Chapter 118
Chapter 118: Seizing the Sword
A soft green glow radiated from the depths of the jade pool, casting a faint, misty brilliance into the surrounding darkness.
Though no visible figures lingered near the waters, the air itself was filled with a powerful, invisible Qi that formed an impenetrable barrier. Anyone whose martial dao cultivation was insufficient would find it impossible to approach even a single step closer.
Bu Cheng Yang swept his gaze around but saw no other exits. He turned his attention back to the deep pool before him. Just as he was about to speak, Li Mu Sheng had already pulled Cang Yin Yue forward toward the shimmering water. The surrounding Qi posed no obstacle for the pair, and in the blink of an eye, they vanished beneath the surface.
Seeing this, Bu Cheng Yang shook his head. He quickly grabbed A’Bin by the arm, swiftly chasing after the others.
“Martial uncle, please be gentle! Don’t vent your frustrations on me,” A’Bin grumbled softly, enduring the rough grip and fierce Qi radiating from Bu Cheng Yang.
Hearing this, Bu Cheng Yang glared at him sternly and said, “Kid, you better stay alert. Behave yourself later and don’t cause trouble. If something happens, even I won’t be able to save you.”
A’Bin shifted his gaze towards the pool, noticing that Li Mu Sheng and Cang Yin Yue had already disappeared. He lowered his voice hurriedly, “Martial uncle, don’t we want the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword?”
Bu Cheng Yang narrowed his eyes slightly, responding with a cold smile, “If you want it, go seize it yourself. Just don’t drag me into your mess.”
“Huh?” A’Bin was stunned, silently wondering, [Has martial uncle Bu always been this frank? He’s clearly a Heavenly Union Expert himself, but instead of acting, he suggests I grab the sword. How can someone with warm breath say such cold-hearted words?]
However, he wisely kept his thoughts quiet. If even Bu Cheng Yang was hesitant, there was no way he would foolishly rush to his death.
Entering the pool, Bu Cheng Yang led A’Bin deeper, holding their breaths as they swam towards the dim, bluish-green glow beneath the surface.
Approaching closer, they found Li Mu Sheng and Cang Yin Yue floating silently, eyes fixed on a spot ahead at the pool’s bottom. There lay a foundation of bronze, covered in an ancient green patina. Nine enormous bronze chains, each as thick as a thigh, coiled around a towering bronze sword nearly thirty feet tall, securing it tightly to the pool’s bed.
Around this giant sword, eleven powerful martial experts were locked in fierce combat. Two disheveled old eunuchs wearing python-patterned robes stood back-to-back beneath the great sword, maintaining a martial Qi barrier that extended several feet around them, fending off nine other martial cultivators.
Among these nine opponents, their strengths varied. Three had reached the Heavenly Union realm, while the remaining six were either Great Grandmasters or halfway to Heavenly Union. The struggle remained fierce and deadlocked. The remaining loyalists of Great Qi had yet to overpower the two formidable guards of Great Li.
When Li Mu Sheng and the others arrived, those battling below immediately noticed their presence. Among the group of Great Qi loyalists, an elderly man in purple robes struck at the martial barrier while carefully observing the newcomers.
He quickly discerned Cang Yin Yue’s and A’Bin’s cultivation levels. Judging by the aura emanating from Bu Cheng Yang, he guessed him to be a Heavenly Union expert. Only Li Mu Sheng, with no detectable Qi fluctuations, puzzled him.
Yet, the old man took no chances and transmitted his voice through the water using Qi, saying, “I presume you’ve also come here seeking the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword. Right now, we’re only a step away from breaking this barrier. Why not join hands with us first to defeat these two eunuchs? Afterward, the sword can be claimed by whoever proves strongest.”
Beneath the sword, the two old eunuchs glanced coldly at Li Mu Sheng’s group, remaining silent. Clearly, the newcomers were rivals here for the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword; cooperation was impossible.
Li Mu Sheng and Cang Yin Yue made no reply. Bu Cheng Yang shook his head subtly, replying through Qi, “No need to hurry. Let them exhaust each other first. We’ll move only after they’re weakened, and then easily claim the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword.”
Bu Cheng Yang had sensed clearly that among the Heavenly Union experts from Qing Shan House, this elder in purple robes was the strongest—perhaps even slightly superior to himself. Though he trusted Li Mu Sheng’s strength, if a fight broke out immediately, they’d face five Heavenly Union experts. Thus, it was wiser to let the others weaken themselves first.
However, Li Mu Sheng wasn’t concerned about timing. Instead, he was troubled by another matter entirely.
[The legendary Great Li divine artifact, Imperial Dragon Divine Sword, looks like this? Isn’t it way too huge? It’s as tall as a three- or four-story building. Can any normal person even wield such a sword?]
Li Mu Sheng silently transmitted his thoughts to Bu Cheng Yang.
The sword’s immense size was incredibly noticeable, making him wonder how he might even carry it away.
Bu Cheng Yang frowned as he looked at the massive bronze sword chained to its platform. Shaking his head slightly, he answered, “Honestly, I’ve never seen the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword myself, but it shouldn’t normally be this enormous.”
Li Mu Sheng’s expression turned thoughtful.
Rumors claimed the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword was forged from meteoric iron, yet the sword before them was entirely bronze. Something didn’t match.
But Li Mu Sheng soon decided it didn’t matter. He had no time to ponder such things deeply. Obtaining the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword first and then seizing the Azure Dragon Qi was what truly mattered.
Besides, he had no use for such a huge sword personally, so carrying it around was unnecessary.
His eyebrows rose slightly, and raising one finger, he pointed towards the towering bronze sword wrapped in chains.
Instantly, it seemed as though an invisible giant hand had grasped the sword, pulling it forcefully upward.
The nine massive bronze chains snapped under the irresistible force, shattering with a loud, rumbling boom. Fragments of chains exploded outward, sending violent waves rippling through the water, striking indiscriminately at all those nearby.
For a moment, panic and astonishment flashed across the faces of everyone below.
The two old eunuchs guarding the sword stared in disbelief at the sword’s sudden rise, unable to fathom how their martial Qi barrier had been so easily ignored.
Meanwhile, the cultivators from Qing Shan House felt a rush of anger and shock. Someone had boldly snatched the sword from right beneath their noses, and they had utterly failed to anticipate it!