Chapter 410

Chapter 410: Sword Intent

As an Upper Grade Foundation Establishment spellsword, the sword intent of the Cheng Sky Sword was even more terrifying than the sword intent that permeated the surroundings.

In addition to being a Pill Master, Zhou Luo’s mastery of sword intent far surpassed that of ordinary people.

Basically, as soon as he obtained a sword mantra, the system would pour all the sword path’s sword intent that needed to be comprehended into his mind all at once.

This pouring wasn’t as simple as just pouring water into a bucket; the system would also help him integrate those sword intents and apply them to him.

Therefore, after he mastered a sword mantra, his grasp of the sword path would change, and the higher the grade of the sword mantra, the further it would allow him to advance on the sword path.

Now that he could no longer safely break the formation relying on the array plate, he had no choice but to depend on the treasured sword in his hand to forcibly carve out a path.

“Husband, what can I do?” Yao Wu asked doubtfully.

If not for the fact that she was the sole descendant of Master Lieyang’s lineage, she would have even thought of herself as a burden.

There was nothing she could do in this mountain.

But now, that Zhou Luo had actually said he needed her inevitably caused her some confusion.

Zhou Luo approached her side and said softly, “After all, this is the Wan Gu Sect. In that formation, there isn’t only sword intent; there may also be Gu insects. So you must help me deal with those Gu insects. Who made me a beginner?”

The combination of formations and Gu techniques, Zhou Luo had seen before in ruins.

Although no traces of Gu insects had appeared yet, Zhou Luo had to be cautious.

Although Zhou Luo was a First Level top-grade Gu Master, stronger than Yao Wu,

he was also aware that those Golden Core masters were probably watching over here.

He always had to keep some countermeasures to handle crises within the sect.

Unless absolutely necessary, he wouldn’t reveal the fact that he was a Gu Master.

Hearing these words, Yao Wu nodded seriously and said, “Don’t worry, husband. Leave this to me.”

“Alright, then let’s continue forward.”

Putting away the array plate, Zhou Luo no longer acted as cautiously as before—advancing a few steps and retreating a few steps, now lightly skimming, now turning right.

Because these were all outcomes deduced by the array plate.

But now, the path ahead of him was no longer clear, but endless mist.

So he didn’t need to mind any footwork or movements, and instead walked directly towards that cave.

Just as he took his first step forward, a burst of sword intent violently attacked.

Clang—

Zhou Luo suddenly raised his hand, and the Cheng Sky Sword accurately blocked that sword intent, emitting a clear metallic clashing sound.

That sword intent hadn’t even approached his body before he captured it and smoothly severed it.

For an Upper Grade Foundation Establishment spellsword, its sharpness was self-evident.

Yao Wu closely followed Zhou Luo’s footwork; she couldn’t wait for him to break the formation before advancing like she used to, but had to follow at every moment, or she would easily be assaulted by sword intent.

After resolving this sword intent, Zhou Luo continued forward.

“Follow closely.”

Zhou Luo let out a thoughtful hum, his steps quickening until a faint breeze stirred around him. Yet the sword intent he encountered grew increasingly dense.

The clang and clatter of metal striking metal rose and fell incessantly—like firecrackers during the New Year in the mundane world. In the silent depths of the forest, the noise was jarringly abrupt.

The sword intent, dense as a torrential rain of pear blossoms, became aware of the intruder. Ceasing their dormancy, they surged from every direction. Like countless bowstrings snapping at once, or countless swords colliding.

The unbroken cascade of sword sounds echoed through the woods, deep and terrifyingly ominous. As Zhou Luo forcibly smashed through barriers fragmented by the sword array, tearing the divided zones apart.

Zhou Luo’s sword was formidable, but the sword intent he unleashed was even stronger.

It swept like thunder across the mountain forest, violently and deafeningly.

Even Yao Wu had to shield her senses, lest her eardrums rupture.

Fortunately, Zhou Luo had provided her with a Second Level shielding talisman, sparing her from the assault. To protect both her and the child in her womb, she carried three to four additional talismans he had entrusted to her.

For a forceful array-breaking attempt, thorough preparation was only natural.

Unknown how long had passed, the deep night remained unbroken; morning light had yet to arrive.

The summit of Lieyang Mountain was already startlingly close.

By the verdant cliff edge, indistinct structures could barely be glimpsed—perhaps where Master Lieyang once resided with his disciples.

Having battled his way from the mountainside here, Zhou Luo’s face was pale. Fine cuts marred his luminous skin, blood slowly tracing crimson paths down his arms, lending him a fierce and intimidating appearance.

Now he stood at the cliff edge. The mountain path before him had been sheared off midway, as if a sky-rending sword had cleaved down from the heavens, brutally sundering the trail.

The wind moaned with profound sorrow, like the weeping of vengeful spirits or malignant ghosts.

Zhou Luo peered downward. Boundless, razor-sharp sword intent raged below. Its overwhelming, crushing force threatened to annihilate the surroundings—utterly terrifying.

Grasping the Cheng Sky Sword, he turned to the trailing Yao Wu and extended his right hand: "I’ll take you across."

Yao Wu nodded firmly, placing her right hand in his.

Immediately, Zhou Luo leapt into the air. Yao Wu’s form shimmered with spirit light, becoming light as a swallow to avoid burdening him.

As for Zhou Luo, he clenched the Cheng Sky Sword. The blade erupted with blinding radiance.

The instant he crossed the void, immense sword intent surged upward like a tempest below, enveloping him with crushing, unstoppable force. Explosively it released its power.

Zhou Luo swung his sword.

Uncountable shards of sword light scattered like stars, their brilliance piercing the dark night.

Nine Heavens Sword Technique!

_Whoosh—_

Wind howled as the projected sword energy advanced like a tidal wave, charging headlong into the sword intent dominating the abyss.

The two manifestations of sword intent collided mid-air.

_Bang! Bang! Bang!_

The impacts were thunderous.

Under the activation of the Nine Heavens Sword Technique, Zhou Luo blazed like a miniature sun, emitting a harsh, dazzling light that illuminated earth and sky.

The Cheng Sky Sword in his hand, empowered by this enormous force, produced a low, resonant hum.

Then, ten thousand streaks of sword energy erupted.

Wielding irresistible might, they crushed, shredded, and annihilated the attacking sword intent.

Channeling flowing spiritual power, Zhou Luo flew onward.

_Wooo—_

Another step, and another desolate moan arose.

As if ten thousand swords mourned in unison.

Innumerable beams of sword light exploded violently from the chasm’s depths.

They ripped through the heavens and earth with world-quaking power.

Yao Wu instinctively tightened her grip on Zhou Luo’s hand. As merely a Qi Refinement cultivator, the mere sight of such concentrated sword intent stabbed pain into her eyes. She couldn’t bear to look directly.

"Use the spiritual symbols!"

Zhou Luo commanded grimly as he swept his sword forward.

A great wave of sword light surged toward the chasm floor, its searing brightness illuminating the sheer rock face.

Upon that unyielding stone, countless sword scars became visible.

This was where Master Lieyang practiced his swordcraft—where he had once severed the mountain path with a single stroke, leaving behind unimaginable amounts of residual sword intent.

Now sensing intruders, this dormant intent awakened. It roared like a gigantic beast, hurling its full, concentrated fury at Zhou Luo.