Lingyuan Immortal

Chapter 993 The Profound Yang Great Sword and the Golden Immortal's Dao Beacon
One by one, the figures from the Floating Cloud Realm disappeared from the high platform.

Chen Muzhui was at the back of the group, his brows slightly furrowed, his gaze darting back and forth between the platform and the Weak Water, as if trying to capture some indescribable sense of unease.

Murong Xi was about to follow Si Xuanshuang into the vortex when she suddenly sensed something, stopped in her tracks, turned around to look at his pensive expression, and asked, "Junior brother, what's wrong? Did you sense something amiss?"

Chen Mu shook his head, his gaze still thoughtful: "It's nothing, I just feel something's strange."

Seeing that he was being vague, Murong Xi simply stopped in her tracks. Fu Danian, who had not yet moved, also came over: "What's so strange? Brother Chen, please speak freely."

Chen Mu paused, his gaze falling on the spot where many cultivators had just drowned. His voice was calm yet insightful: "Senior Sister, Fellow Daoist Fu, have you noticed if any of those who failed and were eliminated in this trial came from immortal sects?"

Upon hearing this, Murong Xi carefully recalled what she had seen and heard while crossing the water. After a moment, she slowly shook her head: "Now that you mention it... it seems that it really is not true. It seems that all the disciples of the Immortal Sect, regardless of their foundation, have successfully crossed the water."

"The strange thing is precisely this." Chen Mu's eyes narrowed slightly.

After a moment's thought, Fu Danian replied, "Forgive my bluntness, but this trial is designed to select the best candidates for 'inheriting the Dao.' Those disciples who are favored by the Immortal Sect and come to participate in this Golden Immortal trial are naturally all well-established, have a harmonious Dao foundation, and are full of vitality."

"Isn't it only natural that they all passed? It would be really strange if too many were eliminated."

Chen Mu smiled slightly: "If that's really the case, then what's the point of this test? Since every member of the Immortal Sect meets the standard of 'good talent and excellent qualities,' why bother setting up this Weak Water Three Thousand Test? It's just a waste of effort and manpower."

Upon hearing this, Fu Danian frowned sharply, opened his mouth but was speechless for a moment, and felt a chill creep up his spine.

Murong Xi's gaze suddenly sharpened: "Junior Brother, are you saying... this trial is ostensibly to select 'talented individuals,' but in reality... it's to select us 'helpers'?"

"Their true purpose is to use the 'testing the Dao' ability of the Weak Water to legitimately eliminate some of the 'untimely' helpers for those direct descendants of immortal sects in advance?"

Isn't that exactly what Granny Liu is like?

Despite possessing profound cultivation and seasoned experience at the advanced stage of the Dao Inquiry Realm, he was no longer at his peak due to the erosion of time, and his Dao foundation was slightly flawed. He was defeated in the first stage, and all his skills were rendered useless.

This is undoubtedly a major loss for He Zhiyun.

So, who benefits?
Fu Danian had finally figured things out, and his expression turned somewhat grim, though still tinged with confusion and resentment:

"If you intend to favor your own disciples and limit their support, then why pretend to allow others to seek help everywhere? Why not just let everyone compete based on their own abilities? Why create this seemingly fair but actually treacherous scheme? Do you really think everyone else is blind?"

"There's no way of knowing that."

Chen Mu's gaze remained calm as he looked at the vortex of light and shadow leading to the unknown, as if he could see through the possible schemes behind it. "Perhaps it's to maintain some kind of superficial 'balance'? Perhaps it's part of the selection process itself, filtering out 'employers' who can provide 'qualified' assistance? Or perhaps, there's a deeper meaning..."

He suddenly chuckled softly, shook his head, as if brushing away all his previous speculations, and his tone returned to calm: "Forget it, there's no point in thinking too much. Whether it's a blessing or a curse, we'll only know by walking along. Let's go."

The three of them suppressed the turmoil in their hearts, straightened their expressions, and stepped forward one after another without hesitation. Their figures were instantly swallowed up by the mesmerizing and ever-changing vortex of light and shadow.

The next moment, the world was spinning.

When the dizzying stream of light finally subsided and their vision cleared, the three of them were shocked to find themselves in a strange void.

The surroundings were devoid of sun and moon, deep and vast, as if one were in a frozen ancient starry sky.

However, this starry sky is not whole; as far as the eye can see, it is all broken.

Countless fragments of stars of varying sizes and shapes, like mountains and continents shattered by an invisible force, floated silently in the void, slowly drifting and rotating.

Each fragment exudes an ancient and weathered aura, with spatial fissures faintly visible at its edges, flowing with a hazy halo...

"Oh no! Where are He Xian's men?"

Fu Danian suddenly spoke up and hurriedly looked around.

In the vast starry sky, apart from the drifting fragments of stars, there was only deathly silence. Where were He Zhiyun and the others? It was as if only the three of them remained in this shattered starry sky.

Chen Mu frowned slightly, never expecting that by arriving only a moment later, he would be completely separated from the main group.

"It seems to be random teleportation... The spatial fragments in this second level are natural teleportation nodes, which have scattered everyone."

Although Murong Xi was startled, she remained calm. With a flick of her wrist, a palm-sized, translucent white jade pendant appeared in her palm.

She silently channeled her magical power into it, and several faint but clear points of light immediately appeared on the surface of the jade pendant. Three of them were clustered together, which were themselves, while another slightly larger cluster of points of light was gathered a little further away.

"The connection between the mother and child jade is still present."

A hint of relief appeared on Murong Xi's usually cold face. "He Zhenjun and the others should be in one place. Although they are not very close to us, we can tell their direction."

Given the current unclear situation and the potential crisis lurking behind any fragment, regrouping with the main force as soon as possible is the best course of action.

The three reached a consensus and immediately activated their protective spiritual light, transforming into three streaks of light of different colors. They carefully moved forward in the shattered star space, heading in the direction sensed by the Mother and Child Jade.

However, before any danger could be encountered, an unexpected joy quietly came into view.

Just as they passed by a fragment of a star about a hundred feet in diameter, an astonishing surge of spiritual energy and an incomparably sharp sword intent, like a volcano suppressed for ten thousand years, suddenly erupted from a huge spatial rift inside the fragment!

The light was dazzling, and its sharpness cleaved through the void. Even through the spatial barrier, it sent chills down one's spine and made one's soul tremble.

The three of them paused, their eyes instantly drawn to the direction.

With their knowledge and experience, how could they not sense it? There must be a great treasure deep within this fragment! And it is very likely that it is a Dao artifact or divine weapon of extremely high grade!
"How to say……"

Fu Danian's Adam's apple bobbed, his eyes fixed on the crack, almost unable to move his feet.

The opportunity was right before their eyes, within reach, and easily within their grasp... The thought of meeting up first was instantly overshadowed by this astonishing temptation.

"Should we... find out what's going on?"

Right now, it's just the three of them. They don't need to share the spoils with others, nor do they need to worry about He Zhiyun's displeasure. If they can really succeed, it will be a huge gain!

Chen Mu chuckled, not responding immediately, but instead looking at Murong Xi: "Have He Zhenjun and the others shown any signs of moving?"

Murong Xi sensed the mother and child jade again and shook her head, saying, "No, their cluster of light is not moving at all, as if they are also exploring or resting."

"Since that's the case, a little longer won't make a difference."

A knowing glint flashed in Chen Mu's eyes.

If he is not mistaken, this seemingly easy-to-obtain yet fatally tempting "opportunity" is probably the very trial of the second stage, the "Corridor of Myriad Phenomena".

Encountering it now might not necessarily be a disaster.

He looked at Murong Xi: "What does Senior Sister think?"

A sharp glint flashed in Murong Xi's eyes.

She wasn't particularly interested in ordinary things, but such a sharp and piercing spiritual object, and the trial rules it might reveal, aroused her strong desire to explore.

"Since we've encountered it, there's no reason to avoid it."

Having reached a consensus, the three no longer hesitated.

They first probed the spatial rift with their divine senses, carefully sensing it.

Although the aura within the rift was powerful and sharp, no obvious killing formation was detected.

After confirming that it was initially safe, the three streaks of light did not hesitate and, like swimming fish, suddenly passed through the distorted spatial portal.

The view suddenly opened up before them; they were now in an extremely ancient and spacious hall.

The massive stone pillars were broken and crumbling, and the walls, riddled with cracks, still bore indistinct murals; the dome had long since collapsed...

However, before the three could even stand firm and carefully examine the ruins, a fierce aura capable of freezing one's soul suddenly erupted!

"Roar--!!!"

A deafening roar echoed through the empty hall, as if it came from the primordial era.

A burst of golden light flashed before my eyes, and a stench of blood assaulted my senses.

The three of them felt a blur before their eyes, and a devouring force descended upon them, with a gigantic maw filled with sharp white teeth already upon them.

The speed was so fast that there was no time to think!

At the critical moment of life and death, the foundation and fighting instincts that the three had cultivated over many years erupted instantly!
"shift!"

Chen Mu shouted, and water vapor filled his body. His figure disappeared on the spot like a bubble, and the next moment he was already thousands of feet away.

With a light touch of her toes, Murong Xi transformed into a wisp of cloud, seemingly slow yet incredibly fast, gliding away with extreme swiftness.

Fu Danian was enveloped in a flash of golden light, and the phantom of an ancient copper coin flashed above his head. He was pushed away as if by an invisible force, rolling to avoid the area being devoured.

Boom!

The spot where they had stood was now riddled with holes by the giant jaws, sending rubble and dust flying everywhere.

The three were still in shock and hurriedly turned around to look. Even though they were well-traveled and knowledgeable, they were dumbfounded at this moment.

A colossal creature hovered in the air above the main hall, exuding an overwhelming aura of ferocity.

It was over thirty feet long, and its entire body was covered with reddish-gold diamond-shaped scales, each of which seemed to be cast from molten Xuan Yang Divine Gold, with dark red flame patterns flowing along its edges.

The enormous dragon's body was twisted and gnarled, its muscles bulging, brimming with explosive power.

What is most terrifying is its dragon head, which is as majestic as a dragon and has eyes like two small burning suns, spewing out golden flames.

A terrifying aura of extreme strength and masculinity, accompanied by the savage pressure of an ancient ferocious beast, swept across the entire dilapidated hall like a tangible tsunami!
"What's going on? How can there still be living things here?"

Fu Danian was shocked, thinking he had fallen into a trap.

Golden light flashed in Chen Mu's eyes as his primordial spirit swept over the colossal creature emanating terrifying pressure. Then, a knowing smile appeared on his lips: "Fellow Daoist Fu, don't panic. The opportunity... isn't it right before your eyes?"

"Hmm?" Fu Danian was startled, suppressing his palpitations, and focused his senses again. This time, he keenly detected that the core of the seemingly flesh-and-blood Xuan Yang Great Flood Dragon was not surging blood and demonic power, but rather an extremely sharp... sword intent.
That enormous dragon body, and that Xuan Yang power that incinerates everything, are all derived from and supported by the sword intent at its core!
"This...this is not some ancient ferocious beast at all!"

Fu Danian exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of ecstasy and shock, "It's clearly a manifestation of a spirited, divinely powerful Xuan Yang Greatsword! How fierce! What a treasure!"

Murong Xi instantly understood, and an unprecedented fighting spirit burst forth in her eyes: "What a fierce Dao artifact! It can actually take form like this, and it's full of spirituality. I'll capture it!"

Before she could finish speaking, she had already made her move!

"Yun Sheng!"

With a clear shout, Murong Xi's figure soared up like a startled swan, summoning the sword amidst the clouds and water. The sword was as clear and bright as water, yet its movements were not sharp sword energy, but rather large swirling wisps of misty clouds.

The clouds surged and instantly transformed into countless fine, silk-like, and incredibly resilient cloud and water sword energies, weaving together into an invisible sword net that blotted out the sky and descended upon the Xuan Yang Great Dragon that was circling and roaring in mid-air!

This is precisely the profound mystery of her "Life-Giving Cloud and Water Sword" Dao Fruit!

Sword energy transforms into clouds and water, possessing both extreme softness and resilience, and is endlessly regenerating, excelling at trapping and wearing down enemies.

"Roar!"

Sensing the threat, the Xuan Yang Great Flood Dragon let out an angry roar. Its massive tail, like a pillar supporting the sky, lashed out fiercely at the enveloping Cloud Water Sword Net with the power of Xuan Yang True Fire that could incinerate all things and the force of wind and thunder.

boom--!
The crimson flames and the cloud-water sword energy collided violently, erupting with dazzling light and deafening roar.

The clouds churned and evaporated violently, but Murong Xi's sword technique changed again, and the dissipated clouds were quickly regenerated and reconciled under the endless flow of Daoist energy.

In an instant, the hall was filled with swirling clouds, soaring flames, and crisscrossing sword energy.

Murong Xi's movements were as elusive as a fairy in the clouds, her sword strikes were continuous and her sword energy was inexhaustible, and she actually managed to temporarily trap the ferocious Xuan Yang dragon in the sword net, fighting as if she were in complete control.

"Great!" Fu Danian was mesmerized and couldn't help but cheer.

Chen Mu frowned slightly. He keenly sensed that although Murong Xi's Cloud Water Sword Net was incredibly resilient, under the violent impact of the Xuan Yang Great Dragon and the scorching flames that burned everything, its regeneration speed was already lagging behind the speed of destruction.

The domineering and pure sword intent contained within that dragon's body was probably far beyond what was expected...

really!

The stalemate lasted less than ten breaths. Suddenly, the Xuan Yang Great Flood Dragon's eyes flashed with ferocity, and the crimson-gold horn on its head burst forth with blazing white lightning that pierced through the void!

"hold head high--!"

With an even louder roar, a bolt of Xuan Yang Demon-Slaying Divine Thunder, as thick as a bucket, suddenly erupted from the tip of the unicorn horn.

Wherever the lightning passed, space itself distorted, emitting mournful cries of unbearable strain.

Tsk-!
The incredibly tough Cloud Water Sword Net was torn apart instantly by this terrifying divine lightning that slays evil and breaks the law, like a hot knife cutting through butter.

The backlash from the shattered sword net caused Murong Xi to grunt, her body swaying slightly, and her face paling instantly.

The Xuan Yang Great Flood Dragon, having escaped its confinement, had its ferocity fully unleashed.

It stopped circling and its massive body transformed into a streak of crimson-gold lightning that tore through the sky, hurtling straight at Murong Xi at an even faster speed than before!
"Watch out!" Fu Danian exclaimed in alarm.

Murong Xi's pupils shrank suddenly, realizing that the power of this transformed artifact far exceeded her previous assessment.

She instantly channeled all her magic power into the sword, becoming one with it, transforming into a condensed, cloud-like sword light, attempting to break through the encirclement, while simultaneously shouting:
"Junior brother, help me!"

Needless to say.

"Blessings are immeasurable!"

Fu Danian reacted extremely quickly, his hands forming hand seals with lightning speed, and his whole body radiating golden light.

Giant, ancient copper coin phantoms, formed from pure golden light of good fortune, appeared out of thin air, layer upon layer, like the strongest shield, instantly blocking Murong Xi's way. The golden light flowed, radiating a peaceful, resilient, and calamity-dispelling Daoist charm.

boom! boom! boom!
The Xuan Yang Great Flood Dragon crashed violently into the golden copper coin, unleashing a series of deafening roars.

The golden light flickered violently, and the illusory image of the copper coin shattered one after another, but the golden light continued to regenerate, stubbornly resisting this terrifying impact.

Fu Danian's face flushed red, and veins bulged on his forehead, clearly indicating that he was under immense pressure.

At the same time, Chen Mu made a move.

Instead of rushing towards the giant dragon, he took a step forward, his feet lightly treading on the void.

"Zeding, hold the position!"

Om-!
A resounding clang, seemingly from the ancient wilderness, echoed throughout the dilapidated hall.

Behind Chen Mu, a blurry yet incredibly heavy three-legged cauldron suddenly appeared, its body radiating the Daoist aura of flowing water and the cycle of life and death in the marshlands.

In an instant, the entire hall seemed to be filled with invisible heavy water, the air became viscous and heavy like mercury syrup, and the space seemed to solidify.

The Xuan Yang Great Flood Dragon, which was as fast as lightning, seemed to be stuck in an endless deep sea swamp. Its speed dropped sharply, and every movement became extremely sluggish.

Murong Xi felt a sudden relief from the pressure. A cold glint flashed in her eyes as she seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Sword rises! Clouds vanish, water condenses!"

The longsword in her hand burst forth with an unprecedented clear light, and the ever-flowing cloud and water sword energy no longer dispersed, but instantly condensed and compressed.

The clouds vanished, transforming into a refined, deep blue sword aura.

Within the sword's aura, clouds and water intertwine, transforming ultimate flexibility into ultimate sharpness!

"cut!"

Murong Xi followed the sword, her body transforming into a stunning blue swan. Taking advantage of the moment when the Xuan Yang Great Flood Dragon was suppressed by the Ze Ding force field, she thrust her sword towards its vital point!

Pfft——!
The incredibly refined, deep blue sword energy, carrying an inexhaustible penetrating power, pierced the gap in the Reverse Scale with unparalleled precision.

“Ouch——!!!”

The Xuan Yang Great Flood Dragon let out a deafening roar of pain, its massive body writhing and twisting violently, its crimson-gold light flashing wildly.

The suppressive power of Ze Ding and its own struggle created a terrifying confrontation, causing the entire dilapidated hall to shake violently, with rubble falling down in a flurry.

"Fellow Daoist Fu." Chen Mu called out in a low voice, maintaining the suppression of Ze Ding while diverting a wisp of his mind.

"Bind!" Fu Danian understood immediately, and changed his hand seals again.

The golden copper coin phantoms guarding Murong Xi instantly disintegrated, transforming into countless fine golden light strands that, as if possessing life, flexibly wrapped around the massive body of the Xuan Yang Great Flood Dragon.

Ancient runes flowed on the light rope, radiating a powerful sealing and binding force, which, together with the suppression of the Ze Ding, tightened tightly.

Beset by internal and external troubles, its core has been damaged!
The struggle of the Xuan Yang Great Flood Dragon finally began to weaken, and the crimson-gold light on its body contracted violently like a candle flickering in the wind.

Finally, under the combined suppression of the three, accompanied by a mournful cry like the roar of a dragon and the howl of a sword, the ferocious and powerful crimson-gold dragon body suddenly burst forth with dazzling light.

When the light faded, the dragon's shadow vanished without a trace.

In mid-air, only a long sword remained, silently suspended.

The sword is four feet three inches long and two palms wide. It is made entirely of pure gold. The blade is broad and heavy, covered with fine and mysterious flame and cloud patterns. A brilliant golden line runs from the guard to the tip of the sword, as if it contains an undying sun.

The sword guard resembles a dragon's head swallowing its prey, and the hilt is wrapped with dark gold dragon scale patterns.

The entire sword exudes a blazing, domineering, and all-consuming Xuan Yang aura. Its sharpness is contained within, and it is as heavy as a mountain. It is undoubtedly a high-grade Dao artifact with astonishing power.

"It's done!" Fu Danian breathed a sigh of relief, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, his eyes filled with excitement and lingering fear.

He eagerly leaped forward and carefully grasped the hilt of the Xuan Yang Greatsword.

It felt incredibly heavy in his hand, and a scorching and domineering sword intent surged through his arm, almost setting him ablaze.

He channeled his magic power, barely managing to suppress it, and tried waving it a couple of times.

boom! boom!
The sword's edge sliced ​​through the void, bringing with it a muffled sound of wind and thunder. Crimson-gold flames of sword energy flickered in and out of existence, displaying astonishing power.

"What a fine sword! What a heavy sword! What domineering power!"

Fu Danian was overjoyed and his eyes were filled with ecstasy.

Although this sword does not perfectly align with the righteous and peaceful teachings of his Fusheng Temple, it matches his character. In particular, its grade and power are quite impressive, enough to boost his combat strength.

Just as Fu Danian was hesitating about whether to make some "excessive demands," another unexpected event occurred.

The entire dilapidated hall suddenly trembled violently, and the three of them immediately became alert.

Then, the vast spiritual energy that had dissipated during the battle and the sharp Daoist aura remaining after the Xuan Yang Great Sword was withdrawn seemed to be drawn by some invisible force, flowing like rivers into the sea and frantically converging towards the center of the hall.

A hazy aura filled the air, and Dao patterns intertwined.

In the blink of an eye, a strange fragment the size of a fist, shaped like a crystal star, condensed and took shape at the convergence point of spiritual light and Daoist energy, and floated quietly.

It is completely translucent, and inside it seems to contain a dazzling starry sky that is constantly being created and destroyed. Countless tiny points of light flicker and flow like stars, emitting a mysterious aura that points directly to the origin of the Great Dao.

The moment the crystal star fragment took shape, a mysterious feeling suddenly arose in the hearts of the three. They suddenly realized that this object was formed from the Daoist thoughts of Immortal Lord Yunmiao, and was called a "Dao Beacon." As long as they could collect nine of them, they could step into the third stage...

The feeling was crystal clear, as if it were etched into my heart...

……

(End of this chapter)