Chapter 411

Chapter 411: Reaching the Peak

If there was any place on the entire mountain peak where the sword intent was most terrifying, it undoubtedly belonged to this area.

Because this was where Master Lieyang practiced swordsmanship; all the sword intent here was created through his lifetime of effort.

When they gathered together, the resulting power was unimaginable.

So when that dense cloud of sword intent rained down, an unprecedented seriousness came over Zhou Luo’s expression.

He swung his sword once more.

This time, no majestic sword light appeared. Instead, under the control of his magic power, all sword energies intertwined and finally converged into a giant radiant sword.

The radiant sword was strikingly bright; driven by Zhou Luo, it drew in endless sword intent.

His gaze burned fiercely as he watched the sword intent attack from the cliff bottom, unleashing an unimaginably immense force from his entire body.

"Break!"

Accompanied by a loud shout, Zhou Luo’s mid-level Foundation Establishment magic power erupted explosively. Under the watchful eyes of the Golden Core masters in the mist, that radiant sword—condensed with all his strength—crashed down.

The Nine Heavens Sword Technique.

This sword technique differed from the Five Elements Sword Technique; it harnessed the momentum of heaven and earth, refining the sword intent from all directions. With the aid of the Cheng Sky Sword, it gathered power beyond its usual limits.

Moreover, at that moment, Zhou Luo found himself within an ocean of sword intent.

So under these circumstances, after Zhou Luo thrust his sword forth, the giant radiant sword abruptly slashed towards the attacking forces.

"Is this brat’s sword intent so strong?"

Within the dark cloud, a Golden Core master muttered in astonishment.

He sensed a vast sword intent from the other’s swordsmanship—one that remained pure even after absorbing so much energy, rendering the condensed assault utterly terrifying.

Under such conditions, Zhou Luo demonstrated power beyond anyone’s imagination.

At that instant, the Golden Core masters present suddenly realized something: though Zhou Luo was merely at mid-level Foundation Establishment, if he kept unleashing this kind of force, not even a cultivator at late-stage Foundation Establishment could necessarily defeat him.

Bang—

A tremendous explosion ripped through the mountain peak.

The giant radiant sword descended with a sweeping momentum, carrying the might of heaven and earth. Its boundless, sharp sword force obliterated the sword intent left by Master Lieyang.

In that split second, magic power surged through Zhou Luo’s entire body as he darted forward toward the opposite side.

Yao Wu stood dumbfounded; from her position at the epicenter, she sensed an indescribably terrifying power emanating from the man beside her.

It was a force she had never witnessed, leaving her in a state of limitless shock.

We regretfully; due to the sword formation’s presence, the disciples of the Wan Gu Sect outside felt nothing of this heaven-defying power.

In their vision, the entire mountain peak stood silent and still, resembling a motionless painting, utterly lacking any power fluctuations.

On the scene, Zhou Luo smoothly arrived at the opposite side of the cliff.

His face was slightly pale from expending too much magic power, his aura visibly weakened.

Without pausing, he pulled out a Second Level spiritual potion and consumed it.

Immediately, strength coalesced within him once more, replenishing the depleted magic power.

As a second level Pill Master, if it was only about replenishing expended magical power, he had dozens of potions to restore it, so there was no need to worry.

The most perilous moment had passed.

Just as Zhou Luo was about to step forward, a sudden sense of alarm made him hold his sword horizontally across his chest.

From both sides of the mountain path and deep within the dense woods, countless winged Gu insects burst forth abruptly.

As expected, Master Lieyang had not only infused sword intent into the magic formation but also incorporated those Gu insects into its design.

By the time Zhou Luo reacted, Yao Wu had already sprung into action.

Having waited for this moment, she lifted her right hand and struck the Gu artifact at her waist when she saw the sky flood with Gu insects.

Accompanied by a series of rhythmic tapping sounds, spiritual energy surged from Yao Wu’s body towards the Gu artifact.

Immediately, a black Gu insect resembling a turtle slowly crawled out of the artifact. It had an elongated neck, with streaks of blood visible along its surface.

Once it appeared, an immense pressure coalesced in the air.

This was a top-tier, first level Gu insect, a treasured relic bequeathed to Yao Wu by her late master.

In the sky, the disciples of the Wan Gu Sect observing this scene revealed complex emotions on their faces.

"Master Lieyang’s renowned Gu insect actually appears here. Could it be destined?" a certain Golden Core master couldn’t help but murmur.

Indeed, this Gu insect had been personally created by Master Lieyang.

In his youth, he had become famous overnight relying on this very Gu insect, and using it to secure his place within the Wan Gu Sect, eventually ascending the path to becoming a Golden Core master.

Unexpectedly, when Zhu Wushi was expelled from the sect back then, Master Lieyang had actually entrusted it to him.

Now, following the cycle of karma, this Gu insect had reappeared on Lieyang Mountain.

As it emerged, the countless Second Level Gu insects filling the sky seemed to have received a summons. They all froze mid-action, descended, and prostrated themselves on the ground, utterly motionless as if in the presence of their sovereign.

Zhou Luo stared at these Second Level Gu insects, filled with immense astonishment.

Why would Second Level Gu insects submit to a first level one?

This overtly defied everything he understood as a Gu Master.

Unknown to him, this turtle-like Gu insect had been forged by Master Lieyang using his own vital essence blood.

Back then, to ensure his disciple Zhu Wushi had a life-preserving means, he had selflessly restricted this Gu insect’s rank to the top tier of the first level.

In reality, however, because it contained the vital essence blood of a Golden Core master, and because the sky full of Second Level Gu insects were also Master Lieyang’s creations, sensing the potent bloodline within their creator’s relic, the insects instinctively knelt before it.

Feeling a weight lift from him, Zhou Luo lifted his gaze towards the mountaintop now close at hand. He pondered inwardly, realizing Master Lieyang must, from beyond the veil, have aided them now.

Otherwise, facing so many Second Level Gu insects, nothing short of a Golden Core master’s personal intervention could have resolved the situation so effortlessly.

With the problem resolved, Zhou Luo took Yao Wu’s hand and walked towards the mountain peak.

At the peak, the sword intent had vanished. Zhou Luo entered the small pavilion.

Resembling most Wan Gu Sect buildings, this pavilion had a cave behind it – Master Lieyang’s usual secluded cultivation site.

The pavilion was constructed from the most precious spiritual wood, its flooring paved with beautiful jade stone. Carved beams and painted rafters surrounded them, radiating an air of opulence.

Though Master Lieyang lived a reclusive life, he had spared no luxury for his dwelling.

Having stood untouched for years, both the white jade floor and the ornate rafters were thick with dust.

Zhou Luo and Yao Wu approached the wall, contemplating a prominent painting hanging upon it.

The painting depicted a tall, upright middle-aged man, impeccably dressed and dignified – undoubtedly Master Lieyang.

Zhou Luo extended his hand. Magical power surged within his palm and flowed onto the painting.

Immediately, the man in the painting emitted a soft glow. Accompanied by crisp sounds, the ground gently vibrated. Something unseen was revolving.

A cool breeze swept through, whisking away the accumulated dust covering the structure. At the hall’s far end, a door quietly swung open.