Chapter 87

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Chapter 87: Second Layer

Ye Yun shifted his stance.

"Ye Yun!"

Su Ling cried out, instinctively fearing he meant to kill Du Jianyin.

Du Jianyin merely snorted, shutting his eyes as he stood motionless, awaiting death.

But when a faint breeze brushed past him, his eyes flew open in shock. Ye Yun had only withdrawn the pristine, jade-like sword planted before him, now gripping it in hand.

Disappointment flooded Ye Yun’s gaze.

The sword’s entire form gleamed like white jade, its material unrecognizable. Upon closer inspection, uneven water-like ripples faintly stirred within its Blade Body. The weapon bore no signs of craftsmanship, as though naturally forged.

Though clearly superior to the Obsidian Sword when wielded by Du Jianyin, Ye Yun’s palm immediately stung with needle-like pain upon touching it. The sword’s spiritual power clashed violently with his own, making it more hindrance than help.

"Ye Yun? Does the sword reject you?"

Noticing his expression, Su Ling asked curiously.

"Hah! This blade recognizes only me as its master!" Du Jianyin crowed suddenly before Ye Yun could answer. "Destined to rule through swordsmanship, even your temporary victory can’t mask my superior sword heart!"

Too disheartened to bother insulting him, Ye Yun grimly tossed the sword aside. His attention shifted to the teal stone door materializing on the altar. Escaping this great tomb took priority – debating sword qualifications was idiocy.

"This feels wrong. Resembles a teleportation passage but… not quite."

Ignoring Du Jianyin, Su Ling studied the weathered teal archway at the altar’s heart.

A black Glowing Screen shimmered within the archway’s center, resembling a spatial gate yet radiating none of a magical array’s familiar energy. More disturbingly, it emitted the rotting-wood stench of decaying forests.

"Keep dawdling and you’ll lose your chance."

Du Jianyin’s voice cut through as he retrieved his sword, approaching them. "Can’t you feel it? This altar burns spiritual power like candle wax to sustain that arch."

Su Ling paled.

Now alerted, she easily sensed the altar’s rapidly draining energy. Her earlier infiltration had been childish mischief – she’d never imagined the Hualun Secret Vault’s first layer held such dangers. Had she known, even parental punishment wouldn’t have driven her here.

Ye Yun narrowed his eyes.

The archway devoured the altar’s spiritual power at alarming speed. When exhausted, this structure would crumble like the green mountain before it.

"You test it."

He turned to Du Jianyin after a steadying breath.

The swordsman stiffened, then sneered. "Want me as your guinea pig? Just kill me instead."

"Go on – kill me!" Du Jianyin suddenly shouted at Ye Yun.

Seeing his expression, Su Ling didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Ye Yun slightly raised his brow, his expression unchanging. He glanced at the white sword in Du Jianyin’s hand and said slowly, "Didn’t you claim this sword chose you as its master? If it truly acknowledged you, would you really abandon it by dying here?"

Du Jianyin’s face froze.

"Instead of dying by my hand, why not take a chance?"

Ye Yun continued flatly, "If that archway is merely a teleportation portal—whether leading outside or deeper into the tomb—as long as we survive here, I vow not to oppose you. You’ll keep the sword and continue your cultivation."

"A fair proposal. I accept."

Du Jianyin’s eyes lit up. Without another word, he leaped toward the teal archway’s black Glowing Screen, which reeked of rotting wood. His figure vanished instantly.

His abruptness left Ye Yun momentarily stunned.

"Ye Yun, hurry! The altar’s spiritual power is fading—it must be a one-way teleportation array!"

Su Ling’s face paled. She seized Ye Yun’s hand and yanked him toward the black light.

Ye Yun instinctively gripped her hand tighter, fearing separation after passing through. Their fingers interlaced, palms damp.

The moment they disappeared into the Glowing Screen, the teal archway crumbled. The altar beneath them shuddered violently before disintegrating into ash.

Outside the Hualun Secret Vault, an eerie change occurred.

The sprawling great tomb glowed blood-red, staining the sky crimson. The world turned scarlet—a horrifying sight.

The oppressive red sky and earth weighed heavily, leaving weaker disciples trembling. Yet Ouyang Wentian, Du Jianming, Elder Yin, and Sun Yidao showed only exhilaration.

"At last! I’ve waited ages for this," Du Jianming crowed, his voice shrill.

"Today, those words of yours are the only bearable thing, Du Jianming," Sun Yidao of the Ba Dao Sect guffawed.

"Remember to leave scraps for this old woman after you two take the lion’s share," Elder Yin wheezed, her hunched form wobbling midair.

Ouyang Wentian clasped his hands behind his back. "You humble yourself, Elder Yin. Whichever sect’s disciples breach the restrictions to the second layer earns an extra tenth of the spoils. Perhaps your Qi Yang Sect’s genius disciple will succeed."

Elder Yin’s wrinkled face creased deeper. "Our single team can’t compare to the Heavenly Sword Sect’s numbers. You’ll claim the most treasures, no doubt."

"Your praise flatters us," Ouyang Wentian replied, tone dripping with false modesty.

"The Heavenly Sword Sect reigns supreme in Jin Kingdom. Why feign humility?" Sun Yidao interjected.

Indeed, only the Du family rivaled the Heavenly Sword Sect’s influence in Jin Kingdom.

Before Ouyang Wentian could respond, a cold snort cut through the air. Du Jianming glared, murderous intent flashing.

"The Heavenly Sword Sect? Adequate. But the Du family rules Jin Kingdom. The royal house follows, then your sect. The Ba Dao and Qi Yang Sects? Barely footnotes."

Ouyang Wentian’s eyes narrowed. "Mock us if you will, but insulting Sect Master Sun and Elder Yin’s cultivation? Do you truly believe yourself their superior?"

"Against Sun Yidao? Any of us three could subdue him in moments," Du Jianming sneered.

"Such confidence!" Ouyang Wentian chuckled.

"Of course!" Du Jianming smirked, chin raised.

A thunderous laugh erupted. Sun Yidao’s beard bristled with rage. "Du Jianming! Must we duel to settle this?"

"Again? Shall I skewer your heart this time instead of your shoulder?" Du Jianming taunted, golden battle spear materializing in his grip.

Sun Yidao’s silver blade flashed into existence, radiating blade light. "Empty boasts won’t stop the wind from knocking your teeth out!"

As tension peaked, the blood-red sky shattered like crystal. The tomb’s luminous walls dimmed as twelve passages erupted with brilliance, illuminating miles.

At the Heavenly Sword Sect’s assigned passage, the light condensed into a rippling blue gate.

"The second layer’s entrance! It’s open!"

"Years of planning finally bear fruit!"

"Expected from Jin Kingdom’s top sect—their disciples never disappoint."

"Who cares who unlocked it? The peak alchemy pill great cultivators’ treasures await!"

Murmurs of excitement swept through the four major forces as they gazed hungrily at the light gate.