Chapter 55
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
Chapter 55: The Body’s Mutation
The newly ascended Fengyun Wuji, whose dazzling prowess in the Blade Domain and subsequent dispatch to the Demon Domain had been the stuff of legends, returned to the Ancient World after four centuries. News of his return had just begun to echo through the land when another shockwave of information sent ripples across the realms: the plane from which Fengyun Wuji hailed had, in the past four hundred years, seen a surge of ascendants numbering in the thousands, all seemingly linked to him in countless ways. Recent murmurs from the free factions even spoke of Fengyun Wuji’s intent to forge a new domain with these ascendant swordsmen, the Sword Domain.
Diverse opinions abounded regarding the veracity of these reports. Yet, the sheer frequency of ascensions over the last four centuries has drawn the scrutiny of the entire Ancient World. Such a phenomenon was far from normal; the number of ascendants in this period had eclipsed the sum total from all planes across countless eons prior.
Within four centuries, an estimated six to eight thousand individuals had ascended—a formidable force that no faction, be it the Demon Domain, Blade Domain, Snow Domain, or the Witch Sect, could afford to ignore. In the Ancient World, where time was abundant but people were scarce, such a force commanded respect and attention.
Both the Blade Domain and the Demon Domain had made overtures to incorporate these newcomers into their ranks. However, a man named Chi Shang, who had ascended among them, held considerable sway. Despite the cajoling of the four domains, these individuals remained unmoved, much to the consternation of recruiters. It was astonishing to discover that all these individuals were, in some way, related to Fengyun Wuji!
While the first two pieces of news might have caused a stir among the lower echelons of the four domains, the third piece of news could not help but draw the attention of the highest authorities.
The young swordsman who had once been at the Sky Sword Realm and who had re-emerged in the Ancient World after four centuries, was now said to have defeated the ancient demon ape, which had withstood the efforts of tens of thousands of warriors from the Blade Domain. Elders from the Witch Sect confirmed that he had reached the ‘Sword Emperor Realm.’ This news carried weight that demanded deliberation.
In the four domains, there was a flurry of activity, with various individuals traversing the Ancient Land in search of clues related to these tidings. When it became clear that all three pieces of news were, in fact, interconnected, it was as if a thunderbolt had struck, leaving the high command of the four domains stunned.
Yet, contrary to expectations, none of the Blade Domain, Demon Domain, Snow Domain, or Witch Sect took any action, much to the disappointment of the free factions and the diabolical, who had anticipated a spectacle.
Fengyun Wuji had anticipated the reactions and inactions of the four domains. That they had all settled for a quiet resolution, as if by some unspoken agreement, was surprising but not entirely unexpected. The current situation was such that any domain that absorbed the Sword Domain’s power would face exclusion from the others. Thus, maintaining the status quo was the wisest course for now. Moreover, Fengyun Wuji surmised that the rulers of the four domains might not place much importance on him, the Sword Emperor, or his thousands of swordsmen.
“You will regret this sooner or later,” Fengyun Wuji thought to himself, before banishing all distractions and embedding the final two thin wooden planks into the second story with a flourish. Clapping his hands, he stood before the excited crowd, gazing at the towering Sword Pavilion they had built.
The Sword Pavilion, a testament to Fengyun Wuji’s craftsmanship, stood over fifty zhang tall, constructed entirely from sturdy timber in a temple-style architecture. Its eaves curled outward like the horns of a dragon, and the roof tiles were exquisitely carved from the Fifth Sword Gall. The five-story pavilion was supported by massive, smooth, coiled dragon pillars on each level, with the interior floors laid out in carefully polished wooden planks.
From the outside, the Sword Pavilion, sprawling over hundreds of acres, stood as a magnificent and palatial structure, a rare architectural marvel in the Ancient World.
“Choose your rooms on the first and second floors as you wish. I will reside on the third. For now, let it be so,” Fengyun Wuji declared, turning to the thousands gathered before him. “In time, I will find ways to enhance your cultivation.”
“Thank you, Lord!” the crowd responded, kneeling in reverence. ‘Lord’ had become their new term of address for Fengyun Wuji.
With a nod, Fengyun Wuji took the lead and entered the newly constructed Sword Pavilion, followed by the others…
Fengyun Wuji entrusted Chi Shang with the task of organizing everyone, then retired to the third level of the Sword Pavilion, sitting cross-legged on the smooth floor in quiet contemplation.
Building a Sword Pavilion was but the first step in securing a place to dwell; there was much more to prepare and accomplish. The strength of his Sword Domain disciples was lacking, as was their number. Moreover, the dearth of high-level experts, with himself as the sole domain ruler, weighed on Fengyun Wuji, instilling a sense of solitude and pressure.
“There are still dreams to be realized, promises to be fulfilled. I cannot give up; I must persevere!” In the silent, empty chamber on the third floor of the Sword Pavilion, with dark clouds obscuring the moonlight and casting a shadow on Fengyun Wuji’s tall figure, he calmly closed his eyes, though inside, his heart was a tempest.
Suddenly, a burst of immense black energy erupted from Fengyun Wuji’s body. His once serene expression twisted into a grimace as inky, slender spines protruded from his back and his fingernails darkened and elongated into terrifying claws.
“Curse it! The residual effects of cultivating demonic energy… have finally surfaced!” Fengyun Wuji gritted his teeth, struggling against the transformation as his sword energy raged within, attempting to suppress the demonic energy back into his lower Dantian. His body was already beginning to feel the world’s repulsion…
Fengyun Wuji had anticipated this eventuality but had not expected it to occur so soon. The Star Absorption Technique, more potent and domineering than any demonic art, had triggered his body’s mutation earlier than others. As night fell and the yin energy rose, the demonic energy, inherently negative, broke free from its seal, unopposed by the celestial yin.
“Master, what’s happening?” The turbulent energy and violent aura on the upper floors finally caught Chi Shang’s attention. After a moment of hesitation, he dared to inquire.
“Nothing out of the ordinary, retire for the night,” came the calm response.
Beneath the translucent skin, the sword energy, now at the Sword Emperor realm, was as domineering as the demonic energy, perhaps even more so. By dawn, the demonic energy was once again subdued within the lower Dantian, leaving Fengyun Wuji’s forehead beaded with sweat…