Immortals of the End Times

Chapter 118: Zhixia's Predicament, Sword Qi and Thunderous Sound
"My father back then..."

Hua Qingshuang's eyes dimmed slightly, her voice as soft as snow falling into a cold pool: "A month before the opening of the Tiannan Secret Realm, I went to the Lonely Cloud Sword Cave to cultivate in seclusion."

She looked up at Zhao Wuji, a rare flicker of emotion appearing in her eyes. "The Lonely Cloud Sword Cave has never been open to the outer peaks."

At that time, he was entrusted by the cave master to explore and pave the way for the Tiannan Secret Realm, which is how he obtained this opportunity.

She took out an ice crystal sword token, her voice growing increasingly cold: "Later, in remembrance of my father, I went through great lengths to obtain a spot for comprehension and enter the Sword Cave. Alas..."

“My understanding of swordsmanship is far inferior to yours. Although I sensed some sword intent through this sword token back then, I have never been able to confirm it.”

"Those who left behind sword intent in the Sword Cave throughout the ages are all masters of Lone Cloud Peak."

Hua Qingshuang suddenly raised her eyes, her gaze sharp as a sword. "Since my father is not the peak master, why is he paying attention to the Sword Cave? What's even stranger is..."

Her voice grew colder, "Over the years, not a single person on Lonely Cloud Peak has sensed this sword intent. Even I almost thought it was an illusion. But now that you say so..."

"Peak Master suspects..." Zhao Wuji's eyes flickered slightly, "What deeper meaning did your father leave behind in the Sword Cave with his sword intent?"

"Indeed, those who are enlightened by the sword see the sword as they see the person, and the sword's intent is just like the person's intent."

Hua Qingshuang nodded, her eyes sharp as blades beneath her frosty eyelashes. "We both cultivated the 'Mysterious Ice Sword Technique' to perfection. If my father deliberately concealed his sword intent..."

She suddenly raised her head, "Only you and I can sense it. I have no chance to enter the Sword Cave again, but if you can find any clues within it..."

Zhao Wuji understood immediately and solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute: "I will do my best."

He didn't make any boastful promises, but the word "do his best" was the biggest commitment he could make.

He also keenly sensed Hua Qingshuang's unusual hesitation and wariness.

The only one who could make the Peak Master wary and cautious is probably the Cave Master.

He then inquired about some information related to the Tiannan Secret Realm and what happened back then.

Only then did I learn that the Tiannan Secret Realm was the first to open since the spiritual energy was cut off during the Ming Dynasty.

Back then, Hua Lengyun, as a representative of Linlang Cave Heaven, went to explore the secret realm with experts from Yunfeng Cave Heaven and other places, but ultimately perished there.

"That time of reclamation," Hua Qingshuang tapped the ice table lightly with her fingers, "the cultivators from various grotto-heavens did bring back many good things, but my father lost his life in it, and the soul lamp left in the grotto-heaven was shattered."

Her gaze shifted slightly, as if recalling something: "Within that secret realm, there were ancient spiritual herbs, fragments of magical treasures, mind-concentrating pills, and even intact storage bags."

Five years ago, she went to the secret realm to search for her father's remains. In the end, she only found a lot of resources and broke through her cultivation level, but gained nothing.

"Now, another six years have passed."

Hua Qingshuang suddenly looked directly at Zhao Wuji, her eyes filled with expectation, "The Tiannan Secret Realm is a world unto itself, with spiritual energy as abundant as in ancient times. In this world of declining Dharma, it is an excellent treasure land, rich in resources."

Although there are dangers, in this age of declining Dharma, the struggle for immortality is fierce. Without competition, there are no resources, and no chance of advancement.

Her tone turned serious: "Unfortunately, the restrictions on the secret realm have been tightening year by year. Eleven years ago, one could enter only at the tenth level of Qi Refining."

Five years ago, it required eight levels or less.

this time"

She shook her head: "I'm afraid only those at the sixth or seventh level of Qi Refining can avoid the repulsion of the restriction."

Zhao Wuji's heart skipped a beat.

If that's true, his current cultivation level...
"The Yin-Yang Pearl can conceal my cultivation level, but I wonder if it can fool the restrictions of that secret realm. It probably can, right?"

"With your swordsmanship skills, you will surely be able to obtain a lot of resources and a place in the Tiannan Secret Realm when it opens this time."

A deep meaning flashed in Hua Qingshuang's cold eyes, "However..."

She paused slightly before saying, "Use the resources you obtain in the secret realm if you can. If you bring them out, they will no longer be yours."

A glint flashed in Zhao Wuji's eyes, and he immediately understood.

That's it!

No wonder the cave heaven planted the mind-controlling spell on its disciples. It turns out that it not only planted the seeds of loyalty on a daily basis, but also wanted to use the disciples to seize resources from the secret realm.

"If I were lucky enough to obtain the Mind-Concentrating Pill..."

He suddenly smiled, a sly glint in his eyes, "I'll definitely secretly offer it to the Peak Master to help you break through to the Condensation Realm as soon as possible. Then, wouldn't I be able to roam freely in the Cave Heaven?"

These words, though seemingly flattering, actually concealed a deeper meaning: he also needed Hua Qingshuang's breakthrough to help him seize the Dragon Vein Yang Marrow.

If other fellow disciples under the Bewitching Curse were to overhear this private conversation between the two, they would likely be terrified.

After all, in this magnificent paradise, such blasphemous words are simply unheard of!

Hua Qingshuang shook her head, her frosty eyelashes drooping slightly: "How can the Concentration Pill be obtained easily? Even if you manage to get it, it will be even more difficult to bring it out without being discovered by the cave master."

Her gaze shifted and landed on Zhao Wuji: "My path to breakthrough doesn't rely on this. You, on the other hand, should continue to improve your cultivation."

"When the Six Revolutions Profound Ice Technique is broken through, the cold poison will increase explosively."

Her expression was solemn. "At that time, I will need your help to suppress it. You must at least break through to the late stage of Qi Refining to be able to help."

Zhao Wuji was shocked, feeling both the weight of the trust placed in him and the immense pressure he felt.

Just as he was about to speak, he saw Hua Qingshuang gently raise her hand:
"Go." She looked at the distant sea of ​​clouds. "By the time you emerge from seclusion, the envoy from the Supreme Grotto Heaven should have arrived."

"So fast?" Zhao Wuji asked in surprise.

Seeing that the peak master had no intention of saying more, he clasped his hands in farewell and took his leave.

After stepping out of Cold Moon Peak, they flew straight towards Lonely Cloud Peak.

After a month of seclusion in the Lonely Cloud Sword Cave, he was confident that he could push his swordsmanship to the level of "proficiency".

At that time, it is very likely that he will comprehend the sword energy thunder sound.

As for the sword intent left behind by Hua Lengyun, if it truly has a deeper meaning, then that would be quite interesting.
"The Supreme Celestial Realm is about to hold a gathering. I wonder if I will see Zhixia when I leave the Sword Cave."

Meanwhile, inside the Supreme Grotto-Heaven, within the cave dwelling of the candidate saintess.

Nan Zhixia sat cross-legged on the jade platform, her body surging with spiritual energy.

A purple light flickered between his brows, as if a star was being nurtured within it.

"boom--"

She suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze flashing with divine light that stirred the spiritual mist that filled the room.

A powerful aura swept out, causing the hem of their clothes to flutter even without wind.

Fourth level of Qi cultivation, complete!

"good."

Suddenly, the ethereal voice of the Supreme Mother came from outside the cave: "Breaking through four realms in a year and a month, even with the help of the Dragon Tiger Pill, you can still be called a top immortal talent."

The voice suddenly changed: "Fang is still in seclusion. In seven days, you will set off for Linlang Cave Heaven."

Before she could finish speaking, a dark red pill flew through the air and hovered in front of Nan Zhixia.

"This pill."

The old mother's voice grew colder, "Make sure your fiancé takes it. At that time, he will naturally return to my Supreme Grotto-Heaven, and you and he can become a couple forever."

"We will also secretly support him to become the new peak master or elder of Linlang Cave Heaven." Nan Zhixia lightly raised her jade finger, and the pill fell into her palm. A chilling sensation came from her fingertip, and a dark glint flashed in her eyes.

This elixir... it might be able to shatter a person's mind and distort their loyalty.

Those who consume it will likely become puppets of the Supreme Cave Heaven.

The dark red pill between her fingers felt faintly hot. Nan Zhixia lowered her gaze, and memories of the past surfaced in her mind.
She was also given a similar pill, only the color was slightly lighter.

If her father hadn't taken her to find Zhao Tianlang to treat her acupuncture, she wouldn't have been able to break the curse.
But Zhao Tianlang was also affected by this.
Therefore, her father once said that Zhao Tianlang had saved the Nan family's life, and thus betrothed her to Zhao Wuji.

She only learned these inside stories after she became an adult.

"Yes!" she replied calmly, though her mind was racing.

Now she was almost certain that Wuji had either fallen under the spell of the Linglang Cave Heaven or taken the Bewitching Pill.

Otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to obtain so many resources and become famous in just one year, with his cultivation speed even rivaling hers.

Fortunately, such methods are not immediately effective and require time to gradually work their magic, leaving room for improvement.

"If he could fully master Uncle Zhao's medical skills," her fingertips trembled slightly, "perhaps he could solve the problem on his own."

The voice of the Supreme Mother resounded once more: "If this alliance succeeds, when the Southern Heavenly Secret Realm opens, my grotto-heaven may be allocated several excellent areas for exploration."

Nan Zhixia sat quietly listening, her mind clear.

All these supposed friendships and alliances are just superficial.

It's very likely that a bigger conspiracy is brewing.

This conspiracy may even be aimed at the Lord of Linlang Cave.

If successful, the Xuan Kingdom's grotto-heaven structure will be completely overturned, and the Supreme Grotto-Heaven will completely control the discourse.

And she and Wuji.
They are merely two pieces in this game, caught in a bind.

Nan Zhixia slowly closed her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling slightly.

Once upon a time, she was single-mindedly pursuing greater power, just to break free from the constraints of the cave.

But now.
The more you struggle, the deeper you sink.

What suffocates her most is that even Wuji has now been dragged into this vortex.

She can barely take care of herself, how can she take care of him?
How to escape this bottomless quagmire?
Time flies, and more than twenty days have passed in the blink of an eye.

Inside the Lonely Cloud Sword Cave, a chilling atmosphere pervades, and the walls are crisscrossed with sword marks, as if countless sword masters had left behind their life's insights here.

Zhao Wuji sat cross-legged on a blue stone, surrounded by sword energy. The Cold Soul Sword spun around him, its light as solid as frost, almost tangible.

After more than twenty days of arduous training in the Lonely Cloud Sword Cave.

The swordsmanship of the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends Techniques has finally broken through two realms, surpassing the stage of slight success and breaking through to the realm of "Mastery (2/600)".

Each time he flew out on his sword, the sound of wind and thunder could be faintly heard as the sword trembled.

But by this point, he also felt that the sword intent within the entire sword cave had no effect on his enlightenment or inspiration.

Because no sword intent can compare to his current level of swordsmanship, he is regarded as the king of swordsmanship, worshipped by all swords.

Even after breaking through a few days ago, four days have passed and my swordsmanship proficiency has only increased by 2 points.

One of these insights came from his practice of swordsmanship for several hours, which led to new understandings.

"With my swordsmanship reaching this level, I fear that among the four great grotto-heavens of Tiannan, no one can surpass me in my understanding of sword control. I wonder if there are any comparable individuals? Perhaps the father of Peak Master Hua?"

Zhao Wuji closed his eyes, his mind immersed in the comprehension of swordsmanship. The Cold Soul Flying Sword beside him trembled slightly, as if resonating with the sword intent remaining in the Sword Cave.

Suddenly, he opened his eyes wide, his pupils flashing with a sharp light, like two bright flying swords shooting out of his eyes.

He made a sword gesture, and the Frost Soul Flying Sword shot out like lightning. The moment the sword blade sliced ​​through the air, it burst out with a sharp, thunderous sound—"Clang!"

Sword Qi Thunder Sound!

This sword strike was as fast as thunder; the moment the sword light appeared, the thunderous sound had already arrived.

Wherever the sword energy passed, the air seemed to be torn apart, forming a visible distorted ripple.

The thunderous sound reverberated, causing the remaining sword intent within the sword cave to tremble, as if intimidated by the power of this sword strike.

Deep within the Sword Cave.

Inside a cave.

Ji Mobai closed his eyes to regulate his breathing, immersing himself in the profound understanding of swordsmanship.

suddenly!

"Zheng——!"

A piercing, sharp screech tore through the void, like a thunderclap, making him tremble and suddenly open his eyes!

"This is... the cry of a sword?!"

His pupils contracted sharply, the clear, ringing sound still echoing in his ears. His mind trembled violently, and his blood and qi surged within him, as if he were being intimidated by some invisible sword intent.

"Why is there such a strange noise coming from inside the Sword Cave? Is it just another hallucination?"

He pressed his hand tightly to his chest, feeling his heart pounding wildly.

An unprecedented surge of emotion welled up from the depths of my mind.

"Could it be... a sign of a clear and enlightened sword mind?!"

Although he didn't know what the thunderous sound was, his intuition told him so.

This sound is extraordinary; it must be related to the pinnacle of swordsmanship!
"My many days of arduous training have not been in vain. I have finally touched the threshold of Sword Heart Clarity! I hear the sword intent resonating for me! My sword talent, even if it is not as good as Zhao Wuji's, is not much worse."

Ji Mobai's breathing quickened as he regained some confidence. His eyes gleamed, and he closed them again to begin his secluded cultivation in the cave.

The sword energy and thunderous sound are not only extremely fast, but also have the effect of shocking the mind. If an ordinary cultivator is caught off guard, he will be pierced by the sword energy before he can react.

"Not bad, the sword strike with thunderous sound has finally achieved some success!"

Zhao Wuji's sword finger twitched, then he sheathed it and stood still, his heart filled with excitement.

His gaze shifted to the depths of the sword cave.

There, he vaguely sensed Hua Lengyun's sword intent.
He took a deep breath, flicked his sword finger, and the Frost Soul Flying Sword, guided by sword energy and thunderous sound, lightly touched the void with its blade.

Amidst the thunderous roar, the sharp sword intent that had been warning outsiders within the sword cave melted away like ice and snow, seemingly worshipping him, allowing the thunderous sword intent to tear open a gap.

In an instant, a sword intent that had been dormant for many years emerged.

It was left behind by Hua Lengyun.
The sword intent initially appeared peaceful, but as soon as Zhao Wuji made contact, he felt a bone-chilling cold rush straight to his mind.

The sword intent hummed, as if concealing a series of warning signs.

The sword's intent is like the man's intent; when you meet a swordsman on the road, you must present your sword, for seeing the sword is like seeing the man.

The moment Zhao Wuji came into contact with this sword intent, he understood the warning it contained.
(End of this chapter)