The news caused a stir within the Tianyun Sect.
The Tianyun Stone Gate was the sect's treasured artifact, an extremely powerful sword capable of severing the void.
"Hahaha, this is great! We'll finally get the rewards from the Tianyun Stone Gate."
"With our sect's treasured artifact, our strength will surely surge. Perhaps we can even be promoted to a Heavenly Immortal Sect!"
Disciples of the Tianyun Sect cheered, their faces beaming with joy.
"Hmph, I'll let you live for a few more days."
"This Tianyun Stone Gate is more than just a reward; it possesses a terrifying power that can strengthen the physical body, something that Body Refining realm cultivators dream of. I must have it this time!" Zhou Yan gritted his teeth.
Despite being a core disciple, he still needed to cultivate. His physical body was extremely frail, unable to withstand the tempering of the Tianyun Stone Gate.
Therefore, he needed vast resources to enhance his physique and gain greater combat power.
"Tianyun Thunder Sword!"
Zhou Yan took a deep breath, then opened an exquisite box containing the Tianyun Stone Gate.
Instantly, a jet-black thunderous sword materialized within the box.
This sword emanated a fearsome aura that inspired awe.
"The Tianyun Thunder Sword is a top-tier lightning attribute spiritual weapon. It can cleave through the void and possesses destructive power, making it the bane of Body Refining realm cultivators."
"It is said that the Tianyun Stone Gate was forged from a piece of Tianyun Thunder Stone, imbued with terrifying lightning power. Once struck by it, even a strong cultivator at the ninth level of Body Refining would find it difficult to endure."
Li Yao stared at the thunderous sword in the box, her eyes filled with shock. An immense power emanated from the sword, sending shivers down her spine.
"Heh heh, this Tianyun Thunder Sword is our sect's treasured artifact. It can help Body Refining realm experts comprehend the profundity of lightning," Zhou Yan sneered.
"Body Refining realm experts? Does the Tianyun Stone Gate have Body Refining realm experts guarding it?"
"The Tianyun Stone Gate has more than one Body Refining realm expert from our sect. Every hundred years, they visit the Tianyun Sect to inspect the Tianyun Stone Gate. This opening of the Tianyun Stone Gate is the perfect opportunity to witness those Body Refining realm experts."
"Heh heh, this is a feast! I can't wait. I hope these Body Refining realm experts from our sect won't disappoint me."
...
The crowd chattered, their eyes filled with greed as they gazed at the Tianyun Thunder Sword in the box.
"Zhou Yan, hand over the Tianyun Stone Gate to me, and I shall forgive your impudence today."
At this moment, a nonchalant voice echoed.
"Junior Sister Li, no, this Tianyun Stone Gate must be mine. I need to use it to strengthen my physical body," Zhou Yan retorted with a cold smile, his attitude resolute.
"No, I obtained this Tianyun Stone Gate first. Why should I give it to you?"
"Hmph, I told you, this Tianyun Stone Gate is our sect's treasured artifact. All core disciples of our sect have the right to use it," Zhou Yan said with a chilling smile.
As Zhou Yan spoke, the surrounding disciples suddenly understood.
So, Zhou Yan intended to use this opportunity to let the entire Tianyun Sect know that the Tianyun Stone Gate was their sect's treasured artifact.
However, all of this was bound to be in vain, as this news would likely attract a horde of frenzied cultivators once it spread.
"Hmph!" Li Yao snorted, her beautiful eyes flashing with killing intent. "Core disciples of Tianyun Sect can all use it?"
"Yes," Zhou Yan nodded.
"Since you can all use it, why don't we core disciples have the qualification? Do you think my talent is inferior to yours?" Li Yao scoffed.
Hearing this, Zhou Yan's expression changed. How could he forget? The rules of the Tianyun Sect ranked every disciple's talent and strength accordingly.
"Your talent is indeed high, but I believe that with enough time, your achievements will not be inferior to mine. However, you have not received the approval of our Sect Master, and therefore, you will never gain the recognition of the Tianyun Stone Gate."
"You are merely cannon fodder, mere cannon fodder," Zhou Yan said grimly. He glanced around and then declared, "This Tianyun Stone Gate shall be mine."
"Dream on!" Li Yao shouted coldly and struck out with a palm, aiming directly at the Tianyun Stone Gate.
"Rumble!"
A deafening roar erupted, shaking the very heavens and earth.
Li Yao's palm struck the Tianyun Stone Gate, but it remained completely unharmed.
Li Yao frowned, her gaze chilling.
"Heh heh, I told you, you are just cannon fodder. I advise you to scram quickly, or don't blame me for being impolite," Zhou Yan said with a faint smile, his tone sinister.
Zhou Yan's words made Li Yao's pretty face turn ashen.
"You're courting death!"
Li Yao roared, her body erupting forward in a terrifying assault that swept towards Zhou Yan.
"Hmph, you overestimate yourself. Do you really think you can defeat me?" Zhou Yan sneered and flicked a finger.
Instantly, a silvery-white orb of light shot from his finger, transforming into a silver meteor that slammed fiercely into Li Yao's body.
A scream of agony ensued as Li Yao was sent flying backward, crashing into a tree with such force that the entire tree swayed.
"Pfft!"
A mouthful of blood spewed out. Li Yao's face was pale, filled with terror.
"I refuse to accept this!" Li Yao stood up, glaring at Zhou Yan with venom in her eyes.
As a core disciple, her status within the Tianyun Sect was extremely high. She had never suffered such humiliation before, feeling profoundly insulted.
"So what if you refuse? I already warned you that I obtained the Tianyun Stone Gate first. If you are sensible, you will obediently hand it over." Zhou Yan said impatiently.
"You wish! I will definitely take this Tianyun Stone Gate!" Li Yao cried out in anger and lunged at Zhou Yan.
"Bang!"
The two clashed again. After one move, Li Yao was forced back several steps, a trickle of blood seeping from the corner of her mouth.
"Heh heh, you are merely at the seventh level of Body Refining. It's best you obediently hand over the Tianyun Stone Gate, or don't blame me for being harsh," Zhou Yan sneered repeatedly, adopting a condescending demeanor.
"Hmph, I don't believe you can do anything to me!" Li Yao's expression shifted. She bent her knees slightly, her body becoming like a released arrow as she charged towards Zhou Yan.
"Boom!"
Their attacks collided, and a torrent of terrifying power ensued, causing the surrounding air to distort.
Both of them sustained considerable injuries, but Zhou Yan only spat out a mouthful of blood.
Clearly, his physical defense was formidable, bordering on terrifying.