Chapter 590

Chapter 590: Summit of the Ice Mountain

The azure ice pillar charged straight toward Ye Yun.

Ye Yun’s face tightened. His actual cultivation level only allowed him to rival Ancestors at the Second or Third Layer of the Nascent Soul stage. Against this strike, he stood no chance of blocking it.

Yet this attack formed from Ice Spirit Qi gave him hope. His deep comprehension of the Ice Element Law meant most Ice Element Secret Techniques lost effectiveness against him.

Still, the Ice Crystal Beast’s azure ice pillar remained beyond his defensive capabilities.

Ye Yun’s eyes flashed with determination. He stepped forward, the Purple Shadow Sword in his hand erupting with frosty radiance. A sword arc thick as a child’s arm shot forth.

This frigid strike blended Ice Spirit Qi with unstoppable sword intent – the will to cut through all obstacles.

CRASH!

The sword arc collided with the ice pillar, shattering it instantly. Countless icy shards sprayed outward, embedding themselves several feet deep into nearby cliff walls with metallic pings.

Ye Yun staggered back two paces from the recoil, barely avoiding injury. His left hand swept through the air, clearing the ice shards as he launched himself upward.

Soaring like a teal hawk, Ye Yun dove downward. The Purple Shadow Sword gleamed, its light rippling like water.

Thunder boomed. Lightning flashed.

The Sword of the Thunder God materialized instantly, devastating power concentrated at its tip as it thrust toward the Ice Crystal Beast.

Though skilled in Ice Element Law, Ye Yun’s true strength lay elsewhere. Lightning Techniques formed his core cultivation. The Fourth Style of Thundercloud Lightning Sword – Sword of the Thunder God – spread out like a storm, engulfing the beast.

Caught unprepared, the Ice Crystal Beast raised its head. Twin beams of icy light shot from its azure eyes, attempting to freeze Ye Yun mid-air.

But nothing could halt the Sword of Thunder God once unleashed. Combining divine retribution’s fury with primordial sword intent, the attack’s power multiplied tenfold.

"Sword of the Thunder God!" Ye Yun roared, his form flickering like living lightning as he struck.

The freezing beams slowed the attack for barely a breath before it continued its unstoppable descent.

With an enraged bellow, the Ice Crystal Beast spread its crystalline wings and leaped skyward. Arching its back, it launched itself directly at the falling sword.

It intended to tank the blow with its glacial body.

Ye Yun’s eyes blazed. He poured true qi recklessly into the Purple Shadow Sword, Thunder Spirit Power converging with the Sword of Thunder God for maximum impact.

The world dimmed beneath the Thunderous Strike’s fury.

Icy radiance exploded outward as beast met blade. The Ice Crystal Beast hurtled backward, smashing into the cliff wall hard enough to collapse half the mountainside.

Ye Yun hovered silently, watching the rubble. The Ice Crystal Beast emerged staggering, its body webbed with cracks. After one final cold glare devoid of murderous intent, it turned and vanished behind the ice cliffs.

Gone?

Ye Yun barely believed it. His ultimate attack had failed to reduce the beast to fragments. Now drained of strength, he felt as vulnerable as any mortal.

The young cultivator descended shakily. Sitting cross-legged, he gripped two spirit stones and swallowed a recovery pill. Activating his mystical power, he desperately absorbed spiritual energy.

But replenishing his exhausted true qi proved difficult. If any Nascent Soul Ancestor found him now, death would be inevitable.

Suddenly, Ye Yun had a thought. He retrieved the Ice Essence from his Thunder Sound Metamorphosis ring. Ling Tianyu had said this Ice Essence could rapidly replenish Ice Spirit Qi. Though he’d expended much true qi earlier, absorbing Ice Spirit Qi would naturally restore it.

Without hesitation, Ye Yun spun the Ice Essence in his palm and began absorbing. As Ling Tianyu claimed, the Ice Spirit Qi was remarkably pure. Though not as flawless as the spiritual energy from the Heart of Immortals and Demons, it was nearly comparable. The Ice Spirit Qi flowed into him, converting to true qi ten times faster than absorbing spirit stones. At this rate, Ye Yun could recover fully within half an hour.

He absorbed frantically, not wasting a single moment.

Just then, the third layer’s great formation collapsed with a thunderous boom. Countless light beams dissolved into nothingness.

Du Jianyin stood with his translucent white sword, flanked by Master Hei Xu, three Nascent Soul Ancestors, and Golden Core disciples. The group stared at him in shock – his dragon-like sword strike had shattered the spatial array, a feat unimaginable for someone at the Fifth Level Golden Core stage.

"Fine swordplay, Du Jianyin," Master Hei Xu forced out through gritted teeth.

"My Sword Path stands supreme. Consider yourselves blessed to witness that strike." Du Jianyin coldly sheathed his sword.

Master Hei Xu nearly choked. Though the attack posed no real threat to him, the implication of a Golden Core cultivator manifesting sword-dragon energy hinted at terrifying potential.

"Aren’t these fragments suspicious?" A Golden Core disciple pointed at the shattered ice house remains.

"Someone beat us here!" A Nascent Soul Ancestor growled. "Treasures from the first two layers must’ve been stolen!"

"Only powerful cultivators could breach this array," another muttered. "We only succeeded because it destabilized-"

Du Jianyin cut him off sharply: "I shattered this array with my blade. Question its stability again, Second Level whelp."

The insulted Ancestor flushed but stayed silent at Master Hei Xu’s warning gesture.

"Enough!" Master Hei Xu snapped. "The fourth layer’s entrance must be that ice light whirlpool. Move!"

Du Jianyin snorted and plunged into the glowing vortex. The others hesitated – who would blindly enter an unstable spatial passage?

"Search for alternatives!" Master Hei Xu ordered. When none were found, he shoved two Golden Core disciples into the vortex before following with the Nascent Souls.

The instant Master Hei Xu entered, piercing icy essence assaulted him. Even at the Seventh Level Nascent Soul stage, the cold bit dangerously. Activating his mystical power, he broke through to see a hundred-zhang ice mountain.

"Master Hei Xu, you alright?" asked Third Level Nascent Soul cultivator Jia Songcheng.

The black-bearded master glared. "If you’re unharmed at Third Level, why wouldn’t I be?"

The Nascent Soul elder in black clothing laughed awkwardly, “I merely asked instinctively. But the icy essence here is too terrifying. I’ve used nearly all my true qi to resist it.”

Master Hei Xu naturally sensed the overwhelming coldness, but unlike the ice light whirlpool, this place lacked crushing pressure. Mere coldness couldn’t halt his advance.

“Look at that figure at the mountain’s base – isn’t that Du Jianyin?” Master Hei Xu squinted, spotting a white-clad figure moving swiftly across the ice.

“Indeed. That white-robed fool shining with icy light is the arrogant brat,” Jia Songcheng nodded. Though Du Jianyin hadn’t provoked him personally, the youth’s insolent demeanor was insufferable.

“After him!”

Master Hei Xu’s figure shot skyward, robes fluttering as he prepared to fly. But upon rising less than ten zhang, an immense force crushed down from above. Half a zhang higher would’ve reduced him to dust.

The elder paled. Though restricted to Fifth Level Nascent Soul power within the Secret Vault, he remained supreme here. Yet that skyborne force nearly obliterated him moments ago.

Landing hastily, Master Hei Xu darted toward the mountain’s base with Jia Songcheng in pursuit. Within breaths, they stood at the icy foothills.

“Only two of you?” Du Jianyin spoke without turning, sensing their approach. “Where are the others?”

“How should I know?” Jia Songcheng sneered. “You’re merely Fifth Level Golden Core trash. How’d you survive the whirlpool’s icy essence and pressure?”

Du Jianyin’s voice dripped frost. “What threat is mere coldness? Heard of sword light protection? Before my Sword Path of Absolute Annihilation, all icy light is meaningless. That ‘overwhelming’ pressure you fear? Worthless to me.”

Jia Songcheng nearly choked on rage. Were he not conserving true qi against the cold, he’d have taught this whelp the true might of a Nascent Soul elder.

“Sword light protection?” Master Hei Xu’s eyes glittered briefly. “To grasp sword intent so deeply… Unexpected. Visit Xuan Yuan Sect after this. I’ll take you as my disciple.”

Du Jianyin’s glacial expression didn’t thaw. “Who are you? What cultivation level lets you dare claim me as disciple?”

The elder’s face darkened. So the youth neither recognized him nor sensed his power.

“I lead Xuan Yuan Sect. At the Nascent Soul stage’s pinnacle – one step from Earth Immortal realm.”

Du Jianyin finally turned, gaze sharp. “A pinnacle expert? Yet here, you’re limited to Fifth Level Nascent Soul strength. Correct?”

Master Hei Xu inhaled deeply. “True. The vault’s master was a supreme Sage. His restrictions suppress all here.”

With a flick of his wrist, Du Jianyin summoned his white sword. The blade hummed as it settled in his palm.

“Outside, I’d lose. But here at Fifth Level parity… I’ll challenge you.”

Both elders gaped. Challenging a pinnacle Nascent Soul expert? Even restricted, his mental intent could crush Golden Core cultivators like ocean waves drowning ants.

“Repeat that.” Master Hei Xu’s composure cracked. In a century, none had dared such insolence.

“You’re qualified to be challenged.” The sword’s hum intensified. “Since attaining sword intent, I’ve climbed by defeating experts. You’re next.”

“Courting death.” The elder’s earlier goodwill evaporated. “Challenges here end with corpses.”

Du Jianyin gestured dismissively at Jia Songcheng. “I challenge strength. Were you as weak as him, I’d ignore you.”

Jia Songcheng’s face purpled. A Nascent Soul elder… mocked by Golden Core vermin!

"Master Hei Xu, let me teach him a lesson," Jia Songcheng could no longer restrain himself. Ignoring the draining effects of the icy essence, he stepped forward.

Master Hei Xu gave him a glance and nodded. "Very well. Show no mercy. Let this brat learn the true might of a Nascent Soul elder isn’t as he imagines."

Jia Songcheng grinned viciously at Du Jianyin. "You brought this upon yourself. Today, this ice mountain shall become your tomb."

Du Jianyin stared back impassively. "A mere Third Level Nascent Soul dares boast? I’ve slain those at the Fourth Level."

Instantly, Du Jianyin’s aura transformed completely. His white robes whipped violently as lightning-like intensity radiated from his eyes.

He became a sword piercing the heavens, a blade capable of sundering the world itself.

To closed eyes, he ceased being human – only a Divine Sword stabbing skyward remained.

Jia Songcheng’s expression darkened. As a Nascent Soul elder, he recognized this terrifying aura. The youth’s soul power dwarfed even his own, explaining how Du Jianyin dismissed immense power so casually.

"Be cautious, Jia Songcheng," Master Hei Xu murmured gravely.

Nodding, Jia Songcheng summoned a crescent-shaped Immortal artifact amidst swirling light and shadow.

Du Jianyin observed dispassionately. "Third Level trash spouting nonsense. Die by my sword."

He stepped forward. The white blade tore through reality itself, its overwhelming force vaporizing all icy essence within ten zhang.

The world narrowed to a single sword.

Blade and man merged completely – the first mystery of the Sword Path’s three great truths: One with the Sword. Few among ten thousand sword practitioners ever achieved this, marking true mastery of the Sword Path.

Yet this youth under twenty had attained it.

Jia Songcheng paled. Now he understood – how Du Jianyin killed peak Golden Core Yu Changfeng with a finger, why he disdained challenging mere Nascent Souls. The ultimate Sword Path explained everything.

"Hold!" Master Hei Xu shouted. Even Fourth Level experts would struggle against this strike.

Du Jianyin ignored him. Becoming sword light itself, he materialized before Jia Songcheng.

The rainbow-like sword arc split reality – sky, earth, and mountain crumbling before its passage.

Master Hei Xu’s warning came too late. The lethal strike fell.

The sword pierced Jia Songcheng’s chest. Crimson blossomed across his robes before sword energy erupted, reducing the elder to bloody mist that stained the ice fields crimson.

One sword to slay an enemy.

Du Jianyin had unexpectedly killed Jia Songcheng of the Third Level Nascent Soul with a single strike. This feat seemed unbelievable for someone at the Fifth Level of the Golden Core stage who hadn’t even undergone heavenly tribulation.

Master Hei Xu stood frozen, struggling to believe what he’d witnessed. That sword strike had flashed like a meteor, a divine rainbow piercing the world – so fast there was no time to react.

If this young man survived and reached the Nascent Soul stage, what terrifying power would he wield?

Had Ling Tianyu been present, he would’ve declared Du Jianyin a child chosen by destiny – one blessed by heavenly fortune. Such prodigies rarely appeared even once in millennia across the entire Human Realm, let alone in the remote Great Qin Empire.

Unaware of such legends, Master Hei Xu marveled instead at the youth’s swordsmanship. What if he could control such talent? Within ten years, this boy might reach the Fifth Level of the Nascent Soul stage, becoming unrivaled except by hidden sages.

Excitement replaced shock as Master Hei Xu calculated. If persuasion failed, force would suffice. With Du Jianyin, the Xuan Yuan Sect might rival the three major powers.

Du Jianyin stood motionless as icy essence swirled around him, his robes snapping in the gale. He resembled a Divine Sword – unyielding and magnificent.

"Truly remarkable," Master Hei Xu applauded, unconcerned about Jia Songcheng’s death. "One with the sword, embodying the Sword Path’s ultimate mysteries. Why sour relations over a corpse?"

"Knowing this," Du Jianyin turned cold eyes on him, "do you still doubt my right to challenge you?"

"You’ve earned that right," Master Hei Xu conceded. "But while your Sword Path lets you kill Fourth Level Nascent Soul Ancestors, do you understand the chasm between Fourth and Fifth Levels?"

"They say Fifth Level cultivators touch heaven’s will," Du Jianyin retorted. "That’s why I must test myself."

"Patience," Master Hei Xu waved dismissively. "Return after surviving heavenly tribulation. Only then could you challenge Fifth Level experts."

Skepticism etched Du Jianyin’s face.

Without warning, Master Hei Xu pointed at a half-height ice crystal ten zhang away. "Is this hard?"

"Its material resists even sword intent," Du Jianyin admitted. "Only minor scratches. Perfect for defensive Immortal artifacts."

"Strike it now. No sword intent."

Puzzled, Du Jianyin flicked a finger. Light struck the crystal.

Crack!

The ice shattered into fragments.

Du Jianyin stared. His attack shouldn’t have broken it – the true force came from Master Hei Xu’s earlier touch.

"The Fifth Level Nascent Soul’s true power?"

"The pinnacle of Fifth Level," Master Hei Xu corrected. "My cultivation’s sealed there, though my understanding matches Sixth Level’s threshold. Typical Fifth Level experts approach this strength."

After long consideration, Du Jianyin conceded: "My lack lies in cultivation, not swordsmanship."

"Exactly!" Master Hei Xu beamed. "Under me, you’d reach Nascent Soul in a year, Fifth Level within a decade. Imagine your Sword Path then!"

"Nascent Soul in a year? Fifth Level in ten?" Du Jianyin’s eyes sharpened.

"Indeed."

Without hesitation, Du Jianyin knelt. "Disciple Du Jianyin greets Master."

Master Hei Xu was clearly taken aback by Du Jianyin’s resolute act of prostrating himself. It wasn’t until Du Jianyin completed two audible kowtows that the black-bearded master reacted, hurriedly helping his disciple rise.

"Excellent! With master and disciple united in our Xuan Yuan Sect, we’ll surely challenge the three major powers!"

Du Jianyin declared coldly: "Within twenty years, I’ll become the saint of the Immortal Sword Sect. The Great Qin Empire itself shall grovel beneath my feet." His voice was firm, his face showing the aura of a conqueror, his presence overwhelming.

Master Hei Xu felt both astonishment and delight. With such a disciple, how could the Xuan Yuan Sect not prosper? Their eyes met, then both men laughed heartily.

Soon they reached the winding mountain path of the back mountain. The Ice Needles meant nothing to them – sword light shimmered around Du Jianyin’s form, deflecting every projectile, while Master Hei Xu’s Nascent Soul stage physique casually withstood the attacks despite his suppressed Fifth Level cultivation.

They reached the mountainside Ice Platform in moments.

"Battle traces," Master Hei Xu frowned at the scattered ice debris. Murderous intent flashed between master and disciple – someone had truly preceded them.

A thunderous crash interrupted as five-zhang Ice Crystal Beast landed before them, stronger than the one Ye Yun had encountered. Master Hei Xu’s brow furrowed – not fearing the beast itself, but the expert who’d passed through. This creature matched Fifth Level Nascent Soul elders. Yet Du Jianyin only burned with fighting spirit.

Meanwhile, Ye Yun climbed higher. The Ice Essence had restored his cultivation within half an hour. Donning his Spirit Ice Cicada Robe, he ascended.

The first step transformed his surroundings. Deadly ice flowers swirled violently, but slowed within one zhang of his protective robe. He raced upward, reaching near the summit in half an incense time.

The crushing cold intensified. At the peak’s edge, overwhelming pressure reminiscent of the first layer’s darkness nearly threw him backward. But his Second Layer Golden Core cultivation and ice-tempered body held firm.

The final dozen steps took half an hour. When he finally summited, crimson light bathed his vision. A pigeon-egg sized fruit glowed on an ice branch, its sweet aroma calming his soul.

As Ye Yun reached for it, howling winds gathered the ice flowers into a twenty-zhang Ice Frost Crystal Dragon. The crystalline beast landed before the fruit, claws gleaming.

"Ice Frost Crystal Dragon? Divine Rhythm Crimson Fruit?" The Ancestor of Sword Path’s shocked voice echoed in Ye Yun’s mind.

"Soul-healing fruit?" Ye Yun urgently asked.

"Supreme medicine for soul injuries," the ancestor confirmed. "Your beloved girl’s perfect cure."

Ye Yun froze, then leaped for joy.