A third-party force beyond the sect disciples and Tianyong City?!
"The situation has changed."
Chen Sanshi transmitted his voice to his subordinates. "Wait for now."
On the battlefield, what one feared most was the unknown.
"What is it?"
Deng Wuchang snorted. "Backing out?"
"Brother Deng."
Chen Sanshi continued transmitting, "In the southeast direction—do you see a person?"
"A person? No. Brother Xiao, don't scare me."
Deng Wuchang instinctively tightened his grip on the hilt of his blade.
Chen Sanshi said nothing, his gaze fixed warily on the mysterious figure. At the same time, he tried inching closer, hoping to determine the other party's realm and strength.
The laws of the Nine Nether Forbidden Land suppressed cultivators above Golden Core.
Theoretically, the mysterious person could be at most late-stage Foundation Establishment.
Yet it was not as though he had never encountered late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators before. In the past, those with deeper mana than his own had exerted pressure on him—but never had he felt such an acute sense of danger.
After advancing only a few steps, Chen Sanshi felt that figure suddenly turn its head to look at him. A thread of coldness pierced straight into his bones.
Precisely because of that extreme danger, however, an unnamable flame ignited within him. The Dragon Abyss Sword slid from its sheath, and Fire-Element True Force gathered, ready to erupt.
Yet—
The mysterious person seemed to harbor no hostility toward them. After casting a single glance, the figure paid them no further attention. With a flash, it headed straight toward the fork taken by Lingji Cavern, vanishing in the blink of an eye.
"This person has their own objective."
Chen Sanshi pondered inwardly.
If that was the case, then they would not interfere with one another.
After confirming that the mysterious figure showed no sign of turning back, he sheathed the Dragon Abyss Sword and led the Tianyong City captains in pursuit of the direction taken by the Guiyuan Sect.
"End this quickly!"
Deep within the forked path.
Xu Baoren led the Guiyuan Sect disciples forward at great speed, barely pausing, until they arrived at the edge of a river.
Lush spiritual plants flourished along the banks. Broken halberds lay buried in sand, shattered swords stood upright in clusters—the scene was nearly identical to what they had seen before.
Only here, the corpses had not decayed. Upon the surface of their flesh grew clusters of brilliant purple flowers, lending the place a quiet yet eerie beauty.
"What kind of spiritual plant is this?"
Qian Qiren, who had grown up immersed in the Scripture Pavilion, failed to recognize the purple blossoms. "It seems they have a preservative effect on these bodies. After hundreds of thousands of years, even—hiss—if these fell into the hands of the Corpse Refining Sect, it would be yet another calamity!"
"Xuanti Sect."
Cui Zichen picked up a broken flying sword and examined the ancient characters engraved near the hilt. "If I remember correctly, Xuanti Sect was also one of the major sects of ancient times.
"And here—Shenwu Sect!"
Near the murky river waters, a Guiyuan Sect disciple discovered a large number of armored corpses. From the jade plaques they carried, he identified their origin.
Shenwu Sect.
One of the few renowned orthodox sects of ancient times that specialized solely in martial cultivation.
Of the corpses before them, 70% were above the True Force Realm. Golden Body Realm figures were too numerous to count. Preserved by the purple flowers, their flesh still retained its Vajra Body, impervious and uncorrupted.
"Hiss—there's a third-grade heavenly material and earthly treasure!"
Qian Qiren pointed toward the edge of a rock not far ahead, where a small dark-red flame flickered. "It's Fire Lingzhi—at least 2,000 years old!"
A Fire Lingzhi over 2,000 years old qualified as a proper Golden Core spiritual object.
Foundation Establishment required Foundation Establishment Pills. Golden Core cultivators likewise needed at least three spiritual objects to increase the probability of successfully forming a Golden Core.
Harvesting such a plant and exchanging it for merit would yield an enormous quantity of resources. If one's aptitude were sufficient, one might even keep it for personal use.
Even as he spoke, he had already reached the Fire Lingzhi. Forming a hand seal, he uprooted it remotely, roots and all.
A heavenly material and earthly treasure that had grown for over 2,000 years was suddenly torn from its soil, triggering no small disturbance of spiritual energy. Like ocean waves, it spread outward from their position.
Within just a few breaths, a multitude of wandering souls and vengeful ghosts surged in from all directions.
"Be careful!"
Xu Baoren immediately summoned several magic artifacts to guard himself.
"This is my fault."
Qian Qiren said in shame. "It must have been the Fire Lingzhi that caused the disturbance and drew these wandering souls. These spirits—they truly are from Xuanti Sect!"
The wandering souls flew through the air in droves. Some of their faces were strikingly familiar—they were none other than the very corpses lying upon the ground!
"Evil cultivators, die!"
"Restore our orthodoxy!"
With ferocious expressions, the wandering souls charged in, like wild beasts descending the mountain.
Xu Baoren took the lead, standing at the very front. With both hands forming seals, he unleashed a dazzling array of spells, bombarding the wandering souls in a frenzied barrage.
The other Guiyuan Sect disciples each displayed their signature techniques as well, engaging in fierce combat with the swarming spirits.
These wandering souls were considerably stronger than those they had encountered earlier. Fortunately, they were well-prepared and coordinated seamlessly, preventing catastrophic losses.
There were still 10 Guiyuan Sect disciples standing here. In the end, at the cost of 3 injured and 1 dead, they eliminated this wave of wandering souls.
"The greater the disturbance, the more likely it is to attract additional remnant souls."
Xu Baoren gripped his flying sword, his expression severe. "Quickly gather anything useful nearby, then we'll continue forward. If there's nothing else ahead, we'll regroup with the other two sects at the main road and leave this secret realm!
"Also, Junior Brother Cui, has Junior Brother Song—who stayed behind earlier to cover our rear and scout—sent back any news?"
"No. Just like Liu Feng, there's been no word at all."
Cui Zichen shook his head lightly, his expression grave. "I suspect someone has already infiltrated the forbidden land and may have been following us all along. This place is not suitable for a prolonged stay."
"Stop searching. We leave now."
Anxiety swelled in Xu Baoren's heart. He could not shake the feeling that someone was hiding in the shadows, watching them.
"Cui Zichen, it seems you still have a bit of perception—able to sense that your time is running out!
"Your intuition is correct. This Nine Nether Yellow Springs shall be your burial ground—"
A voice brimming with killing intent descended from above, echoing along the banks of the Yellow Springs.
The Guiyuan Sect disciples' hearts jolted.
On a nearby earthen slope, figures appeared one after another. At some unknown moment, a large number of cultivators had gathered there. Each held weapons in hand, moving with strict order and discipline, like a trained army.
At their head stood Liu Feng in a green robe.
"Liu Feng?"
Qian Qiren cursed aloud. "Have you gone mad?"
"Qian Qiren, look again—who am I?!"
Chen Sanshi raised a hand and dispelled the Art of Disguise. Even his clothing shifted, returning to the white robe he had originally worn.
More than 10 years had passed.
That familiar face once again appeared before their eyes.
Qian Qiren and Cui Zichen were both struck speechless.
"Chen—Chen Sanshi?!"
Their pupils trembled violently, astonishment spreading across their faces.
Since parting in Divine Continent, so many years had gone by that Cui Zichen and the others had almost forgotten what had happened back then. Who would have thought that upon meeting again, it would be within this forbidden land—and in the midst of an ambush?
Activating a detection technique to observe Chen Sanshi's cultivation, they found that compared to over a decade ago, he had advanced significantly. Even his entire bearing had undergone a tremendous transformation.
In the past, in their eyes, Chen Sanshi had felt invincible and valiant. Now, though his valor remained undiminished, an indescribable majesty radiated from his eyes.
This was—
The might of an emperor!
"So it's Brother Chen."
Cui Zichen asked knowingly, "Instead of properly ruling as your Tianwu Emperor in Eastern Divine Continent, why have you come to Heavenly Water Isle to oppose us great sects?"
Chen Sanshi ignored him and asked directly, "Is that old Huang still alive?"
"The Supreme Elder is naturally alive!"
Qian Qiren threatened, "Not only alive, but he may even form a Nascent Soul in the future. Chen Sanshi, it's not too late for you to regret this!"
"So he's still alive. Good."
Chen Sanshi automatically disregarded the latter half of the statement. "Tell him to wait. I'll go reminisce with him. Oh—I forgot. You won't be going back."
As he spoke, his pupils began to burn. Waves of blazing flames draped over his body like silk. A fire dragon coiled upward, and a long sword radiating oppressive might silently left its sheath, gazing down upon all from above.
"Heh heh~"
Xu Baoren swallowed several pills. The aura around him began to surge upward, his face and eyes turning fierce. "Enough talk. If you want to fight, then come. I'd like to see what kind of waves you can stir up, leading this group of mid-stage Qi Refining brats!"
"Form ranks!"
At Chen Sanshi's side, Dongfang Jingxing shouted sharply, "Heavenly Gang Sword Formation!"
Clatter—
At the command, the Tianyong City cultivators rose into the air in perfect unison. Flying swords circled around them, dense sword qi swirling like countless silver fish.
The Mystic Pearl in Chen Sanshi's arms released waves of national destiny profound qi.
At the moment the national destiny blessing descended, the originally weak sword qi became several times more violent. The Heavenly Gang Sword Formation displayed power far exceeding the captains' own realms.
Since the profound qi within the Mystic Pearl had transformed into national destiny, this was the first time it had been used in actual combat.
"Sima Yao, Wang Zhi—you two will serve as the primary and secondary formation cores of the sword array. Your main task is to eliminate those below Foundation Establishment and delay the Foundation Establishment cultivators."
Chen Sanshi transmitted his orders. "Deng Wuchang, I will directly take the enemy leader Xu Baoren. You are responsible for holding back Qian Qiren and Cui Zichen. Once I finish off the leader, I will immediately come assist you."
"W-wait a moment?"
Deng Wuchang looked at the scene before him, suddenly bewildered. "You're not Xiao Feng? N-no, I should say—you've always been that Chen Sanshi from Eastern Divine Continent?"
"It's me."
Chen Sanshi did not deny it.
At this point, Deng Wuchang had no other backing forces behind him. Since he was already aboard the same ship, there was no longer any need for concealment.
"Damn you!"
Deng Wuchang cursed loudly. "If I'd known, I never would've taken this job with you!"
He truly regretted it.
In the entire Heavenly Water Isle, who didn't know that Chen Lei was one of the most wanted fugitives?!
"No one here recognizes you."
Chen Sanshi said gravely. "Brother Deng, I'm counting on you."
"Fine, fine!"
Deng Wuchang slowly drew his long blade. "Sooner or later I'll be ruined by you. But let's make this clear—just like we agreed, I promised to act, not to die for you. If things go south, I'm running!"
Chen Sanshi said nothing, only handing him several talismans—such as Swift Flight Talismans and Wind-Breaking Talismans—meant specifically for preserving one's life and escaping.
Deng Wuchang snorted, pocketing the talismans. Golden fur began to sprout across his flesh, and his body grew ever larger until he transformed into the form of a divine beast. Even his voice became hoarse and ferocious. "Then what are we waiting for? Move!"
"Heavenly Assault Army, form ranks and attack!"
Sima Yao roared as he led the sword formation charging into the crowd.
Chen Sanshi headed straight for Xu Baoren, spear in one hand and sword in the other. The long spear transformed into a Vermilion Bird of blazing crimson flames, while the sword edge moved like a divine dragon.
"How is this possible?!"
Witnessing these cultivators from Eastern Divine Continent form a specific formation and suddenly see their combat power soar, Xu Baoren could hardly believe his eyes.
Using people as a formation was not unheard of among the sects of Heavenly Water Isle.
Through tacit coordination and the enhancement of special magic artifacts, they could usually gain a certain increase in lethality—but nothing this exaggerated!
The Tianyong City cultivators were mostly around mid-stage Qi Refining, yet after forming the array, the sword qi they unleashed was clearly at late-stage Qi Refining!
Not only that, when those who already possessed late-stage Qi Refining combat strength coordinated with one another, some sword techniques even occasionally erupted with perfection-stage killing power!
Though still far inferior to true Foundation Establishment cultivators, the Guiyuan Sect had only a handful of Foundation Establishment participants in this secret realm. The rest were merely at late-stage Qi Refining!
Moreover—
They had just experienced a fierce battle. Not only were some injured, even their mana had yet to recover from being more than half depleted.
Boom—
Lost in thought for an instant, Xu Baoren was jolted awake as a scorching wave of heat blasted toward him.
His hands moved so quickly in forming seals that they left afterimages. Various magic artifacts around him flew forward, and the spells he unleashed were equally diverse.
Water Dragon Technique, Earth Prison Technique, Palm Lightning, Ice Spike Art—
A full seven or eight spells arrived almost simultaneously. Chen Sanshi did not dodge. Only at the final moment did he suddenly cast the Thick Earth Art.
All the spells struck it, perfectly charging the Thick Earth shield. It then transformed into a towering mountain and crashed down toward Xu Baoren's head.
"A secret technique?!"
Seeing the rebounding spells, Xu Baoren felt as though facing a great enemy. He hastily sidestepped. Before he could even catch his breath, the spear was already thrusting toward his face. He had no choice but to raise his flying sword to block, yet at the same time, the Dragon Abyss Sword lunged straight for his heart.
In the blink between rise and fall, he hurriedly sacrificed a round shield. Even so, he was blasted backward dozens of zhang. During the process, he felt a strange flame invade his dantian, continuously eroding his mana, causing his already half-depleted reserves to dry up at an alarming rate.
Heaven-Scorching Fire!
"Where did this monster come from?!"
Xu Baoren cried out bitterly, wanting to flee. Yet with the barrier reactivated, they had no path to the heavens and no door to the earth. He could only grit his teeth and struggle to hold on.
Chen Sanshi's offensive grew increasingly fierce. As his opponent fell into panic, flaws multiplied. Defeat was imminent.
Yet at that very moment, he saw a familiar figure reappear in the distance—the mysterious person who had earlier followed Lingji Cavern's path.
After returning, the mysterious individual showed no intention of aiding either side, merely standing still a hundred zhang away, quietly observing the situation.
With no forest to obstruct the view, Chen Sanshi finally saw the mysterious person's face clearly.
It was a… blind woman.