Chapter 134: Direct Entry into the Inner Palace

"Chancellor Qin, what brings you here?" Instructor Qi eagerly greeted him, his face full of deference.

Qin Wushang chuckled without answering. He turned his gaze to Yun Che, sizing him up. "Yun Che," he said, "you just claimed you'd challenge Murong Yi in three months. Is that true? If it was just an impulsive remark, it's not too late to back out now."

Yun Che wasn't surprised that Qin Wushang knew his name. He nodded. "Of course, it's true. And Murong Yi has already agreed. Since Chancellor Qin is here, perhaps you could also serve as a witness for us. I believe there's no one more authoritative than Chancellor Qin to witness this within the Blue Wind Profound Palace."

Most of the other new disciples showed expressions of awe upon learning Qin Wushang's identity as the Chancellor. However, Yun Che's expression remained unchanged; his eyes were calm, and his tone was neither humble nor arrogant. His request for Chancellor Qin to witness the event sounded incredibly natural, as if he were addressing an ordinary passerby rather than the renowned Chancellor of Blue Wind City. This reaction slightly surprised Qin Wushang, who chuckled and nodded. "Challenging a True Profound Realm Level Nine practitioner with mere cultivation at the Tenth Level of the Elementary Profound Realm... such an interesting event. In all my years at the Blue Wind Profound Palace, this is the first time I've encountered something like this. Well done, young man. You possess great courage and spirit. If you're certain you're not joking, then I'd be willing to be your witness."

"Murong Yi," Qin Wushang said, addressing him, "you've already agreed. Do you have any other concerns about this?"

Murong Yi scoffed with a dismissive smile. He respectfully replied, "To answer the Chancellor, while agreeing to a challenge from a 'little mouse' is beneath me, he first injured my cousin, and then Sikong Du prevented me from defending him. Since he's seeking a beating, I have no reason not to accept. And with the Chancellor personally witnessing, I won't have to worry about him going back on his word after I beat him like a dog!"

"Very well," Qin Wushang nodded, a smile appearing on his face. "Then it's settled. The duel will take place three months from now, at ten in the morning, right here. I will personally be present. Yun Che, if you lose, no matter how Murong Yi deals with you then, you are not to resist, nor are you to allow anyone to intervene. This is your own word; there can be no backing out."

"Of course," Yun Che agreed without hesitation. Then, narrowing his eyes, he stared at Murong Yi and asked, "What if... I win?"

"You win? Haha... hahahaha!" Murong Yi burst into laughter, and a ripple of mocking laughter spread among the large crowd of onlookers. A new disciple in the Elementary Profound Realm challenging Murong Yi of the Inner Palace... and even thinking of winning? This was simply the biggest joke in the world.

Murong Yi laughed so hard he bent over, gasping for breath. After laughing for a good while, he managed to stammer through his laughter, "I'll lose? Hahahaha... I'll lose? If I... lose, I'll... let you do whatever you want! Whatever you tell me to do, I'll do it, hahahaha!"

"That won't be necessary." Yun Che also laughed at Murong Yi's sneering face. "If you lose, I only need you to agree to three things – three things you absolutely cannot refuse. Do you dare?"

"Dare? What wouldn't I dare! Forget three things, I wouldn't even bat an eye at thirty or three hundred!" Murong Yi shouted without hesitation. He would rather believe that a pig could climb a tree than believe Yun Che could win against him. However, he did feel a slight strangeness; why would Chancellor Qin Wushang suddenly be interested in witnessing such a pointless and entirely one-sided duel, proposed by what he perceived as a fool?

"Very good." Qin Wushang nodded again, his expression gentle. "The Blue Wind Profound Palace has been quiet and conventional for many years. It's been ages since a challenge spanning an entire major realm has occurred. Three months can indeed change a lot of things. Perhaps in three months, you truly will possess the ability to fight Murong Yi; it's quite exciting to anticipate. Yun Che, your profound energy test was first in this group, proving you have an excellent foundation. Your combat power test showed you defeated Feng Yue, a higher-ranked opponent, demonstrating astonishing talent in profound energy manipulation. Now, challenging Murong Yi proves you have surprising courage and spirit. All these points indicate that you are a disciple worthy of the Profound Palace's focused cultivation."

"As Vice-Chancellor, I'm very curious to see what you'll bring to the fight against Murong Yi in three months. Murong Yi has been cultivating in the Inner Palace, and for the sake of fairness during these three months, Yun Che, you don't need to report for duty tomorrow. For the next three months, starting tomorrow, although you are a formal disciple of my Blue Wind Profound Palace, you will not belong to the Outer, Middle, or Inner Palaces. Instead, you will have complete freedom to enter and exit all three palaces, and just like Inner Palace disciples, you will enjoy all Inner Palace resources. Your residence will also be arranged within the Inner Palace."

When Qin Wushang spoke these words, everyone present, except for Qin Wuyou, gaped in astonishment. Even Yun Che was greatly surprised. Allowing a new disciple, with only Elementary Profound Realm cultivation, to directly enter the Inner Palace and enjoy all its resources was unprecedented in the history of the Blue Wind Profound Palace. It was something no new disciple would ever dare to even dream of.

Ignoring everyone's reactions, Qin Wushang continued, "This way, you and Murong Yi will have completely identical cultivation conditions, ensuring a certain degree of fairness. Three months from now, if you win, you will take Murong Yi's place on the Heavenly Profound Ranking and officially become an Inner Palace disciple. If you lose, not only will you be removed from the Inner Palace, but even if your strength becomes sufficient in the future, you will never be allowed to become an Inner Palace disciple for the rest of your life. Yun Che, do you have any objections to this arrangement?"

Qin Wushang's preceding words were undoubtedly a great boon for Yun Che, but his final few sentences added an extremely harsh condition. This arrangement largely dispelled the resentment some felt about Yun Che directly entering the Inner Palace. Given Yun Che's astonishing talent—defeating a Middle Palace disciple at sixteen—he would certainly have the potential to enter the Inner Palace in a few more years. However, if he were to enter the Inner Palace for three months now and then lose, even if he qualified later, he would only be able to sigh in regret, lamenting his initial choice.

Yun Che glanced at Qin Wuyou, then nodded. "Alright, I accept."

Yun Che understood that Qin Wushang's sudden and special consideration for him was undoubtedly related to Qin Wuyou, and also to Lan Xueruo. For the Vice-Chancellor himself to personally come for him, and even break an unprecedented rule by allowing him early entry into the Inner Palace... Yun Che was certain that even if Qin Wuyou were Qin Wushang's own brother, it wouldn't be enough to prompt such a decision. The only explanation, then, was Lan Xueruo. What exactly was Lan Xueruo's true identity and background?

"This... seems a bit improper, doesn't it? What right does a mere Yun Che have to enter the Inner Palace? It's like letting a lapdog into a den of tigers and wolves!" Murong Yi frowned.

"Murong Yi, do you object?" Qin Wushang cast a casual glance at Murong Yi, his voice as calm as ever, but subtly carrying a chilling deterrence.

Murong Yi's heart tightened. He quickly said, "No! This disciple wouldn't dare to question Chancellor Qin's decision. I'm just... just worried that the Inner Palace's reputation will be ruined by this boy, who is only in the Elementary Profound Realm."

"This matter is settled. For the next three months, there shall be no further conflict between the two of you. Alright, let the assessment continue. Elder Qi, you will personally oversee this group's combat power assessment. Sikong Du, later, take Yun Che for a tour of the Inner Palace and help him arrange a residence. I will immediately transmit my instructions to the Inner Palace."

Having said that, Qin Wushang gave Yun Che a profound look and prepared to leave. Suddenly, Yun Che spoke up. "Chancellor Qin, this disciple has a request."

Since Qin Wushang had just acknowledged Yun Che as a Profound Palace disciple, Yun Che naturally referred to himself as such. Qin Wushang turned around and asked, "What is it?"

Yun Che gestured with his eyes towards Yun Xiaofan, who had been injured by Feng Yue. "Yun Xiaofan," he explained, "was severely and maliciously wounded by Feng Yue during the combat power assessment before he even had a chance to demonstrate his abilities, making him unable to continue. Yun Xiaofan is only fifteen and traveled thousands of miles alone to get here. If he's forced to abandon the assessment now, it would be incredibly cruel and unfair to him. Therefore, this disciple requests that Chancellor Qin grant Yun Xiaofan an opportunity for a make-up assessment after his injuries have healed."

Yun Xiaofan, who had been pale and ashen from his severe injuries, suddenly looked up, gazing at Yun Che with profound gratitude, his eyes trembling intensely.

Qin Wushang glanced at Yun Xiaofan, then smiled and nodded. "I see. Hmm, though young, he has a good foundation and is sure to achieve something in the future. My Blue Wind Profound Palace would not want to miss out on any promising talent. Sikong Du, later, please also take Yun Xiaofan to the Medical Palace to treat his injuries. And after he recovers, Wuyou, how about you personally assess his combat power?"

Qin Wuyou chuckled. "Certainly, no problem at all."

Yun Xiaofan's eyes were already brimming with tears. He struggled to get up, choking out, "Thank... thank you, Chancellor Qin, thank you, Instructor Qin... Big Brother Yun, thank you..."

As he finished speaking, his spirit relaxed, and he completely fainted.

At that moment, everyone, male and female alike, looked at Yun Che with an added touch of admiration.

Qin Wuyou and Qin Wushang departed. Murong Yi also cast a disdainful glance at Yun Che before leaving with Murong Ye. Yun Che then carefully lifted Yun Xiaofan and, along with Sikong Du, brought Yun Xiaofan to the Medical Palace before heading towards the Inner Palace.

"I have no idea what you're thinking," Sikong Du said, looking conflicted. "But you're so calm, I really can't connect you with being an idiot."

"There's a saying: 'Put yourself in a death trap and you'll find a way to live'," Yun Che replied. "Only with immense pressure comes immense motivation."

"'Put yourself in a death trap and you'll find a way to live?' But this is simply walking to your death!" Sikong Du shook his head. "Do you know the gap between you and Murong Yi? You're an entire major realm apart! You only have three months. Even if you're a top-tier genius, at the absolute most, you'll only close the gap by two levels in three months. What's more, Murong Yi will also be cultivating under similar conditions, and he not only has the Inner Palace's resources but also vast support from his clan. His progress will only be faster than yours! By then, what will you use to fight Murong Yi?"