Chapter 440
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Chapter 440: Before the Assessment
In the Small Courtyard housing the Registered Disciples of Absolute Heart Peak, Ye Yun chose not to dismantle the restrictions at the entrance. He considered them an excellent barrier for guarding the gate.
“Ancestor, I’ve entered the Divine Grace Palace. Once I pass the assessment, I’ll become Tian Yunzi’s disciple. Given the current circumstances, my status should rise significantly, placing me among the elite here,” Ye Yun said while sitting cross-legged on his bed, clutching the defensive precious jade acquired at the auction. The jade could block three attacks from a fourth-level Golden Core stage cultivator—a useful tool for the upcoming trial.
“Surprisingly smooth progress. Our plan is nearly within grasp,” the Ancestor of the Sword Path remarked, never expecting Tian Yunzi to take interest in Ye Yun as a Registered Disciple.
“I revealed both Ice Spirit Qi and Thunder Spirit Qi earlier, then demonstrated my grasp of spatial laws. Zhuge Chong will likely report this to Tian Yunzi soon, drawing his attention. Given Tian Yunzi’s harsh reputation for disciple assessments, this trial won’t be simple,” Ye Yun murmured, brow slightly furrowed.
“True. Tian Yunzi cares little for the lives of Registered Disciples. His brutal selection process explains why only three have become official disciples in decades. Each assessment is undoubtedly grueling,” the Ancestor agreed, pausing before adding, “You have strengths and weaknesses. Your strength lies in your Third Level Foundation Establishment cultivation yet possessing combat power rivaling a first-level Golden Core cultivator. This might lure opponents into underestimating you, giving you an edge. However, the gap in cultivation levels is real. If you face a truly gifted opponent with solid foundations and formidable techniques, you’ll be overwhelmed.”
Ye Yun nodded. “I’ve thought of this. But having come this far, I won’t retreat. Finding your remaining soul fragments and the Heavenly Sword Sect’s Secret Vault is non-negotiable—only then can I obtain the pills to save Ling’er.”
The Ancestor fell silent for the time it took an incense stick to burn. Finally, he said, “My memories remain fragmented. Once my three souls reunite, I’ll grant you an opportunity that will shake the heavens.”
Ye Yun chuckled. “Let’s discuss that later. Right now, focus on helping me strengthen my cultivation for the challenges ahead.”
“Naturally. Though you reached the Third Level of Foundation Establishment and cultivated the Great Demon Body during your month of closed-door cultivation, your physical limits remain untapped. Use this time to push your body to its peak. The Great Demon Body, perfected, rivals the indestructible physiques of ancient gods and demons. Yours, however, barely withstands first-level Golden Core attacks.”
Ye Yun frowned. “Did I err in practicing the Cleansing Immortal Heart Technique?”
The Ancestor pondered. “You’re either practicing an incomplete version or one with inherent flaws.”
“Impossible! The Cleansing Immortal Heart Technique has existed for millennia without noted defects. It’s widely circulated, not some sect’s secret,” Ye Yun retorted.
“Do you know how resilient ancient gods and demons were? Their bodies withstood immortal strikes. Ordinary immortal weapons couldn’t scratch them.”
“That potent?” Ye Yun gasped.
The Ancestor snorted. “Yet the Great Demon Body is merely the second tier of the Cleansing Immortal Heart Technique. Above it lies the Great Sage Body.”
Ye Yun’s brow creased. “Great Sage Body? I’ve heard cultivators who reach the Earth Immortal realm after the Nascent Soul stage are called Sages. How does that relate?”
The Ancestor laughed. “Calling Earth Immortals ‘Sages’ is a recent human conceit. True Sages command oceans and traverse realms. Even Heavenly Realm immortals dare not claim that title, let alone ‘Great Sage.’ A Great Sage stands atop the Three Realms, existing as long as heaven and earth, shining with the sun and moon. This is cultivation’s ultimate end.”
A glimmer of excitement lit Ye Yun’s eyes. Now he understood—Great Sages were eternal, inseparable from the cosmos.
The Great Demon Body, perfected, mirrored ancient divine might. Ye Yun harbored no illusions of instantly gaining such power but sought incremental growth.
“I possess a secret method to unlock your body’s latent potential,” the Ancestor offered.
“Does it combine Dragon Blood Crystal and Solar Flame Herb?” Ye Yun pressed.
“No. Solar Flame Herb is common, but ancient divine dragon blood? Unobtainable. This method merely maximizes the herbs’ effects, enhancing your physique without transformative leaps.”
“Sufficient for now,” Ye Yun said.
A formula materialized in his mind—thirteen spirit herbs, steeped using a special method for seven days.
“The herbs aren’t rare. Divine Grace Palace’s resources will suffice. Focus on this true qi circulation technique during the bath. The flow must remain unbroken for seven days.”
Ye Yun memorized the formula and practiced the technique. Exiting his room, he navigated the courtyard’s flickering restrictions to find Zheng Tong.
“Junior Brother Ye Yun, as the Master’s Registered Disciple, these herbs are yours. Complete this form, and the logistics disciples will deliver them,” Zheng Tong said after a cursory glance.
“My thanks, Senior Brother.” Ye Yun waved his hand, depositing a thousand top-grade spirit stones onto Zheng Tong’s desk.
Zheng Tong blinked. “What’s this?”
Ye Yun smiled. “A token of gratitude for your help with lodging and herbs. I know it’s trivial, but please accept it.”
Zheng Tong glanced at Ye Yun, puzzled by his sudden humility. Wasn’t this guy usually arrogant?
Smiling smoothly, Zheng Tong replied, "Junior Brother Ye Yun flatters me. These are mere duties. Since you’ve already taken action, I’ll accept your kindness." He collected the spirit stones without hesitation. "Feel free to seek my guidance anytime."
Ye Yun narrowed his eyes. "Straight to business then. When’s the next assessment? What challenges should I expect?"
Zheng Tong chuckled. "Only our Master decides the timing, but likely within a month. As for difficulty…" He lowered his voice. "Zhuge Chong once survived an assessment at Glacial Lake – a Golden Core stage trial that killed all but him."
Leaning closer, Ye Yun pressed, "Any hints about this year’s test?"
"Perhaps…" Zheng Tong tapped his temple dramatically. "Thunder Falls Valley."
"What?" Ye Yun’s eyebrows shot up. "That death trap only Golden Core survivors can enter! Our disciples barely reach Foundation Establishment’s peak!"
"True Thunder Spirit Qi masters are rare as phoenix feathers." Zheng Tong’s eyes twinkled. "But Master’s chosen always have… unconventional methods."
A spark lit Ye Yun’s gaze. If Thunder Falls Valley opened soon, he needed stronger defenses. The legendary Thunder Wood there could purify his lightning energy – making attacks fiercer while conserving power. Surviving meant upgrading his physique before the trial.
Footsteps interrupted them. A purple-robed disciple bowed, reeking of herbs. "Senior Brother Zheng, your medicinal order."
"Give these to our new Registered Disciple." Zheng Tong gestured at Ye Yun.
The herbalist froze upon sensing Ye Yun’s cultivation level – mere third level Foundation Establishment! "B-but the Master chose…?"
Ye Yun accepted the package calmly. "My thanks, Senior Brother." He turned to leave when a sneering voice cut through the air:
"Look! Another ‘prodigious’ Foundation Establishment ant in Master’s collection!"
