Chapter 1075 - 557: Seal Mutation (Part 1)

Chapter 1075: Chapter 557: Seal Mutation (Part 1)

As the Tribulation Thunder dissipated, the surroundings returned to their usual tranquility. Sunlight poured through the clouds, casting dappled shadows and adding a touch of vitality and hope to the land. Xue’Er and Li Mu stood side by side, gazing into the distance.

Li Mu suddenly sensed something, furrowing his brow, and indicated, "It seems we have guests!"

Xue’Er immediately looked up, a hint of alertness flashing in her eyes.

"Let’s go greet them together." Li Mu smiled and gestured, then grabbed Xue’Er’s hand and walked outside the Grand Array.

Li Mu led Xue’Er, walking shoulder to shoulder out of the array. There, a young man clad in a blue robe, with a handsome face, stood waiting outside the array. He held a jade fan and bore a sword box on his back, surrounded by a faint Sword Qi, clearly a Sword Cultivator of considerable cultivation.

The visitor was none other than the Sword Master of Profound Celestial Sword Sect: Feng Wuheng.

"Elder Li, Miss Xue’Er, long time no see!" Feng Wuheng smiled, cupping his fists in greeting, his voice as gentle as jade, congratulating Li Mu, "I did not expect today to be fortunate enough to witness Elder Li refine a top-grade Dao Artifact."

Li Mu returned the smile, stepped forward, and also returned the gesture: "Indeed, it has been three years since we last met, Sword Master Feng, your vigor remains the same!"

Xue’Er also slightly bowed, treating him with courtesy, roughly aware of his intentions and not overly worried.

Over the past century, the Sword Masters of the Profound Celestial Sword Sect, at intervals of three years, would spar with Brother Li with swords to refine their Sword Dao and progress together. Feng Wuheng’s visit must follow this tradition.

Meanwhile, several Sword Masters of the Profound Celestial Sword Sect, Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Qi, have successively ascended to Daoist Monarchs, greatly boosting the morale of the entire Profound Celestial Sword Sect, reversing the decline.

Presumably, they all gained insights from the sword sparring, and because of this, Brother Li’s status in the Profound Celestial Sword Sect has become increasingly stable. Not only has he repeatedly advanced in his sword sparring with various Sword Masters, but he has also pioneered new realms in the Sword Dao, earning widespread respect and admiration from many Elders and Sword Masters of the Profound Celestial Sword Sect.

"Sword Master Feng, long time no see, although I’ve been busy with other matters, I’ve never stopped cultivating the Sword Dao. Meeting you today is the perfect opportunity to test my skills and see if we’ve each made any progress." Li Mu looked at Feng Wuheng, displaying intense battle intent while also showing respect for this old rival.

"Elder Li, the sword duel can wait for now, I’m here to bring you important news." Feng Wuheng gently waved the jade fan in his hand, his eyes becoming serious.

Li Mu nodded, looked at Feng Wuheng, and said, "Please speak, Sword Master, if it’s important, I will certainly listen with full attention."

"Last month, Elder Tianji used Tianji Divination, resulting in a warning to our sect that the Sealing Array of the Two Realms might be at risk of loosening, possibly threatening the peace of our realm." Feng Wuheng’s voice was deep and powerful: "However, since Elder Li has been guarding this array, I have come to ask if you have detected any anomalies in the array?"

Upon hearing this, Li Mu’s expression instantly became solemn. After pondering for a moment, he shook his head slowly and said, "Recently, I haven’t detected any changes in the array, but Elder Tianji’s Divination Skill is exceptional. I will take this matter seriously. Why not, Sword Master, join me in inspecting the seven Sealed Lands?"

Hearing this, Feng Wuheng nodded slightly, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes: "Elder Li’s suggestion is wise. It is better to inspect personally to be at ease. Since you haven’t found any anomalies, let’s immediately proceed to the seven Sealed Lands; perhaps we can discover some clues."

Saying this, Feng Wuheng turned to Xue’Er with a gentle smile, "Miss Xue’Er, please wait here. Elder Li and I will be back shortly. If there are any changes, we will inform you promptly."

Xue’Er, though slightly worried, understood the importance of the matter, nodded lightly, and watched the two depart.

Li Mu and Feng Wuheng took to their swords, heading to the Profound Celestial Sword Sect, straight to one of the seven Sealed Lands, the Extreme Gold Secret Realm, the most important guardian place of the Profound Celestial Sword Sect and one of the seven sub-arrays of the Two Realms Channel Seal Array.

Soon, the two traversed the mist-shrouded mountain range, arriving at the most mysterious and solemn forbidden land of the Profound Celestial Sword Sect—Sword Burial Peak. The peak’s summit, enveloped by dense Sword Qi year-round, seemed as if every breeze carried the chant of swords, inspiring awe.

Sword Burial Peak is not only named for burying the peerless swords of past Sword Sect predecessors but also because it is the key to maintaining the core of the Two Realms Sealing Array. The Extreme Gold Secret Realm lies hidden beneath this peak, isolated from the outside world through complex arrays and mechanisms, and is off-limits to non-core members of the Sword Sect.

Li Mu and Feng Wuheng landed on the peak, exchanged a glance without words, and stepped through the Restriction Array of the Extreme Gold Secret Realm.

"Greetings, Master!"

Shortly after entering the Secret Realm, a golden figure quickly appeared before them, respectfully welcoming them in a deep voice.

It was unmistakably the Jade-Eyed Golden Ape, having transcended the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation and assumed human form, standing over eight feet tall with a robust physique, its muscle lines smooth and bursting with explosive power. Underneath every inch of skin lay terrifying strength. Its square face carried a hint of wildness, and the pair of eyes, glowing with jade green, were the most captivating, deep and sharp, seemingly able to see into one’s heart or even the depths of the soul.

A mane of golden flame-like hair, shining brilliantly in the sunlight, draped casually over its shoulders, adding an air of unrestrained majesty. Its ears were long and pointed, retaining some Beast Type characteristics, but also adding a hint of agility and mystery. It wore battle armor woven from an unknown metal thread, which looked noble and practically suited for combat, complementing the golden glow emitted by the Jade-Eyed Golden Ape, making it exceptionally dazzling.