Chapter 287: Yu Ke Refuses: The Most Precious Person in This Life

Xie Wanwan stared at Pang He's bloody nose.

She couldn't help it!

A soft "pfft" escaped her.

Ren Xue's face also broke into a smile.

Pang He felt his cheeks burn; he hastily dabbed at the crimson stream trickling uncontrollably from his nostrils, but the flow only grew stronger, smearing both sides of his face.

The Ruan brothers, normally composed, could not suppress their laughter, yet restrained themselves out of respect for Lan Yu.

Pang He felt a flicker of anger and glared at the two Ruan brothers; their eyes held no fear.

Yu Ke showed no reaction, as always absorbed in his meal.

Another piece of bright red fish meat landed on his chopsticks; without hesitation, he slowly placed it in his mouth.

Pang He fixed his gaze tightly on Yu Ke's face.

After swallowing the eagle-cow fish, the flush on Yu Ke's face lasted only an instant before fading away.

Pang He still could not believe it!

Within the Great Zhou realm, scion families' cultivation levels were all roughly equal, and though Yu Ke labored tirelessly, his innate talent was indeed slightly inferior.

Compared to Zhou Liang, his cultivation base and combat power were both a notch lower.

In the past, Pang He and Zhou Liang had clashed, their strengths evenly matched, neither able to gain the upper hand.

By all logic, Yu Ke was even weaker than him.

How could this be!

Pang He was now in dire embarrassment, fortunately Lan Yu seemed to have kept his eyes closed, unaware of him.

Pang He shot Yu Ke a sidelong glance, snorted lightly, then turned and walked into the back chamber of Zuijiangyue to find a place to wash up.

During this time, only the sound of Yu Ke eating filled the air.

Though none of them were hungry, Yu Ke's meal looked so delicious that everyone picked up their chopsticks a few times, sampling a little.

When Pang He returned, he sat aside, eyeing Yu Ke with disdain, thinking inwardly: "Like a hungry ghost reborn!"

Yu Ke, full and satisfied, slowly set down his chopsticks and let out a soft burp.

Pang He sat across from him, face twisted in disgust.

A disgrace to civility!

Xie Wanwan's gaze fell on the empty plates before Yu Ke, and she recalled the scene of him alone in the courtyard, washing rice and cooking his own meals.

And the image of Yu Shixiong, through wind, rain, thunder, and lightning, relentlessly cultivating in the courtyard—his unyielding will.

This Yu Shixiong seemed to have been born into low standing within the Yu family, part of a collateral branch, so he worked all the harder.

Xie Wanwan felt a pang of sympathy for him.

Lan Yu opened his eyes at last.

Within his vertically slit pupils, there seemed to glow a pure gold.

The others at the table immediately noticed, their expressions sharpening, adjusting their postures instantly.

Even Ren Xue dared not slacken!

Everyone had not forgotten the purpose of this trip.

Yu Ke did the same, fixing his gaze on this "Still Water Dragon Lord."

The real main event was about to begin!

A true transmission disciple had waited here specially.

Something extraordinary must be afoot.

Everyone else had clearly been anticipating this for a long time; only Yu Ke had arrived late, unaware of the details.

Lan Yu spoke slowly:

"I've called you few junior brothers and sisters here for one matter requiring your aid."

Yu Ke was curious!

How could a true transmission disciple of the Divine Thunder Sect need help from disciples of the Second Ladder?

Upon hearing this, Pang He immediately bowed deeply, his tone brimming with respect:

"Brother, give any order—we shall give our utmost!"

The others quickly echoed their agreement.

Lan Yu nodded slightly and continued:

"This mission is, in truth, a rare opportunity for you all. I assume none of you are unfamiliar with the name Hidden Immortal Realm."

"Hidden Immortal Realm!"

Yu Ke's mind involuntarily recalled Zhou Liang's last gathering, and the mysterious "Double-Pupiled One," Li Qingshui.

Xie Wanwan and the others had expected this; their eyes lit with anticipation.

The two Ruan brothers stirred with quiet excitement.

Hidden Immortal Realm!

It was a secret realm left behind by ancient cultivators, each holding boundless opportunities and treasures.

Legends spoke of those who gained supreme techniques and heavenly-grade magic treasures within, their power surging, ascending to legendary status in the cultivation world.

Every time the Divine Thunder Sect opened a Hidden Immortal Realm trial, it became a major event, fiercely contested by all sect members.

The former body had, knowing he had no hope of entering the Hidden Immortal Realm, taken a desperate gamble to attempt Foundation Establishment.

And now!

These Hidden Immortal Realms were sprouting like mushrooms after rain—unavoidably strange.

Lan Yu seemed to sense Yu Ke's confusion.

Unexpectedly!

Lan Yu actually spoke to explain:

"This Hidden Immortal Realm is newly discovered, an uncharted secret realm, ranked Yellow Lower Grade. The sect has decided to entrust its management jointly to Xiangzhang Peak and Yuqing Peak."

"We had already gathered sufficient personnel, but the changes within the Hidden Immortal Realm exceeded all expectations—surely you've all heard rumors."

The group's gazes shifted slightly.

Yu Ke recalled Zhou Liang's account: the first batch of disciples had vanished without a trace, all of them—only one barely escaped, driven mad.

"The second batch has returned now. You may not yet know the news."

Lan Yu paused, his tone carrying an almost imperceptible weight.

"Of the second batch, only one inner sect disciple survived."

"That's why I asked Sister Ren to assemble this group—it's urgent."

At these words, everyone was stunned, exchanging glances, faces filled with disbelief.

First batch: one survivor.

Second batch: only one survivor as well.

Yu Ke's heart jolted—fate had been equally cruel to the second batch, and he couldn't help worrying for Zhou Liang, who would enter soon.

This Yellow Lower Grade trial seemed unlike any other.

Zhou Liang and his group were scheduled to enter as the third batch, three days from now.

Today was the fourteenth of June!

Yu Ke recalled the waist token Li Qingshui had given him—dated the seventh day of the seventh month.

"Thus, the inner sect elders have placed special emphasis on this. Both Yuqing Peak and Xiangzhang Peak have dispatched several true transmission disciples to join."

"Departure is set for three days from now!"

At these words!

Yu Ke internally noted: this date coincided exactly with Zhou Liang's scheduled entry.

Last time, Li Qingshui gathered several, all of whom had already reached the Second Ladder's full stage.

No—

Xie Wanwan had only joined three years ago; her cultivation should barely be at the Second Ladder's Small Heavenly Cycle.

Overall strength had clearly declined—had the trial's personnel shortage reached this dire level?

Most importantly!

Both batches shared one trait: they were all scion family disciples of the Great Zhou Divine Dynasty.

Whether Li Qingshui or Lan Yu, both were from the Great Zhou Divine Dynasty.

In other words—they were family.

Lan Yu continued:

"I'm grateful to Sister Ren for assembling this group, but only four will be needed for this mission."

His gaze swept over the five of them.

Yu Ke remained calm; the others grew tense—Hidden Immortal Realm trials were no trivial matter.

Pang He had assumed he would surely be chosen; his cultivation surpassed both Xie Wanwan and Yu Ke, yet his earlier blunder left him now uneasy.

The two Ruan brothers had come together, claiming two spots.

Ren Xue, who organized the group, would surely take one.

That left Yu Ke and the other two in uncertain positions.

Even the wealthy Xie Wanwan looked uneasy.

The Hidden Immortal Realm was the greatest opportunity among the outer sect disciples!

Lan Yu finally turned to Pang He and Xie Wanwan and said:

"I'm sorry this time, Brother Pang and Sister Xie."

Though Xie Wanwan had anticipated the outcome, she still felt a pang of disappointment, but she gathered herself and smiled:

"It's fine, thank you, Brother Lan!"

Of the three, the only one selected is:

Yu Ke!

Ren Xue also smiled at him.

The Ruan brothers did the same!

Pang He, though resentful, dared not defy Lan Yu's authority and could only suppress his anger, glaring coldly at Yu Ke.

Yu Ke was genuinely surprised—he never expected to earn this opportunity, especially after being rejected last time.

Xie Wanwan could not hide her envy.

This journey to the Yellow-grade inferior Immortal Burial Ground will be led personally by a Foundation Establishment true disciple from the Third Ladder, greatly reducing the risk.

Moreover, this is a mysterious place still largely unexplored, its opportunities and blessings impossible to estimate.

It counts as a "heaven-sent opportunity" among the outer disciples.

Yet!

Yu Ke's thoughts differed from everyone else's. He knew he possessed the Kun Xu Ding, an extraordinary treasure capable of simulating heavenly reincarnation—his path to becoming a powerhouse was within reach.

All he needed was time; there was no need to take this risk!

Play it safe, don't be reckless!

After a moment of thought, Yu Ke said:

"Brother Lan, please forgive me, but I cannot join this time."

At these words:

Xie Wanwan's lips parted slightly, her eyes filled with disbelief.

The Ruan brothers exchanged glances, their faces etched with shock—they had never seen anyone so bluntly refuse Lan Yu's generous invitation.

For the first time, Lan Yu's expression shifted—a flicker of surprise crossed his brow.

To him, this was rare—perhaps the first time since childhood he had faced such direct rejection, and from merely an outer disciple.

As Yu Ke's words fell, a subtle tension filled the air.

For a brief silence, no one spoke.

Refusing a true disciple, especially one as influential as Lan Yu within the Great Zhou Divine Dynasty, carried unpredictable consequences.

Ren Xue was equally stunned—she had never imagined Yu Ke would turn down such an opportunity.

Exploring an Immortal Burial Ground with a true disciple meant not only immense opportunity, but also recognition of one's strength and potential.

It could expand one's network, earn familiarity.

Lan Yu personally organized this gathering and prepared a lavish feast—clear evidence of his seriousness and sincerity.

Yu Ke had his own reasons; amid the complex gazes of the others, he gently shook his head.

Pang He's lips slowly curled into a sly smile, silently mocking Yu Ke's audacity.

In his view, Yu Ke, this cultivation fanatic, clearly had no understanding of a true disciple's status, nor did he grasp how terrifying a true disciple's influence was within the inner sect.

To refuse Lan Yu's invitation in front of everyone—how could Lan Yu save face?

Just as everyone was lost in thought, the door to the private chamber was gently pushed open, breaking the quiet atmosphere.

All eyes instinctively turned toward the entrance.

Two maids respectfully opened the chamber's large door.

A dignified woman in a pale purple long dress stepped in gracefully.

Tall and slender, her snow-white shoulders shimmered faintly beneath sheer gauze; her features were exquisitely carved, especially the tiny black mole beside her peach-blossom eyes, adding a touch of alluring charm.

The woman's appearance puzzled Xie Wanwan and the others—they did not recognize this woman of such extraordinary aura.

But Lan Yu knew her.

He rose to his feet for the first time; though his face remained expressionless, his demeanor held rare seriousness.

His action further confirmed the woman's extraordinary status.

The woman approached slowly and smiled as she greeted:

"Brother Lan and esteemed guests, are you enjoying your meal?"

Her tone was natural and composed.

Lan Yu replied: "Thank you, Second Miss, for your hospitality."

At these words, everyone was stunned.

Second Miss!

The only person who could be called Second Miss at Zuijiang Yue was one:

The proprietor of Zuijiang Yue outside the outer sect.

So this woman of extraordinary aura was none other than the hidden proprietor of Zuijiang Yue, famed among outer disciples.

This revelation surprised everyone—they had never imagined the Second Miss was so beautiful.

Even Pang He's eyes flickered with admiration.

Zuijiang Yue was renowned not only among outer disciples, but also within the inner sect, and even in major cultivation cities across the Three Continents.

Clearly, her influence was immense!

For a woman to manage such a vital establishment among outer disciples, her status was undoubtedly extraordinary—likely higher than many elders within the sect.

Inner disciples would vie to court her; countless others could never even meet her.

Realizing this:

Xie Wanwan, the Ruan brothers, Yu Ke, and others immediately rose to show respect.

Yu Ke, well-versed in social etiquette, rose with the rest.

The woman seemed indifferent to their reactions; she merely nodded faintly in response, her gaze fixed solely on Lan Yu.

The people in the room were not worthy of her attention.

Only Lan Yu, a true disciple of the Shenxiao Sect, had that privilege.

After greeting him, she smiled and said:

"Brother Lan, enjoy your meal!"

Finished speaking!

She turned to leave.

Lan Yu gave a slight nod, watching her depart. His eyes held a faint, almost imperceptible depth, but quickly returned to calm.

Yu Ke, seated outside the main table, had stepped aside onto the corridor after rising to greet the proprietor. As the woman passed by, he politely turned his body to let her pass.

After greeting Lan Yu, the woman's smile faded.

As she passed Yu Ke, her beautiful eyes gazed straight ahead, her steps light, the noble purple gown swaying gently.

Yu Ke lowered his head slightly.

The two slowly brushed past each other.

At that moment!

"Crack—"

The azure jade Pixiu on the woman's wrist shattered and fell from her hand.

It struck the floor with a crisp, jade-chime sound.

All eyes turned toward it.

Yu Ke could not help but turn his head.

The woman froze, staring blankly at the empty space on her left wrist, a flicker of confusion crossing her face.

The jade Pixiu had broken!

This was no ordinary ornament—it was a treasure given to her by her grandmother, meant to safeguard her life and fortune, capable of suppressing fate.

Her grandmother was a True Person of the Great Realm, famed across the Three Continents for her artifact crafting; when she gave her this jade Pixiu, she had solemnly warned her: as long as it remained intact, she would be safe and prosperous.

"Wealth never leaves the hand—your destiny is eternal riches!"

In the cultivation world, prosperity comes from wealth, dharma, and companionship; the Pixiu, as a golden-devouring beast, invisibly gathers fortune, taking in but never letting out.

And now it had shattered!

She waved her hand—the scattered fragments slowly floated upward, gathering into her long, pale hands.

Still unable to believe it—the jade was shattered beyond repair, its spiritual aura entirely gone.

Her grandmother had once told her:

If the Pixiu broke,

It meant she had met the most precious person of her life.

Even the Pixiu could not protect her.

Without thinking, she turned her head slowly toward the man who had just brushed past her.

A young man's face, gentle in aura.

His eyes bright!

(End of Chapter)