339: Chapter 339 Covert Struggle at the Palace Gate

At the edge of the platform, Ye Tian exhaled a long breath. He opened his eyes; his face was still slightly pale, but his aura had stabilized.

Bei Minghong's strike just now was indeed powerful. Fortunately, he had cultivated the Illusory Sea Heart Sutra, and his Divine Sense strength far exceeded that of an ordinary True Martial Realm Cultivator. Otherwise, even if his Physical Body could withstand it, he would have been turned into an idiot.

He glanced across the platform.

The groups that had been standing apart just a moment ago were now tense, ready to move at any second.

Over at the Heavenly Sword Sect, Li Xuanxiao still stood with his eyes closed, clutching his sword. However, around him, it seemed as if countless invisible tiny blades were flying; not even a speck of dust could get close.

The Heavenly Sword Sect Disciples behind him stood straight, their eyes shining, waiting for their Senior Brother to speak.

At the Nangong Family's side, Nangong Yu still had a foul expression. Especially when he glared at Ye Tian, the hatred in his eyes almost overflowed.

Beside him was a young man in a gold and red robe—his cousin, Nangong Chi. He looked very composed and was currently frowning, his lips moving; he was likely reprimanding Nangong Yu via sound transmission.

Nangong Yu looked defiant, but he could only nod.

The three from the Beiming Family remained by themselves.

Bei Minghong sat with his eyes closed, like an ice sculpture.

The two men in black behind him were motionless, but they occasionally glanced at the fading light shield with eyes that said, "This Opportunity, I'm taking it."

That Ghost Girl from the Xuanming Way was huddled alone in the shadows, her black robe wrapping her tightly, revealing only a pair of eyes. She watched the light shield with great interest, and also seemed to glance at Ye Tian and Bei Minghong, as if enjoying the spectacle.

Zhao Mao from the Tianhu Gate stood with a few others on the outer circle, arms crossed, with that same eccentric Yin and Yang smile on his face. His eyes darted between the major factions, clearly looking for a chance to profit.

There were also over a dozen Independent Cultivators or small teams with varying cultivation levels gathered together. They were both nervous and excited, wanting good items yet fearing the ruthless experts from the major factions.

"It's opening! It's about to open!" someone in the crowd shouted in a hushed, trembling voice.

As if in response to those words, the Seven-colored Light Shield suddenly brightened, then vanished completely with a "pop," like a bubble!

A "wind" carrying thunder and lightning, several times more intense than before, rushed out and filled the surroundings.

"Charge!"

"Snatch the treasures!"

As soon as the light shield vanished, four or five people among the Independent Cultivators couldn't hold back. They roared and activated their Movement Techniques, turning into several streaks of light and rushing toward the dark palace gates, heedless of the danger!

They only had eyes for the treasures, forgetting all risks.

But the first to act was actually Zhao Mao!

Before those people had even rushed thirty feet, Zhao Mao's eyes turned cold, and he barked, "Seeking death!"

A thin and gloomy fellow Disciple behind him grinned sinisterly, made several quick hand signs, and pushed forward!

A grayish whirlwind howled out, instantly enveloping the Independent Cultivators at the very front.

"Ah!" "Despicable!"

Several screams rang out.

Those people were completely caught off guard. Their protective light was eroded by the Gray Wind, and black spots immediately appeared on their bodies as their skin began to rot, leaving them staggering.

Two with weaker cultivation directly spat out black blood and collapsed, their fates unknown.

The rest were in a wretched state, their speed greatly reduced, as they glared at the people from the Tianhu Gate in shock and anger.

"Hmph, a bunch of trash thinks they can get a piece of the pie?" Zhao Mao sneered. He felt no shame in his group's sneak attack; instead, he led the Tianhu Gate Disciples toward the palace gates at a leisurely pace.

This move was meant to clear out the small fry and reduce the competition, but also to test the waters and see if the other factions would intervene.

Sure enough, his movement was like poking a hornet's nest.

Weng!

A clear sword hum rang out, and a brilliant sword light, like something flying from the horizon, swept across a hundred yards in a flash and struck the ground ten feet in front of Zhao Mao and his group!

Chi!

A deep trench was carved into the hard red earth, with residual cold Qi sizzling and freezing the air into white frost.

Zhao Mao and his group came to a sudden halt, their expressions turning ugly as they looked toward the source of the sword light.

The one who had acted was not Li Xuanxiao, but Bai Ling from Cold Silence Valley!

She had arrived on the platform at some point and was standing with her Junior Sister, Bai Shaoyi. Her beautiful face was fixed on Zhao Mao: "The Tianhu Gate is as despicable as ever! Is this Thunder Hall owned by your family? Is it your turn to clear the area?"

Beside her, Bai Shaoyi also gripped her sword, looking at Zhao Mao with disdain.

Zhao Mao glared at Bai Ling with a sinister look, then glanced at Ye Tian, who had already stood up not far away, quickly calculating in his mind.

He wasn't afraid of this woman from Cold Silence Valley, but that Ye Tian... he had just taken a finger strike from Bei Minghong without falling, and his lingering prestige remained.

He snorted: "Bai Ling, do you want to stand up for this trash? Or do you want to spar with my Tianhu Gate first?"

"No need for Junior Sister Bai to act to clear out trash."

A gentle and clear voice rang out.

Feng Xuan had appeared on the other side with several Disciples of the Liuli Xuan Sect at some unknown time.

He still looked like a scholar, holding a Jade Slip as if he were there for a tour.

However, the aura nearing the Huahai Realm on his person and those eyes that seemed to see through people made it impossible for anyone to underestimate him.

"Zhao Mao, in a Secret Realm treasure hunt, everyone relies on their own ability. If your Tianhu Gate wants to rely on numbers to clear the area and keep everything for yourselves, I'm afraid..."

Feng Xuan didn't finish, but his gaze calmly swept over Li Xuanxiao, Bei Minghong, and Nangong Chi. The meaning was obvious.

Zhao Mao's face darkened further.

He hadn't expected the people from the Liuli Xuan Sect to come as well. Feng Xuan looked gentle, but he was full of schemes and was an expert at using others' strength against them.

Now that several factions were watching each other, if he acted recklessly again, he might become a target.

"Hmph, you only know how to wag your tongue," Zhao Mao snorted one last time. Ignoring Bai Ling and Feng Xuan, he led his people around the sword mark and continued toward the palace gates, though his speed was much slower and he was clearly more cautious.

After this commotion, the Independent Cultivators who had been eager to move felt their hearts turn cold, and their heads cleared a bit.

Only then did they realize that the real treasure hunt was a matter for top experts and major Schools.

If "small fry" like them recklessly pushed forward, they would likely be the chicken killed to warn the monkeys.

After this brief conflict, the area became eerily quiet.

The leaders of the major factions met each other's gazes in the air and then immediately looked away, each making their own calculations and remaining wary of one another.

"Tch, how boring."

A cold laugh broke the silence.

The Ghost Girl, who had been staying in the shadows, moved.

Looking at no one, she flicked her black robe and transformed into a wisp of light smoke, gliding across the ground toward the gates of the Thunder Hall.

Wherever she passed, the light dimmed slightly, leaving behind a chilling cold.

The Ghost Girl's movement was like lighting a firecracker.

Almost simultaneously, Li Xuanxiao, who had been clutching his sword with his eyes closed, snapped them open!

In that instant, his entire being was like a divine sword drawn from its scabbard, his brilliance blinding and his speed so fast he was a blur!

Without a word, his figure flickered, transforming into a magnificent sword light. He arrived later but moved faster, entering the palace gate almost at the same time as the Ghost Girl!

With the two great experts moving, the balance was instantly shattered!

"Go," Bei Minghong's lips moved slightly as he uttered a cold word.

He himself didn't move, but the two men in black behind him lunged out like ghosts, following closely behind Li Xuanxiao and the Ghost Girl.

Only then did Bei Minghong slowly stand up. He took a step forward, his figure flickering a few times before he also disappeared inside the gate.

From beginning to end, he didn't spare another glance for anyone else. That pride and indifference were etched into his very bones.

"We're going in too!" Nangong Chi shouted low, grabbing Nangong Yu, who was still a bit unwilling, and leading the Nangong Family members as they rushed in as several streaks of light.

"Junior Brother Ye, be careful in everything and act within your capabilities." Feng Xuan nodded to Ye Tian and signaled to Bai Ling and the others before leading the Liuli Xuan Sect members toward the gate with composure.

"Senior Brother Ye!" Bai Ling looked at Ye Tian.

"Let's go." Ye Tian said only one word. Suppressing his injuries, his figure moved, and he also swept toward the palace gates. Bai Ling and Bai Shaoyi immediately followed.

Seeing this, Zhao Mao no longer delayed and led his people inside.

Seeing that the big shots had all entered, the remaining Independent Cultivators and small teams finally dared to cautiously and warily swarm toward the deep palace gates.