C78 Divine Rune Art

"Palace!"

Hee Dongqing was astonished.

"So it truly is the Divine Palace. I just never imagined your Divine Palace would actually be a palace."

Hee Dongqing exclaimed, "You're not a Divine Rune Master, so you wouldn't understand. Both the Divine Palace and the Qi Sea can store power. But while the Qi Sea holds a martial artist's power, the Divine Palace harbors the Divine Rune Master's Divine Telekinesis. The larger your Divine Palace, the greater your potential achievements."

Reflecting, Hee Dongqing continued, "Even though the Divine Palace can expand later on, the initial size is crucial. I never imagined your Divine Palace would already be a palace. It took me decades to achieve that."

Hee Dongqing sighed and instructed, "Check if there are any stars inside the Divine Palace."

Yu Kun took a quick look and reported, "No stars, but there's something resembling the sun."

Hee Dongqing nodded, "That's not the sun, it's the Divine Aperture within the Divine Palace. The Divine Aperture can house a Divine Rune. It's only through this that a Divine Rune Master can harness the Divine Rune's power. Once you acquire a Divine Rune, you can place it within the Divine Aperture. From then on, you'll be able to wield the power of the Divine Rune."

Yu Kun nodded, the realization dawning on him.

Subsequently, Yu Kun grasped why a Divine Palace existed in his mind.

"It seems to be the system's capability. The baby Leviathan consumed the Soul Guiding Incense, which is why a complete Divine Palace materialized in my mind. But it appears I also had Hee's assistance."

Yu Kun addressed Hee Dongqing, "Hee!"

Hee Dongqing gave an exasperated look and said, "I exhausted all my Divine Telekinesis saving you. I'll need some time to recuperate."

Yu Kun hastily said, "Master!"

Hee Dongqing then nodded, content.

Though Hee Dongqing hadn't taught Yu Kun Martial Arts, he had imparted the Divine Rune Art.

After addressing him as Master, Yu Kun asked, "Master, could you teach me your Body Stabilizing Divine Rune?"

Hee Dongqing gave him a dismissive look, "Without the cultivation of a Stage Five Divine Rune Master, you're unable to utilize the Body Stabilizing Divine Rune."

Yu Kun chuckled, "So, how do I acquire a Divine Rune?"

Hee Dongqing replied, "You could exchange for one with other Divine Rune Masters, or purchase one from a Refiner. You might also find one in ancient ruins. But keep in mind, Divine Runes are even more precious than ordinary Divine Weapons."

After a brief pause, Hee Dongqing continued, "Right now, there's only one method that's right for you."

Eagerly, Yu Kun inquired with humility, "Master, what would that be?"

Lifting his head with a hint of pride, Hee Dongqing proposed, "Call me 'Master' three times, and I'll bestow upon you a Divine Rune."

Yu Kun couldn't help but smile at the childishness.

He had to concede that Hee Dongqing could indeed be as whimsical as the Master of the Flying Cloud Sect.

"I see now why you're held in the same regard," Yu Kun remarked, his voice tinged with respect, yet he willingly honored the request.

Then, he noticed a tear glistening in Hee Dongqing's eye.

"Just give me a moment," Hee Dongqing said, his voice interrupted by a fit of coughing before he pulled an item from his pocket.

Yu Kun saw it was an octagonal badge.

"This is a Decelerating Divine Rune," Hee Dongqing explained. "As a first-level Divine Rune Master, you can't wield the more potent runes. This one will slow down your adversary's speed."

He paused, then added, "Once you reach the second level, I'll gift you a Weak Divine Rune."

Curious, Yu Kun humbly asked, "And what does the Weak Divine Rune do?"

"It not only slows your opponent but also weakens their attacks. Overall, it's quite advantageous for you."

Hee Dongqing elaborated further, "Truth be told, a Divine Rune Master's offensive capabilities are quite limited. It's a supportive role. Divine Rune Art is for assistance, while Martial Arts are for vanquishing foes."

Yu Kun nodded, fully grasping Hee Dongqing's point.

With sincere admiration, he addressed him as 'Master.'

Though uncertain of the Divine Rune's exact worth, Yu Kun was confident of its significant value.

The effectiveness of the Decelerating Divine Rune was unknown to Yu Kun, but he was certain of one thing—if he faced Yan Changge again, using the rune before striking would ensure he wouldn't suffer injuries as he had before.

During their recent battle, both Yu Kun and Yan Changge sustained injuries. Yet, with the Decelerating Divine Rune at his disposal, Yu Kun could have evaded Yan Changge's strike with ease.

"The Divine Rune Art really does come in handy," he mused, appreciating its value all the more.

Noticing Hee Dongqing's frail state, Yu Kun assisted him to bed for some much-needed rest.

"Master, take a rest while I whip up something to eat. I'm quite the chef!" Yu Kun offered cheerfully.

Hee Dongqing chuckled in response, "Alright! I'm looking forward to sampling your culinary skills!"

In no time, Yu Kun returned with a dish he had prepared.

However, after one taste, Hee Dongqing spat it out and the bowl met its demise on the floor.

Shaking with indignation, Hee Dongqing accused, "Are you trying to poison me, your own Master?"

Yu Kun gave an awkward laugh, "It's been years since I last cooked. Maybe you should rest a bit longer while I go practice some more?"

Rolling his eyes, Hee Dongqing retorted, "If I wait for your 'practice,' I might as well meet my maker sooner! Perhaps you should find another use for your talents."

After a moment's thought, Hee Dongqing suggested, "Why not visit the sect's library? You can peruse books related to other Martial Arts and Martial Souls. As an Inner Sect disciple, you have free access to the Elite Disciples' martial arts techniques."

He paused before adding, "And if you're feeling up to it, you might try tackling the Heavenly Barrier."

Puzzled, Yu Kun inquired, "What's the Heavenly Barrier?"

"It's a test of strength. There are over five hundred Inner Sect disciples, each with their own rank. The benefits they receive vary according to these ranks. While the top ten are only revealed annually, other positions can change at any moment."

"In theory, an Inner Sect disciple's rank is determined by a combination of actual combat performance, Martial Arts, cultivation techniques, and Sect Missions. But the quickest way to ascend the ranks is through the Heavenly Barrier. The more levels you clear, the higher your rank will be."

Yu Kun nodded in understanding, "Alright. I'll start with the books and then check out the Heavenly Barrier. But what will you do while I'm gone?"

With an eye roll, Hee Dongqing declared, "I'm off to sleep!"