Chapter 678

Chapter 678: Colorful Butterfly

"That metaphor fits well, but it only shows how weak we are. If we were stronger, even major sects would respect us," Jin An said awkwardly, noticing Ye Yun’s furrowed brow. "Not you, Brother Ye—with your skills, any place would welcome you!"

"Enough. I already have companions. Thanks for the offer." Ye Yun tucked the Nascent Soul fruit into his robe and turned to leave. Jin An showed little reaction, though disappointment lingered—he’d anticipated this.

"Will I encounter that woman again at the first treasure?" Ye Yun thought of Jun Ruolan. Facing her now seemed unwise, yet his new supreme Immortal artifacts sparked fresh ideas.

The Sea of Heavenly Fire remained unused. Though he’d mastered the Human Fire Stream and Earth Fire River within the Deceptive Array, their power couldn’t match the Sea. Activating the Fire Flame Triad formation would drain his Fire Spirit Qi completely—too costly unless desperate.

Born as a Sword demanded immense true qi, nearly rivaling the Sea’s consumption.

"Guess I’ll rely on the Thundercloud Lightning Sword and Ice Spirit Divine Palm." Ye Yun checked the Thunder Spirit Qi and Ice Spirit Qi within him. After a moment, he scanned the quiet surroundings and chuckled. "Always fools eager to die."

One of Yue Lengxuan’s subordinates stepped into view.

"Insulting Yue Lengxuan carries a price beyond your means," the long-haired man coldly declared.

"Here to avenge your mistress’s pride?" Ye Yun smirked.

"Impudent!" The man swung a golden blade, its edge whipping Ye Yun’s hair back.

"Fool." Ye Yun shattered the Deceptive Array with a wave. A finger flick unleashed the Thundercloud Lightning Sword’s Third Level—a Thundering Lightning strike clashed against the blade, sparks flying.

"Still persistent?" Ye Yun teleported, palm hovering over the man’s skull. "A lapdog playing hero? That woman at least has looks over brains. You’re just deluded."

"Mock Yue Lengxuan all you want—this was my choice," the man growled, unyielding even under threat.

"Loyal mutt." Ye Yun withdrew his hand. "No mood for killing today. Beat me someday if my words offend."

As Ye Yun turned, the man spoke. "I, Yue Xiao, admit defeat. My life is yours. Next time, we fight without holding back."

"Assuming you don’t chicken out." Ye Yun glanced back, amused.

Yue Xiao offered a storage pouch. "A hundred top-quality Immortal Spirit Stones—my loss."

"I’ll take it." Ye Yun weighed the pouch. "I’ll wait."

Watching Ye Yun leave, Yue Xiao marveled at his power. Killing him would’ve been justified, but sparing him avoided trouble with the other two subordinates.

Yue Xiao halted his distance-breaking talisman’s activation. Let the others scheme—he’d bought Ye Yun time.

"Ling’er, Jin An—found anything?" Ye Yun quickened his pace as they appeared.

"Still deciding," Jin An mumbled.

"He’s torn between defensive and offensive top-quality Immortal artifacts!" Golden Ling’er teased. "So wishy-washy!"

Ye Yun sighed. "Pick one. I’ll gift you a defensive treasure comparable to low-quality Immortal artifacts."

"Then I’ll take this." Jin An grabbed a golden Round Blade.

"Who knew top-quality artifacts here cost so little?" Golden Ling’er giggled. "Since when do you prefer ranged weapons?"

"My swordplay can’t match the Elder’s," Jin An admitted. "Better to fight from afar."

"Then why did you keep practicing swordsmanship, Senior Brother? Isn’t that just wasted effort?" Golden Ling’er asked, looking at the satisfied Jin An with confusion. Though she knew his swordplay remained ordinary, shouldn’t one seek better weapons when pursuing the Sword Path?

"Enough, Ling’er." Ye Yun stopped the questioning with a smile and shake of his head. "Everyone chooses their own path. I trust Jin An’s decision, so let’s avoid such topics."

"Well, since Elder says so…" Golden Ling’er glanced at Jin An’s forced smile and pouted. "I’ll stop asking. But you’d better perform well when we enter the first vault of Xumi Treasure. We need to secure good artifacts!"

"Of course." Jin An gave Ye Yun a grateful smile.

Ye Yun simply shook his head at Jin An’s expression. He’d never expected much from Jin An’s swordsmanship practice anyway.

Any sensible person wouldn’t pin cultivation hopes on recently-started sword training. Jin An’s choice didn’t disappoint Ye Yun – it merely confirmed his expectations.

The basic Sword Techniques he’d taught Jin An weren’t even memorized properly. How could such person embrace the true Sword Path? Becoming sword cultivator required real commitment.

All accomplished sword cultivators walked through bloodsoaked battlefields. Though Immortal Swords don’t grow stronger solely through kills, true advancement comes from life-and-death trials. Ye Yun knew this, Du Jianyin knew this, and the Ancestor of Sword Path undoubtedly experienced this too.

Ye Yun had never met those extraordinary geniuses who learned directly from nature. While they might exist, he held little respect for cultivators who progressed without combat experience. A killer soldier would always outmatch stronger but bloodless opponent.

Unaware of Ye Yun’s thoughts, Jin An watched Golden Ling’er finish examining trinkets. "Let’s return quickly, Ling’er. Don’t delay Elder’s journey."

"Stop lying! You just want to test that top-quality Immortal artifact in the first vault!" Golden Ling’er waved her new pendant – bought for three low-grade Immortal Spirit Stones. Though not true artifact, it offered decent protection.

She’d haggled fiercely with the female stallkeeper. Ye Yun estimated its real value at two stones, or even one to experts. But its gaudy design had captivated the girl.

After continuous teleportation drained his true qi, Ye Yun walked through windswept grasslands. Watching Golden Ling’er tumble freely through grass, an involuntary smile appeared.

"Fascinating. Some find contentment so easily." The girl’s pure enjoyment reminded him why mortals cling to life. If powerful rulers treasured existence, shouldn’t cultivators value it more through self-improvement?

"Wahooo!"

Golden Ling’er leaped at a sudden colorful butterfly without using cultivation techniques. Though she strained physically, the insect stayed just beyond reach.

Jin An chuckled. "Why’s our junior sister so different? Others are demure ladies, but ours plays like a boy!"

She possessed grace but none of the expected composure. Yet Jin An tolerated her antics – time would teach maturity. Perhaps under his guidance, she’d gradually evolve.

"Fine! You win this round." Golden Ling’er lay defeated on nature’s mattress, eyeing the teasing butterfly. Her hand secretly produced a golden bell. With true qi activation, familiar chimes rang out.

Ding-ding-ding…

The mesmerized butterfly hovered motionless. Golden Ling’er reached triumphantly – only for it to dart away last moment. Watching it escape, she sighed dramatically, cheeks puffed in frustration.