Chapter 682

Chapter 682: First Victory

"You’re being too noisy," Ye Yun said coldly, his murderous intent alone crushing the colossal beast. The shadowy figure trembled in fear, its gaze fixed on the sword at Ye Yun’s waist—the source of that overwhelming killing aura.

"Much better. I’m too exhausted for more nonsense anyway." Ye Yun chuckled as the dark shape morphed back into a ghastly visage that dared not utter another sound.

"Rare to find such peace," he mused, sitting cross-legged in the endless void where darkness swallowed both sight and sound. A wry smile tugged his lips. With the Ancestor of the Sword Path guarding outside, he only needed to wait for Du Jianyin and Jun Ruolan to emerge before challenging Zhang Yanhua to probe his limits.

Time crawled in that stagnant space. Ye Yun’s mind drifted to the shadow’s earlier horror—a blood-drenched face that chilled even his fearless heart. "Still not strong enough," he muttered, shaking his head. The clang of steel snapped him alert. As the darkness dissolved into reality, he smirked. "Illusions? I’ve weathered worse trials."

To him, this Deceptive Array was child’s play. Three incense sticks’ time revealed its secrets: a spirit-based trap reversing heart meridians, all bark and no bite. Spotting a distant glimmer through the haze, he nodded. Only the victor here would claim the first layer’s treasures and advance—efficiency at its finest.

"They’re here." Moon Goddess power pulsed through the distorted space. Ye Yun retreated just as cracks spiderwebbed the air. Zhang Yanhua emerged, moon blade gleaming. "Apologies for the delay."

"Hardly worth mentioning." Ye Yun shrugged, Purple Shadow Divine Sword in hand. The shifting scenery barely drew his notice, though Zhang Yanhua’s bewildered glance spoke volumes.

"Let’s skip the chatter." Ye Yun raised the Fire Dragon Whip in his left hand, sword in right. "Should I shelve this supreme artifact? Feels unfair."

"One trinket won’t save you," Zhang Yanhua spat, gripping his blade tighter. Three crescent arcs of moonlight tore through the air.

*Boom!*

Lava erupted from Ye Yun’s whip, swallowing the Moon Shadow Triple Sword. Undeterred, Zhang Yanhua blurred into motion—a phantom fist blazing with lunar might aimed at Ye Yun’s back.

"Predictable." Lightning crackled in Ye Yun’s eyes. A azure bolt shot from his lips, met head-on by the Moon Goddess Shattering Fist.

"Suicidal, are we?" Ye Yun snorted, parrying with his sword as energies clashed. Watching Zhang Yanhua’s all-out assault, he sighed. "Since you’re serious…"

Black and white energies swirled in his palm. A rune vanished from his storage pouch. Zhang Yanhua barely dodged the sudden surge of power, retreating hastily.

"Breaking your precious fist technique was easier than expected." Ye Yun grinned at his ashen-faced foe. "Surrender now. Spare yourself the humiliation."

"Defeat is defeat." Zhang Yanhua’s blade flared anew, moonlight bathing his resolve. Ye Yun stowed his sword, Fire Dragon Whip roaring to life as infernal Qi surged.

"Know this—even a maimed moon holds beauty," Zhang Yanhua whispered, his blade starry-bright yet drained of power.

"Stars outshine moons every time." Ye Yun’s Sea of Heavenly Fire raged behind him, heat warring with lunar chill.

"Perish!" Zhang Yanhua’s blade became a crashing half-moon. Ye Yun’s magma tide met it headlong. As the forces collided, he secretly gathered energy for Born as a Sword—until the flames devoured the moon whole.

"My victory." Ye Yun watched the phantom crescent shatter. The arena shifted, depositing him at the third trial’s exit where Zhang Yanhua lay defeated. Another spatial rift showed two still-battling figures. "Fools. Their loss, my gain."

The fourth trial’s jade tablet floated serenely. Securing it in his Thunder Sound Metamorphosis ring, he grinned. "Well? Impressed?"

"About time!" The Ancestor crowed as Ye Yun shattered the tablet. Light blinded them—then revealed mountains of top-tier Immortal Spirit Stones.

"This… this is the Xumi Treasure’s grand haul?!" Ye Yun gaped.

"Boy, you could purchase armies of supreme artifacts with this!"

"Ridiculous! I slaved for rocks?!" Rage melted into calculation. "Well… funds *do* buy resources…"

"Fickle as ever," the Ancestor snorted.

"Those youngsters would’ve fainted seeing this," Ye Yun mused.

"Mediocre talents. You’ve outgrown them."

"Destiny reunites who it chooses." Pausing at the glowing portal, Ye Yun stepped through—leaving old comrades behind.