The First Marquis of Daxuan

Everyone in the Yanfu Sect stared ahead.

All that could be seen ahead were countless sword shadows, completely engulfing that towering figure.

The figure that was like the heavens in the eyes of the Yanfu Sect disciples was shattered under the flash of the blade.

When it condensed again, its enormous form had become much more ethereal.

Xuanwu Protector and Mei Yanwang and the others were dumbfounded and heartbroken.

Ordinary disciples of the Yanfu Sect might not know this, but they were well aware of it.

Each time the life-saving technique left by the Old Ancestor Yanfu is used, it weakens the body a little more until it completely dissipates.

In the history of the Yanfu Sect, the illusory figure of the Yanfu Ancestor has made a move eight times in total; this is the ninth time.

In the first eight times, as long as the illusory figure of Ancestor Yanfu made a move, the battle situation would immediately turn around.

Only this time.

I suffered such a big loss right from the start.

They clenched their fists involuntarily.

Fortunately, the illusory figure of the Yama Ancestor made a move.

This time, he threw a punch, shattering the blade light that Su Mu had unleashed, then stepped forward and engaged Su Mu in battle.

"Don't worry, although the ancestor's afterimage only has the power of the Dao Extreme Realm, it is not something that just any Dao Extreme Realm cultivator can contend with."

The Xuanwu Ancestor seemed to be comforting Mei Yanwang and the others, but also seemed to be comforting himself.

Even though the illusory image of Ancestor Yanfu only possessed the power of the Dao Extreme Realm, it was once at the Primordial Beginning Realm, and its grasp and application of power were far beyond what ordinary Dao Extreme Realm cultivators could match.

Whether it was the Xuanwu Protector or Mei Yanwang and the others, they were all full of confidence that Ancestor Yanfu would win.

Just then, in the courtyard in the distance where Jin Yi, Luo Anning, and others were imprisoned...

Jin Yi, Luo Anning, and the others also looked up in the direction from which the loud noise came.

"That is--"

Luo Anning, Xiang Xiaoyuan, Tu Shan Hanyu, Dongfang Liuyun, and the others' pupils contracted, and their faces showed horror.

"Are they enemies of the Yanfu Sect?"

Lin Nianchu said in a deep voice, "What terrifying power. This power has probably already touched the Primordial True Meaning."

"Your Yanfu Sect actually has such a trump card?"

Everyone turned their attention to Jin Yi and Sun Jifeng.

Sun Jifeng looked blank, as if he knew nothing at all.

Jin Yi's expression was solemn as he slowly said, "That is Ancestor Yanfu."

It is our Yanfu Sect's greatest trump card.

The Yanfu Sect only summons the phantom of the Yanfu Ancestor when it faces the threat of annihilation.

When Ancestor Yanfu was alive, he was indeed a powerful expert at the Primordial Beginning Realm.

Luo Anning, Xiang Xiaoyuan, Tu Shan Hanyu, and Dongfang Liuyun all looked shocked. Is this the foundation of the top forces in the Great Thousand World?

Compared to them, the foundation of their Great Xuan Dynasty is still too shallow.

The only person the Great Xuan Dynasty could rely on was Su Mu.

"Who made your Yanfu Sect feel threatened?"

Lin Nianchu said with a solemn expression. A figure flashed through her mind, but she couldn't quite believe it.

Let alone Lin Nianchu, even Luo Anning, Xiang Xiaoyuan and others wouldn't dare to think in that direction.

This is the Jambudvipa sect.

Although Su Mu is very strong, he probably still can't do these things against the behemoth that is Yanfu Sect.

"It's Su Mu."

Jin Yi said in a deep voice, "Besides him, I can't think of anyone else."

Even the Great Celestial Venerable was driven away by the Xuanwu Protector, and none of the powerful figures of the Great Qian Dynasty would appear here now. Looking across the world, perhaps only Su Mu remains—”

Jin Yi also found it somewhat unbelievable, but after eliminating all the impossibilities, the only remaining possibility was the truth.

"It must be that Su Mu has come out of seclusion and is fighting with Protector Xuanwu and the others."

Jin Yi said with certainty.

"Although I also hope that Senior Brother Su can teach your Yanfu Sect a good lesson, even if Senior Brother Su really breaks through in the Yanfu Secret Realm, your Yanfu Sect's Xuanwu Protector is a veteran Dao Extreme Realm expert."

Lin Nianchu shook her head and said.

"If you ask me who has a higher cultivation level, I can tell you with certainty that it is the Xuanwu Protector."

But if you ask me who would win if Su Mu and the Xuanwu Protector fought, I'd tell you, I don't know either.

Jin Yi said, "The Xuanwu Protector was injured before. He was able to drive away the Great Celestial Venerable because Su Mu lent him a knife."

"It was because of that knife that Xuanwu Protector and Mei Yanwang became greedy. Don't you all know this?"

Jin Yi's face was flushed.

Even as an elder of the Yanfu Sect, he felt ashamed that the sect had done such a thing.

"I see."

Dongfang Liuyun suddenly said, "That knife was able to help Xuanwu Guardian defeat the Great Heavenly Venerable, and at the same time it could arouse the greed of powerful figures like Xuanwu Guardian and Mei Yanwang, which shows that the power of this knife is extraordinary."

"They are both experts at the Dao Realm, whoever wields this sword will gain the upper hand—"

"Yes."

Jin Yi nodded affirmatively.

"That's right."

Dongfang Liuyun laughed and said, "Your Xuanwu Protector is doomed."

Why did he have to steal weapons of all things, and specifically Su Mu's weapons?

He probably didn't know that Su Mu was the best weapon smith in the world, and no one could take the weapon from Su Mu out of thin air.

It's fine if he doesn't use that knife, but if he dares to use it against Su Mu, I bet Su Mu will teach him a lesson he'll never forget!

Jin Yi's expression froze.

He finally understood.

He felt something was off, but he couldn't figure it out.

Now that Dongfang Liuyun has said this, Jin Yi has finally figured it out.

Su Mu was no naive young man; he had spent his entire life in struggle. When he lent him that knife without hesitation, how could he not have considered the possibility of not returning it?
Su Mu dared to borrow because he wasn't afraid that Yanfu Sect wouldn't repay it.

Jin Yi had no doubt that Su Mu had the means to retrieve that knife.

Dongfang Liuyun is Su Mu's brother. They have known each other for many years and are very familiar with Su Mu.

Even Dongfang Liuyun said so, so it must be true.

Su Mu will definitely have a way to retrieve that knife.

Once Su Mu truly breaks through to the Dao Extreme Realm and retrieves the sword, how could the injured Xuanwu Guardian possibly be his match?
No wonder——

Jin Yi smiled bitterly to himself. No wonder they even summoned the phantom of Ancestor Yanfu.

It seems they really have no way to deal with Su Mu.

"Elder Jin, you mentioned the afterimage of Ancestor Yanfu in the sky. Is he very strong?"

Luo Anning asked, a look of worry on her face.

Her only concern now is Su Mu's safety.

“He’s very strong. Didn’t I tell you? When he was alive, he was a Tai Chu Realm expert, but after all these years, he only has the power of the Dao Extreme Realm left.”

When Ancestor Yanfu died, he left behind the Yanfu Secret Realm and this lingering spirit. Our sect leader gained the recognition of the Yanfu Secret Realm, which is why he was able to mobilize the lingering image of Ancestor Yanfu.

This afterimage is closely related to the Yanfu Secret Realm.

Jin Yi said in a deep voice.

He paused suddenly at this point.

"Damn it! As long as the Yanfu Secret Realm exists, the afterimages are immortal and can wear down Su Mu to death. We must notify Su Mu!"

Jin Yi said.

"I come."

Luo Anning said seriously, her slender fingers moving in a series of motions, instantly forming a hand seal.

hum!
Around the courtyard, beams of light shot into the sky, instantly condensing into a Dharma image, which was formed by an array.

All paths lead to the same goal. When the art of formations is cultivated to a certain level, one can also condense a Dharma image with boundless power.

Luo Anning had been making arrangements here for many days, originally for her own protection.

Now, in order to help Su Mu, she has fully activated the power of the formation.

boom!
That Dharma image soared into the sky and rushed towards the battlefield.

…………

pedal!pedal!pedal!
Su Mu retreated repeatedly.

Xuanwu the Guardian, Mei Yanwang, and others couldn't help but cheer.

They said, how could Su Mu possibly defeat the afterimage of the Old Ancestor Yanfu?
That's the Old Ancestor of Yama.

Back then, the sect leader had the approval of the Yanfu Patriarch, which is why the Yanfu Sect was established with the Patriarch's help.

Ancestor Yanfu, that's a Tai Chu Realm expert.

How could a mere Su Mu possibly contend with the Ancestor of Yanfu?

The difference between them is like that between an ant and an elephant.

No matter how arrogant Su Mu is, when faced with absolute strength, he will only face defeat and death.

So what if he gained some advantage just now?
As long as the Yanfu Secret Realm exists, the afterimage of the Yanfu Ancestor will never die.

Even if Su Mu's body is strong, he cannot achieve immortality.

This was a match where the odds were completely mismatched!

"It turns out that the power of this Immortal-Slaying Blade is even stronger than I imagined."

The Xuanwu Protector's eyes gleamed with greed as he slowly said, "If I had been able to wield the Immortal-Slaying Blade to this extent before, the Heavenly Venerable would have had no chance of escaping."

What a fine Su Mu! He truly deserves to be called the world's top weaponsmith. His understanding of weapons is indeed superior to mine.

What a pity—

Although the Xuanwu Protector is somewhat greedy, he is, after all, a Dao Extreme Realm expert, and you cannot doubt his judgment.

Mei Yanwang couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. It was truly a shame that such a genius was going to be ruined by them.

But there was nothing they could do; Su Mu simply wouldn't cooperate.

Su Mu already harbors resentment towards the Yanfu Sect. Under these circumstances, the more terrifying Su Mu's talent is, the more likely he is to die.

If you don't nip the problem in the bud, it will lead to endless troubles.

Fortunately, the lingering regret of the Old Ancestor Yanfu did not disappoint him.

The patriarch, with his lingering regret, once again saved the Yanfu Sect from dire straits.

"The Immortal-Slaying Blade is mine. In return, I will personally extend the life of the Yanfu Secret Realm by a hundred years to make up for the loss of Su Mu."

The Xuanwu Guardian is already planning how to wrap things up.

For a Dao-Extreme Realm expert to extend the lifespan of a secret realm, they must pay a huge price, and under normal circumstances, even a Dao-Extreme Realm expert would be unwilling to do so.

But for the Immortal-Slaying Blade, the Xuanwu Protector was willing to pay this price.

The more he saw the power of the Immortal-Slaying Blade in Su Mu's hands, the more excited he became.

He couldn't wait to get his hands on the Immortal-Slaying Blade and test it on his former rival.

…………

Su Mu steadied himself and looked up ahead.

He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his left thumb, a bitter smile involuntarily appearing on his face.

"Zhang Yuanshi, Zhang Yuanshi, we're all from the same hometown, do you have to be so cruel?"

Su Mu thought to himself, "This is what I'm complaining about."

However, he also knew that what he saw in front of him was just an afterimage of Zhang Yuanshi, and that there was no consciousness in it.

All the opponent had was the instinct to fight.

This time-traveling predecessor was incredibly powerful when he was alive, but even he couldn't withstand the power of time. In the long river of time, his life and consciousness had long since dissipated, leaving only the Yanfu Secret Realm and this lingering shadow guarding it.

After a brief exchange, Su Mu had already made up his mind.

Even with the Immortal-Slaying Blade in hand, he was no match for Zhang Yuanshi's afterimage.

Zhang Yuanshi's cultivation level was higher than his, and the Immortal-Slaying Blade was once Zhang Yuanshi's personal magical treasure.

Facing Zhang Yuanshi, Su Mu had absolutely no advantage.

In other words, this afterimage was left only with fighting instincts. If it really was Zhang Yuanshi here, then Su Mu's only choice would be to turn around and run away.

Whether they can escape is uncertain.

However, if Zhang Yuanshi were still alive, they might not have fought each other.

Since we're all time travelers, and we're from the same hometown, Zhang Yuanshi might just give him some more opportunities.

As his mind raced, a figure flew over and crashed heavily into Zhang Yuanshi.

Zhang Yuanshi was knocked off balance and stumbled, then turned around and smashed the figure to pieces with a single punch.

Just as the figure disappeared, a voice rang in Su Mu's mind.

Su Mu recognized the voice immediately; it was none other than Luo Anning's voice.

Upon hearing Luo Anning's voice transmission in an instant, Su Mu's eyes lit up.

"I see!"

The corners of his mouth raised slightly.

He had a vague suspicion before, but he was too busy fighting Zhang Yuanshi's afterimages to think about it carefully.

Now that Luo Anning reminded him, Su Mu immediately realized what was going on.

It turns out that the foundation of Zhang Yuanshi's afterimage lies in the Yanfu Secret Realm!

Su Mu thought even further ahead, recalling the entire panorama of the Yanfu Secret Realm that he had seen when he was in a state of spiritual transcendence during his breakthrough.

The foundation of the Yanfu Secret Realm is the remains of Zhang Yuanshi.

So, does this afterimage also exist because of that skeleton?

A cold glint flashed deep in Su Mu's eyes.

Although he had seen the skeleton before, Su Mu couldn't bring himself to destroy someone's foundation, given that he was an ally of the Yanfu Sect.

but now--

It was the Yanfu sect that made the first move.

No wonder Su Mu dug three feet into the ground!
With a slight straightening of his back, Su Mu unleashed the Immortal-Slaying Blade once more.

Swish swish!
The flashing blades wove a net that once again enveloped Zhang Yuanshi's afterimage.

Taking advantage of the brief moment when Zhang Yuanshi's steps were halted, Su Mu swayed and retreated instead of advancing.

It instantly disappeared into the cave he had come out of earlier.

Everyone from the Yanfu Sect was taken aback.

They had been on guard against Su Mu escaping, but they never expected him to return the way he came.

After all, according to normal thinking, when faced with the encirclement and suppression of the Yanfu Sect, one should break through and escape if there is an opportunity.

Turning back to the Yanfu Secret Realm would be like walking into a trap.

Can hiding in the Yanfu Secret Realm really help me escape being hunted down?
How is that possible!

Entering the Yanfu Secret Realm will only lead to being trapped like a turtle in a jar!

The Yanfu Secret Realm belongs to their Yanfu Sect. How could they not find Su Mu in the Yanfu Secret Realm?
Moreover, the Yanfu Secret Realm is the hometown of the ancestor's lingering image, and no one is more familiar with the Yanfu Secret Realm than the ancestor.

Su Mu's cleverness backfired, and he ended up in a dead end.

Xuanwu Protector and Mei Yanwang and the others exchanged glances, all feeling confident of victory.

as predicted.

The afterimage of Ancestor Yanfu quickly shattered the net woven from the sword light, and then strode after Su Mu.

One after the other, they simultaneously entered the entrance to the Yanfu Secret Realm.

Xuanwu Protector and Mei Yanwang and others also entered the underground cave and arrived at the underground space where the entrance to the Yanfu Secret Realm was located.

Looking at the dark entrance, they did not go inside.

There are thousands of scenes in the Yanfu Secret Realm, and they don't know which scene Su Mu has run into.

Even if you get inside, you might not be able to see the battle between Su Mu and the ancestor's afterimages.

Moreover, entering now risks being caught in the crossfire of Su Mu and the Ancestor's battle.

What if Su Mu ambushes us? Wouldn't that be terrible?
It's better to stay here and wait for the battle to be decided.

hum!
The entrance to the Yanfu Secret Realm trembled violently.

"The ancestral afterimage has found Su Mu."

Mei Yanwang couldn't help but say, "They're already fighting, it's a pity we won't see the Ancestor's heroic figure defeating Su Mu..."

"The process is not important; the result is what matters."

The Xuanwu Protector calmly said, "At most a few hours later, the ancestor's afterimage will return to us with Su Mu's corpse."

Xiaomei, give the order that nothing that happened here today must be leaked.

Anyone who dares to speak nonsense will be treated as a traitor!

Mei Yanwang's expression instantly turned extremely serious, and he bowed in agreement.

"Guardian, what should we do with Jin Yi, Sun Jifeng, and the people Su Mu brought?"

Mei Yanwang hesitated for a moment before asking.

"If Jin Yi and Sun Jifeng repent, then give them another chance. As for the rest, kill them all."

The Xuanwu Protector said casually.

To him, a few lives were utterly insignificant.

"Someone just reported that among the people Su Mu brought, there is a master of formations. They have set up a defensive formation that will be difficult to break through in the short term."

Mei Yanwang Dao.

"I always tell you to cultivate diligently, but none of you take it seriously. Now do you realize how useless you are?"

The Xuanwu Protector sneered, "You've completely disgraced the Yanfu Sect by letting a single formation block your path!"

He glanced at the entrance to the secret realm, which was still trembling slightly, and knew that Su Mu and the ancestor's afterimage would not be able to determine a winner for the time being.

"Forget it, I'll go myself. After all, they were brought by Su Mu, so it's already a lot of face for them to die at my hands."

"The Xuanwu Protector said, then turned and walked outside."

Mei Yanwang was still standing there when he heard Xuanwu Protector say, "What are you all standing there for? Lead the way!"

…………

Within the secret realm of Yanfu.

Su Mu had entered a void, surrounded by bubbles all around his body.

Each bubble is a small world.

And every bubble has a line connecting it to a golden skeleton in the void.

As Su Mu flew over, he felt a powerful pressure coming towards him even when he was still a long distance away from the skeleton.

That aura was so powerful that even with Su Mu's current cultivation level, he felt short of breath.

Although it was just a skeleton, in Su Mu's eyes it was as if he were facing a universe.

"A Primordial Realm expert, indeed living up to his reputation."

Su Mu was deeply shaken and thought to himself.

Just then, Zhang Yuanshi's afterimage flew over.

Seemingly because it was getting closer to its own skeleton, the afterimage became solidified at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Even her previously dull eyes seemed to have become much more lively.

Su Mu cursed inwardly.

Did it backfire?

Zhang Yuanshi really knows how to get himself into trouble.

As he got closer to the skeleton, his afterimage actually became stronger!
Why should fellow villagers make things difficult for each other?

Su Mu thought to himself, "You're putting me in a difficult position."

Su Mu turned to face Zhang Yuanshi's afterimage, knowing that this battle was inevitable.

To refine this skeleton, or even master the Yanfu Secret Realm, one must overcome the obstacle of this afterimage before one's eyes.

"There are no outsiders now."

The fighting spirit in Su Mu's eyes grew stronger and stronger. "Then let's have a good fight."

boom!
Su Mu's aura continued to rise, reaching its peak in an instant.

He slowly raised the Immortal-Slaying Blade in his hand.

The next moment, he lunged forward.

Zhang Yuanshi's afterimage's eyes also lit up. He let out a silent roar, leaving behind a trail of afterimages, and collided with Su Mu.

Rumble.

In this void, two powerful beings clashed.

…………

boom!
The Xuanwu Guardian struck down with a palm.

The light barrier in the air only lasted for two breaths before it exploded with a bang.

In the courtyard, Luo Anning spat out a mouthful of blood and staggered backward.

If Xiang Xiaoyuan hadn't caught her in time, she probably would have lost her balance.

The group of people looked up, their faces pale.

Jin Yi and Sun Jifeng's bodies even began to tremble slightly.

The Xuanwu Guardian actually came in person.

Did Su Mu lose?

Luo Anning, Xiang Xiaoyuan, and Tu Shan Hanyu all turned pale.

They had thought of that too.

If Su Mu hadn't been defeated, how could the Xuanwu Protector have been able to deal with them?
Dongfang Liuyun stepped forward, blocking Luo Anning and the others, and his aura exploded.

He was only at the Dao Source Realm, and facing the Xuanwu Protector at the Dao Extreme Realm, his aura was as insignificant as a firefly.

But there was no fear on his face.

He stared intently at the Xuanwu Guardian, slowly assuming a fighting stance.

The Great Xuan Taiping Division: We may die, but we will never back down!
"Old Jin—"

Sun Jifeng trembled all over and couldn't help but whisper.

"Things have come to this, let's fight."

Jin Yi sighed and said slowly, "They came to Yanfu Sect because they trusted me. I can't just stand by and watch them die at the hands of Yanfu Sect."

"If I die in front of them, at least I can save face when I see Su Mu again."

He stepped forward and stood beside Dongfang Liuyun.

"Brother Dongfang, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Jin Yi turned to look at Dongfang Liuyun and said, "I will prove my innocence with my blood."

This is not the situation I wanted to see.

Before he could finish speaking, Jin Yi had already turned to look at the Xuanwu Protector.

"Jin Yi of Yanfu Sect, please enlighten me, Dharma Protector!"

He roared and soared into the sky, charging towards the Xuanwu Protector like a moth drawn to a flame.

"Old Jin, how could I be left out of the fight? Even on the road to the underworld, we'll still be partners!"

Sun Jifeng roared and also leaped into the air. (End of Chapter)