Chapter 62: Joining the Crescent Mysterious Mansion

Sikong Han led Yun Che and Xia Yuanba into the Elder Hall. After sitting down, he carefully scrutinized Yun Che again, his face showing no hint of the arrogance expected of the Grand Elder of the Imperial Profound Palace. Instead, he looked concerned. "You said you're Elder Xiao's grandson, but why is your surname Yun?"

"Exactly, big brother-in-law! Why did you say your name was Yun Che just now? Um, did you find your biological parents after being expelled from the Xiao Sect?" Xia Yuanba, who was already bursting with questions, quickly chimed in.

Yun Che replied, "I am not my grandfather's biological grandson. However, he raised me for sixteen years as if I were his own. Six months ago, when I was expelled from the Xiao Sect, he told me my true surname is Yun before I left."

"I see," Sikong Han nodded slowly. "Actually, I've heard some things about this."

Yun Che looked up, surprised.

Sikong Han sighed and said, "Six months ago, the son of the Xiao Sect Master—I believe his name was Xiao Kuangyun—passed through New Moon City on his way to Flowing Cloud City. As it was a movement involving the main Xiao Sect, our New Moon Profound Palace paid a little attention. Later, some news came through. While it might have seemed insignificant to others, because it concerned Elder Xiao, I inquired further and learned that he had been confined to the back mountain of his family estate, and his grandson had also been expelled. I wanted to help Elder Xiao several times, but it was too far, and as the Grand Elder of the New Moon Profound Palace, I couldn't leave for an extended period. So, alas..."

"Elder Sikong, please don't blame yourself. I'm sure my grandfather would be very grateful to know you cared," Yun Che said, bowing. Although Sikong Han hadn't acted on his intentions, it was clear he was genuinely concerned about Xiao Lie's situation.

"Speaking of which, how did Elder Sikong and my grandfather come to know each other?" Yun Che asked.

"Haha, that was seven years ago. I took my son, who was only twelve at the time, to Flowing Cloud City for a matter. Unexpectedly, my whereabouts were discovered by an enemy, who set up an ambush there. As soon as I entered the city, I was ambushed. I fought with all my might but could only protect myself, unable to look after my son. Just as my son was about to be harmed, Elder Xiao appeared and saved his life. I, Sikong Han, have only one son in my life. If it weren't for Elder Xiao, my lineage would have ended. I've kept this great kindness in my heart all these years, not knowing when I'll ever be able to repay it."

Recalling the past, Sikong Han sighed with emotion. He looked at Yun Che with an admiring expression. "Speaking of which, you truly are Elder Xiao's grandson. At such a young age, you've already broken through the Elementary Profound Realm and entered the Nascent Profound Realm. This kind of talent is exceptional, even here in New Moon City. Your grandfather was the strongest practitioner in Flowing Cloud City, and your future achievements will undoubtedly be no less than his."

"What?" Xia Yuanba, standing nearby, widened his eyes. "Elder Sikong, did you say my big brother-in-law is already in the Nascent Profound Realm? This, this... Elder Sikong, could there be a mistake? My big brother-in-law has had crippled profound veins since childhood and has always remained at the first level of the Elementary Profound Realm. How could he possibly be in the Nascent Profound Realm!"

"Oh?" Sikong Han looked puzzled, but the profound energy aura he perceived from Yun Che was clearly that of the first level of the Nascent Profound Realm.

Yun Che calmly stated, "It's a long story... but my profound energy is indeed at the first level of the Nascent Profound Realm right now. I wonder if my current profound strength qualifies me to enter the Profound Palace?"

As he spoke, Yun Che discreetly nudged Xia Yuanba. Xia Yuanba, who was about to speak, immediately shut his mouth, but his eyes were wide with disbelief. In his mind, he repeatedly exclaimed, *Oh my god! Big brother-in-law is really in the Nascent Profound Realm? How is this possible? How is this possible!*

Seeing Yun Che and Xia Yuanba's reactions, Sikong Han knew there was some hidden secret, but Yun Che clearly didn't want to elaborate and was intentionally changing the subject. Sikong Han didn't press further and asked with a chuckle, "Yun Che, how old are you this year?"

"Sixteen," Yun Che replied truthfully, feeling a slight sense of relief.

"Sixteen?" Sikong Han's face registered surprise, and he stood up from his chair. "I thought you were seventeen or eighteen, but you're only sixteen! To have entered the Nascent Profound Realm at sixteen years old—there are no more than ten people in the entire New Moon Profound Palace who have achieved that... If you had been born into a mid-to-high-level sect, your achievements would undoubtedly be far greater than they are now!"

Xia Yuanba was utterly dumbfounded, repeatedly wanting to speak but forcing himself to stay silent.

"Elder Sikong, you flatter me," Yun Che said modestly.

"Come, let me see your talent," Sikong Han gestured to him.

Yun Che stepped forward, standing before Sikong Han. As Sikong Han placed his hand on Yun Che's wrist, Yun Che quickly held his breath and used profound energy to forcefully block thirty-eight of his fifty-four fully open profound entrances, leaving only sixteen unobstructed. This level of concealment could only deceive a superficial examination; a slightly deeper probe would immediately expose it. However, individuals seeking to join the New Moon Profound Palace typically tried their best to showcase their talent during assessments. Sikong Han would not have considered that someone might intentionally try to hide their abilities, so he wouldn't exert extra effort for a deeper inspection.

Sikong Han's hand lightly touched Yun Che's wrist and immediately withdrew. Then, he nodded in amazement. "No wonder! To have sixteen profound entrances innately open—this is undoubtedly the mark of a genius! You are precisely the kind of exceptional talent our Profound Palace most desires!"

At this point, Sikong Han grew somewhat agitated. Originally, he had planned to admit Yun Che into the New Moon Profound Palace as a way to repay Xiao Lie's kindness and provide Yun Che with a place to stay. But now, having witnessed Yun Che's talent, he was determined to keep him, even if it meant shamelessly coercing him. Innately opening sixteen profound entrances was a talent that would guarantee high-level preferential treatment even within the major sects of New Moon City, and those higher sects possessed far greater resources and influence than the New Moon Profound Palace. Yun Che's arrival was nothing short of a treasure for the New Moon Profound Palace.

Currently, there were only seven individuals in the entire New Moon Profound Palace who had innately opened sixteen profound entrances, and perhaps one or two new ones were added each year at most. This was because individuals with such talent typically chose to join larger sects.

"Yun Che, do you truly wish to join our Profound Palace?" Sikong Han asked, looking intently at Yun Che. "If you genuinely want to join, all assessments can be waived; I can make the decision directly!"

Xia Yuanba's mouth hung open, his brain practically short-circuited.

"...May I join Class One?" Yun Che asked.

"Of course, no problem!" Sikong Han slapped the table. "With your current profound strength and talent, you are fully qualified to enter Class One directly!"

Yun Che pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly. "Alright."

Sikong Han immediately began fumbling on the table with his hands, his movements so swift it seemed he feared Yun Che might flee. A moment later, he slapped a silver arm-badge onto Yun Che's shoulder. "Then, from this moment on, you are a disciple of the New Moon Profound Palace's Profound Branch. This is your identification badge, and here are the keys to your residence."

"Today happens to be the new Palace Master's inauguration, and there's a welcoming banquet this evening. I have many matters to attend to, so I won't keep you any longer. Yuanba, please take Yun Che to his residence to settle in, or introduce him to his future seniors... Oh, by the way, Yun Che, would you be interested in attending the banquet this evening?" Sikong Han suddenly asked.

"I can attend?" Yun Che asked, surprised.

"The new Palace Master's inauguration is a significant event that will resonate throughout New Moon City. We've sent invitations to all the sects with sufficient prestige and influence in New Moon City, and I believe they will surely show respect to the new Palace Master. The banquet will undoubtedly be a gathering of elites. Generally, only core disciples of our Profound Palace can attend such occasions. Although you've only joined today, your exceptional talent makes you just barely qualified. This banquet will allow you to recognize all the top sects in New Moon City at once, which will be very helpful for your future here."

Yun Che immediately understood that allowing a newly joined disciple to attend such an important banquet was primarily due to Sikong Han's gratitude for his grandfather's kindness, showing him special consideration and enabling him to quickly understand the power distribution in New Moon City. He then said gratefully, "Thank you, Elder Sikong, I will certainly attend on time... May I bring Yuanba with me?"

Sikong Han hesitated slightly, then smiled and nodded. "Very well, Yuanba, you can come along too. Yun Che is new to the New Moon Profound Palace and unfamiliar with everything, so you can guide him. I'll arrange an extra seat."

After leaving the Elder Hall, Xia Yuanba was still in a daze. It wasn't until they had walked quite a distance that he finally took a deep breath and, with wide eyes, exclaimed, "Big brother-in-law! What's going on? Are you really in the Nascent Profound Realm now? But, but, weren't your profound veins crippled? Even if they suddenly healed, it's impossible to become this powerful so quickly! You're even stronger than my sister!"

"Well..." Yun Che pondered for a long time, unsure how to explain it to him, and unwilling to deceive him. He could only say vaguely, "Yuanba, this is a secret. I'll tell you when the time is right in the future. However, it's best not to tell anyone else about my previously crippled profound veins, or some people might get bad ideas."

"Ah... oh, oh." Xia Yuanba scratched his head in confusion, then suddenly his eyes lit up. "Big brother-in-law! I suddenly understand! You must have been faking it before, right? Otherwise, how could you suddenly be in the Nascent Profound Realm? It must be like that! Big brother-in-law, you're too cunning, you fooled all of us, hahahaha."

Yun Che shrugged, letting Xia Yuanba continue his self-satisfied deductions. He shifted his gaze to the New Moon Profound Palace in his line of sight, a wave of emotion sweeping through him.

"How long do you plan to stay here?" Jasmine's voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

"It depends on the circumstances. If I can gain enough good experience here, I'll stay longer. If not, I'll leave immediately. The main reason I'm staying here is to learn some profound skills. After all, the profound skills you know are too high-level for me to learn, so this is the only method I could think of."

Jasmine said nothing more.