Yinxue couldn’t survive, no other team stood a chance.
Ten days flew by. Ye Yun focused solely on cultivation, stabilizing his true qi and body to the brink of breakthrough. He returned to his Small Courtyard, no longer lingering on Side Peak.
“Vulture King, enough sleeping,” Ye Yun called, finding the Divine Feather Vulture King snoring on a rock.
“What now? Still stuck at Qi refining? Pathetic,” the Vulture King grumbled, eyes shut.
“Heard of the Soul-Cutting Mountains?” Ye Yun asked.
The Vulture King’s eyes snapped open. “That hellhole for exiles? You’re going?”
“Yes. Plenty of spirit beasts and Foundation Establishment experts there. Their essences could boost your advancement,” Ye Yun said.
“When?” The Vulture King flapped down eagerly.
“This afternoon.”
At the Trial Hall, Yu Minghong and Duan Chenfeng waited. Beside Su Ling stood a veiled girl in white—Su Yinxue.
“Ye Yun!” Su Ling bounded over.
He patted her head, then faced the others.
“Brother Ye!” Yu Minghong greeted warmly.
“Little Yu, you’ve reached the sixth level’s peak? Impressive,” Ye Yun said.
“Thanks to my masters,” Yu Minghong replied humbly.
“Freak! You outpace even me!” Duan Chenfeng barked, his cultivation at the sixth level’s initial stage.
“Says the braggart stuck at the second stage,” Ye Yun retorted.
“You’re the lazy one!” Duan Chenfeng slung an arm around him.
Ignoring him, Ye Yun turned to Su Yinxue and bowed. “Thank you for saving me, Senior Sister.”
Su Yinxue studied him through her veil. “From Qi refining’s third level to this in a year… Astonishing.”
“I’m far behind your Foundation Establishment,” Ye Yun said.
“Everyone’s path differs. Father says you’ll lead; I’ll assist. Don’t hold back,” she stated.
Ye Yun nodded. Confidence aside, Su Hao’s arrangement had purpose.
“Prepare to depart!” Su Hao descended, landing before them.
The Soul-Cutting Mountains awaited.
