Chapter 2043: Sunshine Strategy

“Young Master Yun, did your master also teach you all these elemental powers?”“Of course.”“But my aunt said that cultivating multiple elemental powers simultaneously is one of the taboos in cultivation. It not only slows down progress but can also easily lead to uncontrolled profound energy and the creation of self-destructive profound veins. True cultivators capable of mastering multiple elements require exceptional talent in both physique and comprehension—such individuals are one in a million profound practitioners.”“My aunt is a very powerful person. Among those she knows, the strongest elemental master only cultivates three types. Yet you cultivate five... no, six elemental powers.”The person she referred to, who cultivated three elemental powers, was one of the Four Divine Officials, second only to one person in the Abyssal realm, and above all other beings. But the man before her now, in this regard, surpassed even a Divine Official, defying all known understanding in the Abyssal realm.

Yun Che's reply was calm and unruffled: "It was only after I left my master and truly entered the world that I gradually realized everything he had bestowed upon me was so astonishingly extraordinary.""Then your master..."Hua Cairi immediately stopped herself from speaking further, quietly reminding herself, "Don't ask too many questions."

Yun Che smiled gently. That brief, subtle smile inexplicably stirred the young girl's beautiful eyes, causing her gaze to involuntarily falter for a moment."Where have you traveled since leaving your master?" she continued to ask.

"Many places," Yun Che replied calmly. "But what I saw, heard, and felt was mostly the same: desolation, decay, people corroded by Abyssal Dust, eyes filled with pain and ruthlessness, deeply hidden malice... I believe you've witnessed and grown accustomed to these things during your recent experiences."Hua Cairi lowered her head slightly and murmured, "The outside world is far more terrifying than anyone described, or than I could have imagined."This 'terrifying' referred to many aspects. The Divine Kingdom she resided in was a sacred land that most Abyssal beings wouldn't dare dream of in a lifetime. In contrast, the world outside the Divine Kingdom was a land of evil beyond her wildest imagination.

"Since you're so powerful, you must have left a great reputation everywhere you've been! Like in the Lin Yuan Realm, where you defeated several Divine Masters with your Divine Sovereign cultivation, helping the declining Helian Imperial Family rise above all major sects again. I'm sure you'll be a legend there for a long time."

Yun Che shook his head. "When I was with my master, I didn't notice it. It was only after I entered the world that I gradually realized I possessed many qualities vastly different from others. For instance, my cultivation far surpasses other profound practitioners at the same level, and my control over elemental powers seems incredible to others.""Such differences can lead to surprise, curiosity, covetousness, and then trigger various unpredictable schemes and dangers. So later, I began to painstakingly conceal my unusual traits. After that, whenever I arrived somewhere, I would change my name and wouldn't stay too long. How could I have left any reputation?""The Lin Yuan Realm was my most ostentatious time. After all, under such great gratitude, I promised Princess Helian that I would help the Helian Imperial Family enter the Lin God Realm. Naturally, I couldn't conceal myself as before, so I simply let loose."He explained plainly yet thoroughly. His understated words, however, made it impossible not to imagine the cruel and brutal encounters that must have forced someone of his disposition to hide his identity, drifting like duckweed, leaving as soon as he touched ground. Even when bestowing great favors upon a realm's imperial family, he would quietly withdraw, remaining solitary.

"Then... are the two characters 'Yun Che' your real name?" the girl asked very seriously."Of course!" Yun Che met her gaze, his dark eyes filled with unblemished sincerity. "Big Sister Qu is my savior. My master taught me that a small kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring; how could I deceive Big Sister Qu about my name?""Mm... hmm." "Big Sister Qu" unconsciously lowered her head, her gaze dropping to her toes.Indeed, he had even revealed the great secret of his Light Profound Energy to her, just to prevent a scar from forming between her brows, let alone his name. And when it came to saving lives, he had clearly saved her more times. He was so sincere and open, while she... A hint of shame and helplessness arose in her heart.

As if oblivious to her discomfort, Yun Che casually asked, "Big Sister Qu, your purpose for coming out on this training expedition must be to achieve a breakthrough to the Divine Extinction Realm, right?"Hua Cairi, however, did not nod. "I do want to achieve a breakthrough, very much so. But my fa...father taught me not to rush. When he sent me out, he gave me two questions. He said that if I could find the answers to these two questions, my journey would not have been in vain; it would even be a more remarkable breakthrough than a realm advancement."In a slight daze, she almost uttered the words "Father God.""Oh? What questions?" Yun Che became interested. "Tell me, maybe I can help you find the answers."

Hua Cairi's beautiful eyes lit up. "My aunt said that I must experience many things personally to find the answers to these two questions. Although you are young, you have far more experience than I do, so you might truly know the answers."She recounted, "My father's questions are: 'What is the most precious thing in this world, and what is the most contemptible?'"She looked at Yun Che expectantly, but found no trace of thought on his face, only a faint, unreadable smile."Has someone asked you the same questions before?" Hua Cairi asked."No. But I'm very certain what their answers are," he said with a smile. "And these two questions actually share the same answer.""Huh?" The girl was startled. "How can that be? These are clearly two completely opposing questions, so how could they have the same answer?"

Yun Che suddenly stopped walking. "Rather than me telling you the answer directly, it would be better for you to comprehend it yourself. Moreover, you might gain insight very soon."The girl's long lashes fluttered, but her sparkling eyes were filled with confusion.Yun Che raised his hand, and an isolating barrier unfolded around Hua Cairi. "Sit down, conceal your aura as much as possible, then project signs of injury. Just focus on healing normally.""Huh?" Hua Cairi was puzzled."You'll know soon enough."Yun Che didn't elaborate, his face calm with a knowing expression. Hua Cairi thought for a moment, then didn't press further. She sat down as instructed, gathering her aura within the barrier, and a layer of weak paleness gradually appeared on her snow-white face. Her injuries had been recovering very slowly these past few days... clearly on purpose.

Yun Che gave a gentle push with his palm, and the enormous Abyssal Crystal once again floated lightly into the barrier. To any outsider, it would be immediately clear that the girl within the barrier was using the power of the Abyssal Crystal to aid her healing.Yun Che turned around. Simultaneously, the two auras he had sensed rapidly accelerated. He had barely taken two steps forward when two figures appeared in his sight.

Both were clad in black, attire most suitable for the Fog Sea, and carried identical broadswords on their backs. Their auras were similar, indicating they belonged to the same sect or school. Their gazes quickly swept past Yun Che, paused briefly on Hua Cairi, then fixated intensely on the Abyssal Crystal. Their pupils simultaneously dilated, blazing with burning surprise and greed.

"Such an enormous Abyssal Crystal, and its light is so pure..." The man on the right's Adam's apple bobbed heavily. "Even our Uncle-Master has probably never seen one this grand."The man on the left appeared more composed. He reluctantly tore his gaze away, scanning Yun Che and Hua Cairi again. The former had a cultivation aura of Divine Master Realm Level Three; the latter's aura was blocked by the barrier, making it impossible to ascertain, and although her face was veiled by white gauze, the obvious pallor on her forehead indicated severe injury. The Divine Master Realm Level Three man was unharmed, while the girl in the barrier was severely injured... Undeniably, the girl's cultivation was far below the man's. And both of them were Level Five Divine Masters.All their caution instantly vanished. The man's lips stretched into an uncontrollable grin, and his voice trembled with excitement: "Junior Brother Liu, this heaven-sent opportunity has finally come to us."As he finished speaking, he slowly stepped forward. Instead of directly reaching for the Abyssal Crystal in the barrier, he extended his hand towards Yun Che: "Kid, you should know the rules of the Fog Sea. Hand it over obediently." Although he was speaking to Yun Che, he only gave him a sidelong glance. His movements were unhurried, but his lips maintained an uncontrollable grin. It was the stance of a hunter completely in control of the situation.

Yun Che did not show the fear they expected. Instead, he slanted his gaze and said seriously, "Why should we give you our possessions?"Within the barrier, Hua Cairi's beautiful eyes secretly opened a slit, watching Yun Che's performance with curiosity."Hm?" The unexpected response finally made the two men shift their gaze. After reconfirming Yun Che's profound energy aura, their eyes became even more disdainful and playful, as if looking down on an ignorant fool who had just entered the Fog Sea."So, you not only don't want this Abyssal Crystal, but you don't want your life either?"The black-clad man slowly stepped forward, his arrogant voice laced with menace.

Yun Che frowned deeply, instantly moving to shield the barrier. He said in a deep voice, "What are you doing? Judging by your auras, you should be from a righteous major sect. When meeting in the Fog Sea, one should offer mutual aid. If you dare to plunder and harm lives... aren't you afraid of bringing shame upon your sect?"Yun Che's righteous and stern words almost made the two men burst out laughing. The man on the right said, "Where did this fool come from? This must be his first time in the Fog Sea, right?"He pointed at Yun Che, his gaze scornful. "Kid, Grandpa Liu is going to teach you a lesson today. No matter what royalty or noble you are outside, once you're in this Fog Sea, if Grandpa Liu wants you dead, you die!""Enough talk," the man on the left said, circulating his aura. "Delays invite trouble. Kill him quickly, try not to leave any traces."How could they take the Abyssal Crystal without silencing the witnesses?! As he spoke, his figure shot out like a venomous snake, lunging directly for the Abyssal Crystal. The other man also reacted instantly, giving a sinister smile. The broadsword on his back shot out, coiling with a terrifying storm that blasted straight towards Yun Che's chest. Despite his contempt, he held nothing back against an opponent who was, after all, a Level Three Divine Master. He wouldn't leave any room for error.

High in the distant sky, Hua Qingying let out a faint scoff. With her vast experience, she knew exactly what Yun Che was going to do the moment he brought out that Abyssal Crystal."Luring greed, reversing cause and effect, a childish trick.""However..." she murmured, "Such a simple trick might also be the most suitable for Cairi."