Chu Zhiyuan is trying to find a Grotto Heaven for the Sect Masters, but Ning Dongge is restricted from acting due to a black line on a stone. Chu Zhiyuan searches Biyuan Heaven and You Meng Heaven, but the Grotto Heaven remains elusive. He returns to his courtyard to find Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue, only to discover that they too have a black line on the stone, indicating they are in grave danger.
Xiao Ruoling, observing his countenance, inquired softly, "Husband, is this a treasure?"
Chu Zhiyuan, his brow furrowed, responded, "It is indeed a treasure, one capable of foretelling danger."
Shen Hanyue, shifting her gaze from the stone, asked, "Does this imply it foresees danger for us? How severe is it?"
Chu Zhiyuan offered a slow nod.
"Trials invariably involve risks," Shen Hanyue remarked with a nonchalant air, "But rest assured, the seniors are present."
"There is a threat to life involved," Chu Zhiyuan stated.
Xiao Ruoling chimed in, "Trials always carry danger, but it's seldom that one loses their life."
Chu Zhiyuan then posed the question, "Can we withdraw?"
Shen Hanyue replied, "Withdrawing from the trial means we forfeit the opportunity to participate in the Outer Realm Battlefield."
Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "What about the next occasion?"
"We have already registered. To back out now would make us a laughingstock among our peers," Shen Hanyue asserted.
Chu Zhiyuan countered, "Being ridiculed is preferable to losing one's life."
"We possess protective treasures," Shen Hanyue reassured.
Xiao Ruoling nodded lightly, adding, "I still have the Xuan Guang Shuttle; should things turn dire, we can make our escape."
Chu Zhiyuan expressed his concern, "I fear you might not have the time to flee... Withdraw, and attend the next one."
"Withdraw?!" Shen Hanyue tilted her head, glancing at Xiao Ruoling.
Xiao Ruoling fell into contemplation.
"This time features a New Cave Heaven, offering the most opportunities. Such chances will be scarce in the future."
"What holds greater importance, opportunities or life?" Chu Zhiyuan questioned. "Attend the next one... How frequently are these trials held?"
Xiao Ruoling explained, "Annually, or perhaps every three or five years. However, this particular trial is special; it's a unified event with a greater number of Spirit Venerables participating."
"Then withdraw," Chu Zhiyuan decreed.
Naturally, this was a situation warranting utmost caution.
If Ning Dongge harbored such sentiments, then it was only logical that Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue would share them.
Knowing a deadly peril lurks, should one still charge headfirst?
Shen Hanyue voiced her concern, "If we were to truly withdraw, the Master might not object, but our senior martial brothers and sisters would surely have something to say!"
She shook her head, continuing, "Currently, our senior sister stands alone, and the senior martial brothers and sisters are eager to witness her downfall."
Disciples of the Profound Yin Palace, though possessing dispositions as cold as jade statues, resembling celestial beings, their aloof and otherworldly aura, coupled with their mystical mental cultivation methods, did not entirely mask their human nature.
Disciples of the Profound Yin Palace still harbored emotions and desires, still felt dissatisfaction and defiance.
Chu Zhiyuan shook his head.
Compared to life, that sentiment was insignificant.
Xiao Ruoling declared, "Then let us proceed to inform the Master and withdraw from this trial."
Shen Hanyue returned the stone to Chu Zhiyuan, saying, "Very well, let us go then."
Chu Zhiyuan nodded.
Xiao Ruoling then said, "Husband, you go on ahead."
"I shall wait a little longer."
"...Alright." Xiao Ruoling paused for a moment before nodding her assent.
The Master would not resort to extreme measures, certainly not to the point of violence.
The two women departed with elegant grace.
Chu Zhiyuan leisurely paced, his hands clasped behind his back.
If the Cave Heaven they were headed towards was the one he sought, their journey there would have provided him with crucial information.
It was unfortunate that the ominous premonition prevented their participation, thereby closing off this potential shortcut.
Ultimately, he would have to find it himself, though it was a pity that he likely lacked the sufficient cultivation to do so.
He would attempt it once more, and if it proved unsuccessful, seeking assistance from a Spirit Venerable would be necessary.
As he was lost in thought, he suddenly sensed something and turned his head to look.
The courtyard gate slid open, and a beautiful woman entered, escorted by Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue.
This woman possessed an oval face, elegantly shaped eyebrows, and a gentle temperament reminiscent of flowing water.
Such a serene disposition was indeed a rarity within the predominantly cold Profound Yin Palace.
One either encountered them as cold and commanding, as frosty as the winter's chill, or as exquisitely outstanding as pear blossoms in bloom.
"Husband, this is our Master," Xiao Ruoling announced.
Chu Zhiyuan clasped his hands in a respectful salute, saying, "Greetings, Senior."
This was Xiao Ruoling's Master, Qin Ruolan, whose name he had heard mentioned many times.
Qin Ruolan raised her elegant hand and, with a soft voice, examined Chu Zhiyuan as she spoke, "Are you the one who advised Ruoling and Hanyue to withdraw from the trial?"
"Yes," Chu Zhiyuan replied with calm composure, nodding.
Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue shook their heads helplessly.
Despite remaining silent under the implied pressure, how could they conceal their actions from Qin Ruolan?
After posing her question, Qin Ruolan did not press for further details and proceeded directly towards Xiao Ruoling's small courtyard.
"Why did you choose to withdraw?" Qin Ruolan's clear eyes were fixed intently on Chu Zhiyuan.
Chu Zhiyuan explained, "This junior possesses a keen intuition for danger and sensed peril. I did not wish for Ruoling and Hanyue to face such a perilous situation."
"Danger?" Qin Ruolan gave a light laugh. "This is merely a trial, not the perilous Outer Realm Battlefield. Facing diverse adversaries on the Outer Realm Battlefield is considerably more dangerous than this."
Chu Zhiyuan countered, "It is not too late for them to venture into the Outer Realm Battlefield once their cultivation level is more advanced."
"The Sixth Transition is more than sufficient," Qin Ruolan stated. "Both possess excellent aptitude and comprehension, which accounts for their rapid progress. Typically, reaching the Third Transition is already quite dependable."
Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "Senior, what benefit is there in entering the Outer Realm Battlefield?"
"Naturally, it is to accelerate one's cultivation," Qin Ruolan responded. "Without the environment of the Outer Realm Battlefield, upon attaining the Venerable stage, cultivation speed diminishes drastically, rendering it impossible to reach Spirit Venerable status before one's lifespan expires."
Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, "However, it appears that Ruoling and Hanyue's cultivation within this place is not sluggish either, is it?"
"...Indeed," Qin Ruolan slowly assented.
This was an undeniable truth.
Within the entirety of the Profound Yin Palace, only they exhibited such swift cultivation progression after becoming Venerables, far outpacing those on the Outer Realm Battlefield.
Firstly, their profound grasp of the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique established a foundation that was vastly superior to that of ordinary disciples.
Secondly, their innate comprehension was exceptional.
Thirdly, there was an element of external assistance, which naturally originated from Chu Zhiyuan.
The Profound Yin Palace was fully cognizant of Chu Zhiyuan's comings and goings.
She perceived a mist surrounding him, an unseen barrier warding off inquisitive gazes.
This indicated that he not only possessed formidable spiritual artifacts but also astonishing fortune and merit.
The Profound Yin Palace held no ambition to seize his spiritual artifacts.
Furthermore, his contributions to their cultivation also brought benefits to the Profound Yin Palace.
Chu Zhiyuan remarked with a smile, "Since cultivating within the palace yields results no less effective than the Outer Realm Battlefield, why should they court danger by heading there?"
"Without enduring hardships, one remains frail."
"What if we await the moment their cultivation is robust enough before they face hardships?"
"...You possess a silver tongue," Qin Ruolan chuckled. "I find myself unable to win this argument."
Chu Zhiyuan clasped his hands sheepishly. "I was merely speaking out of turn."
Qin Ruolan waved her hand. "Such remarkable aptitude, it is understandable. Very well, if it is to be a little later, then so be it."
"Thank you kindly, Senior!" Chu Zhiyuan solemnly clasped his hands together.
Retreating at the eleventh hour would tarnish reputations, not solely those of Ruoling and Hanyue, but also Qin Ruolan’s standing as their mentor.
Given these circumstances, her continued composure was truly commendable.
Qin Ruolan turned her gaze to the two women. "Here is the strategy: Announce that you are entering a period of secluded cultivation, citing a perceived imminent breakthrough."
"Understood." Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue acknowledged her directive.
Qin Ruolan then looked towards Chu Zhiyuan. "Are you currently a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect?"
Chu Zhiyuan replied, "This junior is also a disciple of the Heaven-Reaching Sect."
Qin Ruolan lifted her finely sculpted eyebrows slightly. "The Heaven-Reaching Sect?"
Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly. "I only recently joined their ranks."
"Is Zhang Ji Yuan your master?"
"He is my senior brother."
"...It appears you have quite the extraordinary talents. Hmph, the Heaven-Reaching Sect indeed." She gently shook her head.
Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "Senior, will Brother Zhang’s entanglements with the Profound Yin Palace have any bearing on my relationship with Ruoling?"
"No," Qin Ruolan reassured him, shaking her head. "However, our sect's relationship with the Heaven-Reaching Sect is rather delicate. You must exercise caution to avoid any awkward situations."
Chu Zhiyuan nodded thoughtfully. "Ruoling and Hanyue are unaware of the location of this new Cave Heaven, correct?"
Qin Ruolan stated, "Only a select few grandmasters are privy to its location; I myself do not know."
Chu Zhiyuan smiled. "That is good to hear."
Qin Ruolan's brow furrowed slightly. "Does your Heaven-Reaching Sect possess this knowledge as well?"
