Chapter 117
Chapter 117: The Bronze Palace
In the end, Bu Cheng Yang agreed to Li Mu Sheng’s harsh conditions, even though he was only helping without receiving any benefit.
Yet, since the idea of cooperation was his own suggestion and had made Li Mu Sheng interested, he had to see it through to the end. Otherwise, whether for himself or his sect, provoking an enemy with such terrifying martial strength would leave him unable to bear the blame, even if he died a thousand times.
As for Li Mu Sheng, he was not entirely confident about safely extracting the Azure Dragon Qi without triggering the hidden traps beneath the ground. He thought it was worthwhile to try Bu Cheng Yang’s method. If it failed, at least it wouldn’t activate the traps and bury the entire Dragon-Locking Well under rubble. But if it succeeded, then it would naturally be a joyous victory, and no one would lose out.
Thus, Li Mu Sheng and Bu Cheng Yang left together, returning to where Cang Yin Yue and A’Bin awaited.
“Your Highness truly never disappoints,” Cang Yin Yue sighed in relief upon seeing Li Mu Sheng returning unharmed.
She had sensed the huge commotion created by the Azure Dragon Elder and had been worried about Li Mu Sheng’s safety. However, she knew her martial dao cultivation wasn’t strong enough to help. Trusting in Li Mu Sheng’s strength, she had patiently waited for his safe return.
And now, not only had Li Mu Sheng returned safely, but he had also unexpectedly brought back a martial expert of considerable strength.
Li Mu Sheng briefly explained to Cang Yin Yue about encountering the Azure Dragon Elder and the matters regarding the Azure Dragon Qi.
Nearby, Bu Cheng Yang and A’Bin exchanged a quick, subtle glance, swiftly turning away as if they didn’t know each other.
But while Li Mu Sheng spoke with Cang Yin Yue, A’Bin seemingly couldn’t resist, quietly sending a secret voice transmission to Bu Cheng Yang with Qi threads.
Seeing A’Bin rashly using voice transmission, Bu Cheng Yang’s expression changed immediately, glaring at him fiercely, “Fool!”
“You two know each other?” Li Mu Sheng suddenly turned, his gaze landing upon A’Bin and Bu Cheng Yang.
Bu Cheng Yang sighed deeply, nodding slowly. A’Bin had thought himself discreet, yet how could his actions escape Li Mu Sheng’s eyes? Sending a transmission in front of Li Mu Sheng was no better than trying to fool oneself.
At this moment, A’Bin realized his mistake and desperately looked at Bu Cheng Yang for help. Li Mu Sheng’s previously displayed strength was terrifying; in A’Bin’s eyes, only Bu Cheng Yang could possibly handle him.
“Young hero, you might not be aware, but this kid is actually my martial nephew. Previously, he had been running errands for our sect at the Shang Yang City branch. Only recently did he infiltrate the remnants of Great Qi, assisting me in the effort to seize the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword,” Bu Cheng Yang honestly explained to Li Mu Sheng.
Hearing this, A’Bin’s face turned pale, his expression rapidly changing. He never expected his martial uncle would disclose everything so openly, even the secret mission of obtaining the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword.
Though complaining in his heart, he dared not utter a single objection. Otherwise, these two could silence him with ease, no harder than crushing an ant. Thus, he quickly forced an ingratiating smile, nodding submissively, saying, “Martial Uncle Bu speaks the truth. Humble one has indeed been acting as a spy for the Six Gates. Though my mission involves the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword, I absolutely bear no ill intentions towards you two lords.”
Li Mu Sheng casually waved his hand, clearly unconcerned. For someone like A’Bin to plot against him—it probably wouldn’t succeed even in his next lifetime.
“Enough, continue leading the way. Those Great Qi remnants should already be making their move near Dragon Abyss Lake. When we arrive, the timing should be just about right.”
A’Bin, greatly relieved, quickly agreed. He discreetly glanced at Bu Cheng Yang before using his lightness skill, swiftly gliding across the water to lead the way back.
Bu Cheng Yang remained calm, following behind Li Mu Sheng and Cang Yin Yue closely.
Soon, the four reached the forked passage again, choosing another water channel. After traveling several li without obstacle, they arrived at an underground Dark River.
This Dark River connected directly to Dragon Abyss Lake. All obstacles had already been cleared by the remnants of Great Qi from Qing Shan House.
Moving further ahead, bodies began to drift in the Dark River, all freshly deceased. Among them were both Great Qi remnants and soldiers from Great Li’s Imperial Guard.
Clang! Clang! Shing! Shing!
The sound of fierce combat rang out from nearby. Before a towering bronze palace, two groups were locked in a deadly battle. They fought so fiercely they didn’t even notice Li Mu Sheng’s group arriving, each too absorbed in surviving against their opponents.
“That Imperial Dragon Divine Sword should be hidden within this palace,” Bu Cheng Yang explained slowly. “It’s said Great Li uses this sword to stabilize the dynasty’s fate, so they’ve placed many powerful martial experts as guards.”
His gaze shifted to the massive bronze gates of the palace, already half-open. Inside, darkness reigned and silence prevailed. Clearly, the remnants from Qing Shan House had not yet fully claimed the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword.
“Let’s go inside and see.” Li Mu Sheng led Cang Yin Yue swiftly towards the bronze palace.
Seeing this, the battling Great Qi remnants and Great Li guards temporarily paused their conflict. Turning together, they charged toward Li Mu Sheng’s group, fearing additional competition for the divine sword.
But Bu Cheng Yang, trailing behind Li Mu Sheng, simply gave a cold snort. Instantly, a surge of invisible force swept out, hurling the attackers into the air and flinging them dozens of meters away.
Witnessing this, A’Bin secretly marveled. His martial uncle, once known as an extraordinary martial genius among the sect’s second-generation sword cultivators, had truly changed. The arrogant, commanding man had willingly become someone else’s muscle. It was almost unbelievable.
Yet recalling the terrifying strength Li Mu Sheng had shown earlier and Bu Cheng Yang’s respectful demeanor, A’Bin understood clearly—his martial uncle’s martial strength was undoubtedly weaker than Li Mu Sheng’s. Otherwise, with his character, such submission would be impossible.
Having disposed of the threat, the four entered the bronze palace.
Inside, the palace was simply constructed. Apart from nine enormous bronze pillars supporting its dome, no decorations adorned the hall. At its center stood a massive stone platform, upon which lay a greenish-blue pool, tens of meters wide, shimmering quietly in the dim light.