Ning Dongge examined the Golden Sword that flew back into its scabbard: "Junior Brother, this sword of yours is quite unusual."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "It is forged from Undying Golden Essence, and further strengthened through the Sacrificial Refining Method."

"This path is correct," Ning Dongge said, "but the chances of success are very slim, and in the end, it might all be in vain."

"A slight mistake, and everything could be lost," Zhang Ji Yuan agreed.

Chu Zhiyuan laughed and asked, "Have both of you tried this method?"

He understood the implications of their words.

Both nodded.

Ning Dongge said, "I once nurtured a sword too, but unfortunately, it was ruined."

"Me too," Zhang Ji Yuan said.

Chu Zhiyuan was curious.

"After all, nurturing a sword is not easy," Ning Dongge said, "especially later on, when it often can’t keep pace with cultivation and becomes a burden."

Zhang Ji Yuan said, "Unless your sword is always stronger than you, which is very difficult."

Chu Zhiyuan slowly nodded.

He understood why they felt this way; they must have used the same power to refine their Treasure Swords.

Using one’s own power to refine the Treasure Sword, wanting it to surpass its origins, is nearly impossible.

However, his Golden Sword was refined using the Heavenly Sword Technique, merging and forging Faith Power and Power of Merit, completely different.

Thus, the Golden Sword would grow increasingly stronger, always surpassing his own power.

But whether he could surpass its power after reaching Spirit Venerable was unknown.

What was lacking now was Faith Power and Power of Merit. Although it was already quite abundant, he felt it was still insufficient.

Chu Zhiyuan bid farewell and left.

...

A bright moon hung in the sky, its moonlight cool as water, pouring over Xiao Ruoling’s small courtyard.

Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue were discussing why Chu Zhiyuan suddenly left.

Shen Hanyue giggled non-stop, teasing Chu Zhiyuan for trying to appear calm when he was actually flustered.

Just then, Chu Zhiyuan suddenly appeared, smiling: "Hanyue, what are you laughing at?"

Shen Hanyue said, "Then why did you run off earlier?"

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, "I had urgent matters to attend to earlier, I didn’t run anywhere."

"Hmph, don’t think we can’t tell!" Shen Hanyue said defiantly.

Xiao Ruoling’s bright eyes sparkled like waves, smiling cheerfully.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Madam, do you have a Spirit Venerable in your palace now?"

Xiao Ruoling shook her head, "I don’t know. Even if there are, we aren’t qualified to meet them."

"Of course there are Spirit Venerables," Shen Hanyue said, "and there’s more than one."

Xiao Ruoling turned to look at her.

Shen Hanyue said, "I heard from Senior Sister Xu that we have two Spirit Venerables guarding the palace."

"Two Spirit Venerables?" Xiao Ruoling was surprised, "So many?"

She originally thought there was at most one in the palace, or perhaps none at all.

Profound Yin Palace itself was a Divine Artifact, making intrusion nearly impossible, so there was no need for a powerful guard.

Moreover, the Palace Master is also present, capable of controlling the Profound Yin Palace to withstand a Spirit Venerable.

Shen Hanyue said, "Master tells us not to inquire too much, but all the Senior Sisters know."

"Since Master doesn’t want to say, there must be a reason. Don’t inquire recklessly," Xiao Ruoling said.

Shen Hanyue giggled sweetly: "Isn’t Senior Sister curious about Spirit Venerables?"

Xiao Ruoling said, "I only know not to gossip around, to avoid disturbing the mental state."

Right now, they should focus on cultivation, not these trivial matters.

"Yes, yes," Shen Hanyue said, "Senior Sister, we also need to enter the Outer Realm Battlefield soon."

Xiao Ruoling nodded. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"I wonder what it’s really like there," Shen Hanyue’s eyes glowed with anticipation.

Chu Zhiyuan frowned, "You’re going to the Outer Realm Battlefield so soon?"

Xiao Ruoling said softly, "My husband, we were originally supposed to undergo the Cave Heaven Trial once we became Venerable, and then head to the Outer Realm Battlefield. We are already late."

Shen Hanyue giggled, "Master couldn’t bear to part with us, continuously delaying the trial time."

Chu Zhiyuan glanced at the two women.

Xiao Ruoling was already at Venerable Fourth Transition, and Shen Hanyue at Third Transition.

The mental method of the Profound Yin Palace was profound, especially after mastering the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique, their progress was rapid.

In a short time, they reached Venerable Fourth Transition and Third Transition, remarkable speed.

They stood out in the Profound Yin Palace, far ahead of their peers who entered at the same time.

So, they could delay entering the Outer Realm Battlefield, waiting for the other disciples of the same period.

Xiao Ruoling said, "My husband, don’t worry, it’s alright."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded.

Shen Hanyue said, "The Outer Realm Battlefield is said to have great opportunities, but unfortunately, we still need the Cave Heaven Trial, such a hassle!"

She couldn’t wait to go straight to the Outer Realm Battlefield.

Originally she thought the Outer Realm Battlefield was dangerous, but now with her Cultivation improving, she no longer feared it, rather eager to encounter danger and show her skills.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "When are you going to trial?"

"From what I’ve heard, it’s in ten days," Shen Hanyue’s eyes sparkled, "Ten more days! After the trial, it’ll still be some time before entering the Outer Realm Battlefield, sigh... so drawn-out!"

She was quite displeased with the palace’s efficiency, everything was slow, not a thing done promptly, always dragging on.

Xiao Ruoling smiled, "Junior Sister, you’re too anxious, with this time, you can advance another level."

Shen Hanyue said, "According to the Senior Sisters, cultivation in the Outer Realm Battlefield progresses faster, a month’s hard training here can’t compare to a day there."

"Can’t be that exaggerated," Xiao Ruoling laughed, "The Senior Sisters may overstate."

"It’s Senior Sister Zhou who said it, she wouldn’t lie, right?" Shen Hanyue said.

"... Senior Sister Zhou indeed doesn’t lie," Xiao Ruoling nodded lightly.

Chu Zhiyuan hadn’t said much.

He was well aware of the situation in the Outer Realm Battlefield, where indeed there were opportunities, and it was more conducive to cultivation.

But Shen Hanyue’s high expectations were bound to lead to disappointment.

Of course, he wouldn’t dampen spirits at this time, laughed and said, "Disciples of the Profound Yin Palace have a long lifespan, there’s no rush, proceed with ease, don’t rush your cultivation either."

Shen Hanyue said, "If we’re not diligent, it’ll be too difficult to catch up with you."

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled.

Suddenly, his expression changed slightly.

Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue noticed immediately, looking at him curiously.

Chu Zhiyuan forced a smile, "Another Spirit Venerable has arrived."

This formidable power was similar to the previous one but had subtle differences, indicating a different person.

So there was another Spirit Venerable?

What exactly was happening in the Profound Yin Palace, to gather so many Spirit Venerables?

If what Shen Hanyue said was true, there should already be four Spirit Venerables.

"Spirit Venerable?" The two women were surprised.

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, "The last one, I thought, was deliberately causing me fear, now another has arrived, seems they’re returning to the palace, their aura temporarily uncontrollable, four Spirit Venerables, I wonder if there’s a major event... Madam, I’ll head back first, return tomorrow."

He judged that a Spirit Venerable’s return to the Profound Yin Palace stirred emotions, thus releasing the aura.

But that eruption quickly subsided, as if an illusion.

"Mmm." Xiao Ruoling nodded gently.

Chu Zhiyuan disappeared.

He didn’t return to the Heaven-Reaching Sect to inquire.

He was a disciple of the Heaven-Reaching Sect, and Xiao Ruoling was a disciple of the Profound Yin Palace, he understood that his actions needed to be careful to avoid causing her trouble.

If it was a secret, his mentioning it at the Heaven-Reaching Sect would be a leak, making Xiao Ruoling a criminal of the Profound Yin Palace.

He believed Shen Hanyue’s curiosity was so great that she would definitely find out, and he’d know by tomorrow.

The next evening, when Chu Zhiyuan reappeared at Xiao Ruoling’s small courtyard, Shen Hanyue was there too.

Upon seeing him appear, Shen Hanyue, dressed in a pink blouse and looking delicate and charming, waved her jade-like hand.

Chu Zhiyuan walked up.

Xiao Ruoling said, "Junior Sister."

"The princely heir is not an outsider after all," Shen Hanyue said, "He won’t spill the secret, right?"

"What is it?" Chu Zhiyuan said, "If it’s too important, forget it, don’t reveal any secrets."