Chapter 636

Chapter 636: Breaking Again

Time flew by like a fleeting horse. In the blink of an eye, an hour had passed.

Ye Yun sat cross-legged, his body encased in Ice Spirit Qi, ice fragments scattering onto the blue jade beneath him. His true qi churned within him, nearly fully restored after just one hour.

He glanced at the dwindling Immortal Spirit Stone in his hand and sighed. His cultivation teetered on the edge of the Nascent Soul stage, yet the cost in spirit stones was staggering. *I must be more careful in the future—avoid grave injuries at all costs.*

Gritting his teeth, he pulled out his last few Immortal Spirit Stones. The stones dimmed in his palms, crumbling to ash that slipped through his fingers.

As he brushed the dust from his hands, Ye Yun’s expression darkened. He pressed a hand to his chest, feeling the mid-grade Immortal Spirit Stones hidden there.

The Ancestor of the Sword Path’s mocking voice cut through his thoughts. “Hah! Serves you right for not stocking up. Now you’re scrambling like a miser. Don’t you dare mention my name once we’re out—I refuse to be associated with this embarrassment!”

“*You* complain?” Ye Yun shot back, relieved to hear the Ancestor’s vigor return. “If I weren’t burning through stones to cultivate, who’d shield your fragile existence?”

“Enough. Just hoard more next time,” the Ancestor grumbled, though secretly pleased. Their fates were entwined; Ye Yun’s survival meant his own.

Dark shadows rippled in the distance. Ye Yun concealed his aura, watching coldly. *Most of these fools would’ve been stuck at the first barrier without me. They’ll pay their toll—one way or another.*

“The second barrier nears!” A Sword Seeking Alliance member barked at the gathered Nascent Soul experts. “Stay calm near the withered flower kings. Provoke them, and we all die. Defy us—” He kicked a corpse at his feet. “—and join them.”

The crowd fell silent after the Alliance executed several dissenters. Lanshan swept forward in opulent robes, smile sharp as a blade. “The Sword Seeking Alliance rewards strength. Challenge our rules… if you dare.”

Murderous intent flickered beneath his pleasant facade—a truth known only to his inner circle.

“Sacrificial pawns,” the Ancestor muttered. “He’ll abandon these Nascent Souls to clear his path.”

Ye Yun frowned. Though he sensed Lanshan’s killing intent, it paled compared to the Ancestor’s perception. A faint red haze clung to the man—ominous yet muted.

“Your awareness grows,” the Ancestor remarked, surprised.

“Is it unusual?” Ye Yun rubbed his nose.

“You’ll learn its value. The Sword Path quells bloodshed with bloodshed. Swords aren’t tools of salvation—remember that.”

“Only death…” Ye Yun gazed at the Purple Shadow Divine Sword. Since comprehending the reverse time array’s slow realm, the blade’s buried ferocity whispered to him. *How many fell to you before me?*

His enhanced spirit perception tingled. *A stealth strike now could slaughter a dozen Third or Fourth Level Nascent Souls.*

Bones cracked underfoot as blood geysers erupted. Through the haze, a shadowy figure loomed—then vanished as consciousness ripped away.

“Wake!” The Ancestor’s roar jolted him. “Your soul nearly fled! What happened?”

“A… momentary lapse.” Ye Yun sheathed the sword, avoiding the Ancestor’s probing stare.

The second barrier erupted in chaos. Nascent Souls, herded into the withered flower kings’ domain, roared defiance. “If we die, we rouse them all! Let Lanshan choke on his ambition!”

“Fools,” sneered a Sword Seeking Alliance disciple as the trapped experts flailed.

“This goes too far, Lanshan.” A handsome man in black approached, brow furrowed. “Even minor sects united could trouble the Villa Master.”

Lanshan smirked. “The Master’s blade would end them. Besides, brother—at the Seventh Level of the Nascent Soul stage, with your Supreme Sword Classic, even that ‘Golden Core sword devil’ Ye Yun stands no chance.”

“Forget it, just be careful. If you cause major trouble, call me immediately.” With a resigned sigh, the handsome man tacitly approved Lanshan’s sacrificial methods. The ancient sword sheath at his waist pulsed with sinister red-black light, as though sensing fresh death.

“You actually brought the Supreme Sword of Inquiry! Now we can go anywhere in Xumi Treasure!” Lanshan grinned at the glowing sword hilt.

“I brought it because your recklessness needs restraining. Without this blade, I might not protect you here.” The man flicked Lanshan’s forehead, then softened his tone. “No sulking. Your brother came to see you – at least reach the Sixth Transformation of Nascent Soul stage to ease my worries.”

“Don’t fret. After finishing Master’s tasks, I’ll meet you at Extreme East Thunder Realm.” Lanshan rubbed his forehead. “Go now before Moon Goddess Palace steals your thunder.”

“Come quickly when done. Mother entrusted you to me – if you perish, how shall I face our parents in death?” The man’s stern expression cracked as he regarded his only sibling.

“Enough gloom!” Lanshan protested. “Hurry! We’re about to storm in.”

“Stay safe.” The handsome man produced an aged yellow paper bearing crimson seals. Muttering arcane words, he vanished amidst spatial distortions.

Only Ancestor of Sword Path and Ye Yun witnessed this. “A distance-breaking talisman? How?” the Ancestor exclaimed.

“Each has their fortunes,” Ye Yun remarked, smiling. “His strength rivals mine. Competing against Moon Goddess Palace in Extreme East Thunder Realm… intriguing.”

“That Supreme Sword of Inquiry reeks of demon god energy,” the Ancestor noted. “Explains my earlier unease.”

“Excellent.” Ye Yun’s eyes gleamed. “A worthy opponent with power and treasures makes for proper battle.”

“Bravado suits you,” the Ancestor snorted. “Though with our combined strength, few Nascent Soul experts could challenge us.”

“Finally gone!” Lanshan exhaled as spatial ripples faded. “Meant well, but that doomsaying…” He glanced at his cultivation mark. “Once he reaches Earth Immortal realm, my status rises. With such backing…”

His gaze hardened on the self-destructing Nascent Soul cultivators. “Scream louder, worms!”

“If I survive, Jin Armor Sect will crush Sword Seeking Villa!” A cultivator roared before exploding amidst withered flower kings’ vines.

“Same from Jue Chen Sect!”

“Lanshan! Save us!”

Dozens screamed within the entangling array. Sect leaders detonated their cores, sacrificing themselves for comrades. But before souls could flee, a giant green blossom unfolded – not petals, but serrated teeth devouring corpses. Acidic spray melted escaping spirits.

“Your move, Ye Yun.” The Ancestor watched few survivors remain. “Fools followed orders till death. Pathetic.”

“What’s worth dying for?” Ye Yun eyed six fallen flower kings.

“Ask someone else.” The Ancestor shrugged. “I lived free. You’ll learn if fate wills it.”

“I’d rather not.” Ye Yun’s jaw tightened. “Value life too much.”

“Dead! All dead!” Lanshan’s manic laughter echoed. Bloodlight tainted his eyes – full demonic descent.

“Your existence ends here.” Ye Yun materialized before him.

“You… lurked in shadows?!” Lanshan stumbled back, throat bobbing.

“We’re alike, yet needn’t slaughter innocents.” Ice edged Ye Yun’s tone.

“Sword Seeking Villa’s rules are absolute!” Lanshan rallied, true qi surging. “Defiers die!”

“You’re unworthy of my blade.” Purple lightning sparked in Ye Yun’s palm.

“Wait-!” Lanshan’s plea died as a bolt pierced his skull. The explosion splattered blood against Ye Yun’s blue Glowing Screen.

Lanshan, once arrogantly invincible, couldn’t withstand even a single strike from Ye Yun—utterly unbelievable.

"Wasted time." Entering the second trial’s threshold, Ye Yun glanced at hundreds of corpses below, his heart remaining indifferent. Those who sought fortune here had no right to complain about death.

A sudden vine lashed out, nearly striking him. Ye Yun leapt sideways, keeping the Purple Shadow Divine Sword sheathed. Instead, he slashed with finger-formed sword energy from his vast true qi, shredding the last ambushing withered flower king.

"This flower king’s power was nearly spent. That attack lacked strength. Though easier with drawn steel, better preserve your true qi." The Ancestor of the Sword Path chuckled as Ye Yun prepared spatial laws for teleportation.

"He’s unworthy of staining my blade." Space rippled as light engulfed Ye Yun, vanishing him from the bone piles to reappear beside fresh blue jade stone.

After multiple spatial jumps, Ye Yun spotted a cross-legged figure radiating lonely defiance. A white jade sword stood embedded in blue jade ground—piercing the unbreakable stone, its cold edge glinting.

Ye Yun walked past the meditator as if seeing nothing. At the hundred zhang mark floated a Round Stone coated in mysterious runes, spatial laws swirling across its ashen surface.

Just as Ye Yun moved to act, a shrill whistle pierced the air—a blade bursting with murderous intent stabbed at his back.

With sighing headshake, Ye Yun’s sheathed Purple Shadow Divine Sword chimed against the ambush. Turning, he faced familiar features—Du Jianyin!

"Has no one warned about your sword’s excessive bloodlust?" Ye Yun smiled calmly at his attacker.

"Save your lectures!" Du Jianyin’s eyes frosted. Arm trembling, his Immortal Sword erupted in radiant fury, seeking to shatter the Purple Shadow Divine Sword.

Yet Ye Yun’s blade stuck like persistent shadow, blocking every strike. Locked in stalemate, neither gained advantage.

"Ye Yun… eternally repulsive." Breaking the deadlock, Du Jianyin inhaled deeply, channeling full power into his white jade sword—when sudden transformation struck.

The slow realm previously suppressed by sword intent now clung to Du Jianyin himself, resisting all struggles.

"Your trickery?" he snarled at Ye Yun’s relaxed posture.

"Your Sword Path might rival mine. Outside, your twelvefold swordplay could defeat me. But remember—this is the Xumi Treasure’s spatial domain. My other arts match my swordsmanship, surpassing yours!"

Ye Yun’s divine power pinned Du Jianyin as dancing light-shadows blocked him. Stepping forward, Ye Yun eyed the prize—Stagnation Stone.

"Abandon this folly." Du Jianyin’s icy stare followed long observation. "Had it been obtainable, I’d have claimed it already."

"Oh?" Ye Yun grasped the stone, feigning confusion. "Apologies—what were you saying?"

Du Jianyin’s roar held helpless fury. Ye Yun’s effortless retrieval shocked him. Survival instinct overrode argument—escape became paramount.

"Beg for mercy and I might spare you. Your life rests in my palm." Ye Yun juggled the stone, amused by Du Jianyin’s gritted teeth.

"Never!"

"Then wander this maze at leisure. Pass the third trial’s entrance to break the reverse time array’s bindings. Good luck." Ye Yun’s barrier array blocked pursuit. True slaying proved difficult regardless, and killing intent lacked.

Du Jianyin instantly understood—mere humiliation, not death. Using Time and Space Hall’s forbidden array felt dishonorable, but Stagnation Stone justified all.

"Research first." Storing the stone internally, Ye Yun let the Ancestor of the Sword Path immediately examine this treasure unseen in past lives. White light flashed—Ye Yun vanished.

"YE YUN!!"

Thunderous rage shook the air.

"Marvelous! Contains spatial laws and mind-calming properties. Pity it’s half-finished—single use within Xumi Treasure only." The Ancestor’s regret echoed in Ye Yun’s mind.

Ye Yun grinned. "Stopping time here for one breath means ten enemy deaths in combat—an extra life! Worth celebrating."

"Shameless fool! A complete Stagnation Stone surpasses supreme Immortal artifacts! Yet this fragment’s already priceless." The Ancestor sighed at Ye Yun’s contentment.

However, Ye Yun was merely at the Golden Core stage; he didn’t need to know too many secrets. He only had to wait until he truly succeeded in refining a flawless physical body, and his own wish could then be fulfilled. The Ancestor of the Sword Path sighed silently, filled with anticipation.

"The Extreme East Thunder Realm likely holds treasures related to Thunder Spirits. I already obtained the spatial treasure from the Extreme West, but going to the Extreme East Thunder Realm would mean facing that person…" Recalling the inherited memories from the dragon egg, Ye Yun frowned. "Now I must choose between the Fire Spirit Qi of the Extreme North and the Ice Spirit Qi of the Extreme South."

As he pondered, Ye Yun pulled out an Immortal Spirit Stone from his robe and absorbed it. This time, he showed no reluctance, his expression relaxed.

The Ancestor of the Sword Path chuckled. "Those corpses earlier carried plenty of Immortal Spirit Stones, didn’t they?"

"What’s wrong with taking a few as payment? I helped them pass the first trial, after all." A top-tier Immortal Spirit Stone shortened his recovery time from the length of an incense stick’s burn to mere breaths. Ye Yun watched the stone dissolve into air and grumbled, "Top-tier Immortal Spirit Stones are too scarce. Those wandering cultivators were poor—only someone like Lanshan would carry purer ones."

He absorbed another stone. Though the Xumi Treasure’s air brimmed with spiritual energy, it paled compared to the density within Immortal Spirit Stones. Ye Yun absorbed them contentedly, a smirk on his face.

"Kid, must you flaunt it so?" the Ancestor snapped as Ye Yun drew out a mid-grade Immortal Spirit Stone. "You’ve barely reached the early seventh-level Golden Core stage. If you love spirit stones this much, hand them over. I’ll refine them properly."

"Ancestor, do you take me for a fool?" Ye Yun laughed. Spatial laws rippled around him, his sleeves fluttering as white light spread anew.

In the Extreme East Thunder Realm, a black-clad figure floated midair, drenched in sweat. As he clutched his head, trembling, a crescent-shaped palm strike—amplified by the full moon’s glow—descended with doubled force. The man in black raised his head, murderous intent blazing, and unsheathed a crimson-black sword.

*Boom!*

A single strike shattered the ground, carving a ravine. The man glared west—where he’d last seen his brother. "Damn it all!" he roared, his handsome face twisted.

A white-robed figure materialized beside him. "Lantian, what’s wrong?"

"My brother’s dead!" Lantian’s voice trembled with rage. Lanshan, his only sibling, slain moments after their parting. His killing intent surged like a tidal wave.

"Zhang Yanhua, the Extreme East Thunder Realm’s treasure is yours. Our feud can wait. I’m going to the Time and Space Hall in the Extreme West to find who dared kill Lanshan." Vengeance etched Lantian’s features as he faced the Moon Goddess Palace’s top disciple.

"How dull. I’ll join you," Zhang Yanhua said, sheathing his crescent blade. "Accept this. A cultivator’s path is life and death. Obsessing changes nothing."

"I know!" Lantian’s Seventh Level Nascent Soul aura erupted, shockwaves slicing the earth.

Zhang Yanhua flicked his blade, dispersing the energy. "Enough talk. Let’s visit where your brother died. I don’t need your charity—settle this, then we’ll fight properly."

"Good. When I catch that bastard, I’ll carve him piece by piece!" Lantian seethed.

While Lantian raged, Ye Yun studied an odd fruit.

"A soul-nourishing fruit! I haven’t seen these in ages!" The Ancestor of the Sword Path guffawed as he absorbed its essence. "A shame there aren’t thousands—I’d rival the Earth Immortal realm!"

"This thing lets a soul-form reach Earth Immortal strength?" Ye Yun eyed the now-dull fruit, its green skin dotted with black specks, before tossing it. "Impossible."

"Fool! Centuries ago, these sold for five hundred mid-grade Immortal Spirit Stones—once even a hundred top-tier ones!" the Ancestor scoffed.

"You ate a hundred top-tier stones?!" Ye Yun gaped.

"Exactly. These are priceless treasures for soul cultivation," the Ancestor said smugly.

"You should’ve told me! I’d never have wasted it!" Ye Yun glared. "Why’s the Time and Space Hall only have a Stagnation Stone and this fruit? We must hurry—others will loot the Xumi Treasure!"

"Who said the Stagnation Stone’s the only prize here?" The Ancestor raised an eyebrow.

"All I saw was blue jade. There’s more?" Ye Yun’s eyes lit up.

The Ancestor smiled cryptically.

"Ancestor, this is cruel! I just spent a fortune on you!" Ye Yun snapped.

"Still a young fellow. You’ve already gained the reverse time array—stop complaining," the Ancestor retorted.

"Then teach me how to use it! A single-use Stagnation Stone is pointless otherwise." Ye Yun’s pulse quickened at the thought of manipulating time realms.

"I finally understood. If you carry this reverse time array, you can slow enemies down or speed them up, even reverse time. Wouldn’t that make you invincible?" The Ancestor of the Sword Path chuckled, no longer hiding anything, and taught Ye Yun some methods related to the reverse time array.

The two casually began closed-door cultivation on the spot.

Deep within the second level of the Time and Space Hall, two figures slowly descended. Lantian dropped to his knees upon seeing the corpses, clutching the fabric of Lanshan’s clothes. Lanshan now lay truly dead before him. Lantian hadn’t forgotten his mother’s final wish—to protect his younger brother. Yet in an instant, Lanshan had perished, his spirit vanishing like smoke.

"Damn Ye Yun! He made me waste so much time for nothing!" As memories of the past echoed in Lantian’s mind, Zhang Yanhua, standing nearby, suddenly sensed something. He looked toward the distant end of the second level, where a figure holding a white jade sword moved slowly.

"A swordsman!" Noticing a sword mark on the corpse of the withered flower king and recalling the terrifying scar from the first level, Lantian instinctively drew the Supreme Sword of Inquiry from his waist. He charged madly at Du Jianyin, who had just broken free.

"Murderer of my brother—DIE!" Swinging his sword wildly, Lantian grew more convinced by Du Jianyin’s cold demeanor that he was the killer. He unleashed his full strength, a single strike to overpower all defenses.

BOOM!

Du Jianyin blocked the attack head-on. His white jade sword remained unscathed, but his body shuddered. A frosty gleam flashed in his eyes. Though he didn’t understand why this madman attacked him, if death was the intent, he’d strike first.

Overwhelming sword arcs erupted. In an instant, dozens of white sword shadows materialized, slashing toward Lantian.

Lantian sneered, brandishing the Supreme Sword of Inquiry. Its radiance exploded forth.

"First Form of the Supreme Sword Manual: Severing Bonds!"

A seemingly plain, emotionless strike carried indescribable power, forcing Du Jianyin to focus. Though puzzled by his opponent’s motives, he held nothing back. Closing his eyes briefly, he reopened them with a tyrannical sword intent swirling around his white jade blade.

"Sword Slashing Stars!"

Both shouted simultaneously. The Supreme Sword Manual clashed against Du Jianyin’s innate pinnacle swordsmanship. Two supreme sword intents collided, their explosive light illuminating a hundred zhang. Amidst the aftermath, the rivals locked gazes, neither daring to underestimate the other—a single misstep meant death.

"A Golden Core youth… matching Lantian, a peak Seventh-Level Nascent Soul expert? How have I never heard of this extraordinary genius?" Zhang Yanhua murmured, stunned. Du Jianyin was an unknown. Where had this Golden Core swordsman come from?

"Could he be Sword Seeking Villa’s hidden talent?" Zhang Yanhua stood atop his crescent blade, feeling it tremble. He grinned. "If he survives Lantian, I’ll fight him myself."

The black magic sword, though named Supreme Sword of Inquiry, bore the taint of demonic blood. Its hidden crimson hue allowed this top-quality Immortal artifact to unleash near-limitless power.

Du Jianyin’s white jade sword clashed against this demonic force—not merely a contest of skill, but a collision of ancient heavenly principles. Swords, ever tools of slaughter, reigned as the supreme weapon. Du Jianyin, a reincarnation of ultimate sword intent, now reignited the war between righteousness and evil.

"Golden Core brat—DIE!!" Lantian’s veins bulged like a demon’s. His black robes tore as his body swelled monstrously, gaining explosive might.

Already strained by the demonic sword’s influence, Du Jianyin merely smirked at Lantian’s charge. Amidst a storm of sword shadows, his world-shaking aura resurfaced.

"I thought only Ye Yun deserved this move. You’ll do." Sword intent surged, dimming the Time and Space Hall itself. Du Jianyin became primordial sword energy, certain none could rival him—not even Ye Yun.

"Don’t flatter yourself. I’ve only reclaimed a sliver of my past power." Meeting Lantian’s bloodshot glare, Du Jianyin raised his white jade sword and swung—a simple motion that transformed Zhang Yanhua’s vision into a realm of blades.

"Sword: One Edge, Ten Thousand Blades!"

Out of respect, Du Jianyin uttered the technique’s name as his foe neared death.

"You… were strong." Lantian gripped his sword tightly, dissolving into the white blade-world.

"Your Sword Path… I’ll inherit it!" Such arrogance! Had Zhang Yanhua heard this before, he’d have scoffed. But witnessing Lantian’s defeat, bitterness choked his words.

"Lost…" This wasn’t mere physical loss. Lantian’s very dao had crumbled under One Edge, Ten Thousand Blades. Once his sect’s brightest hope, a future Earth Immortal, now lay broken by a Golden Core youth.

Lantian stood motionless, face ashen. Then he collapsed—body lifeless, spirit extinguished.

Zhang Yanhua stared at the corpse, then at Du Jianyin. A flicker passed through his eyes.

"Seeking vengeance? I’ll oblige," Du Jianyin coldly offered. When Zhang Yanhua only smiled bitterly, he scoffed, "Not even worth my blade."

He strode past the stunned Zhang Yanhua, mocking laughter lingering.

Zhang Yanhua watched him leave, sighed, and vanished.

Du Jianyin knew One Edge, Ten Thousand Blades—usable once monthly—was his ultimate move. Facing two opponents, he’d ended one and routed the other.

"Meant to ambush Ye Yun with this… No matter." He breathed deeply, unsure how to navigate the Xumi Treasure. He’d probe while advancing.

Elsewhere, Ye Yun opened his eyes.

"Mastered the reverse time array’s basics. This should secure my footing here." Admiring the moonrise, he mused, "Such beauty within the Xumi Treasure. A fine wine would perfect this."

"Wine… I’d savor some too. Can’t recall my last drink," the Ancestor of the Sword Path remarked from a giant tree branch. "Ye Yun, any grand ambitions?"

Rolling onto his back, Ye Yun gazed at the stars. "Ambitions? Everyone has them. I’m no exception."

"Indulge me."

"Mine is to one day hold all stars in my palm. Command the moon’s rise and fall. Make the sun my eye, surveying the Three Realms!"

The Ancestor stared. A casual question had revealed astonishing resolve—the mark of a true genius.

For a moment, Ye Yun’s figure seemed to tower, vast as the heavens themselves.