Chapter 950 - 497: Ambush on the Dao (Part 2)

Chapter 950: Chapter 497: Ambush on the Dao (Part 2)

Watching Li Mu depart, Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen continued to engage in battle with the three top enemies.

"Damn it!"

Seeing Li Mu escape, Gao Hong was furious. He roared, and an immeasurable force of Netherworld Power erupted from his body, like dark clouds covering the sky, surging madly.

"Fellow Daoist Xin, Fellow Daoist Liu, support me with all your strength. Let’s first eliminate these two troublesome opponents!" Gao Hong’s voice was deep and powerful, carrying an undeniable authority.

Xin Tiansen and Liu Zongwei exchanged glances, understanding that this matter couldn’t be resolved peacefully. Defeating Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen would be a huge victory for their sect, not only weakening the Profound Celestial Sword Sect’s strength but also enhancing their prestige within the various powers in the Spirit Realm.

Thus, both nodded simultaneously, each activating their Integration Realm, wielding their most powerful Secret Techniques to fully align with Gao Hong’s offensive.

Xin Tiansen formed a two-hand seal, and with a wave of his Fire Dao Sword, a massive fissure suddenly tore open in the sky. A hot torrent of flames surged out, like a dragon roaring out of the sea, rushing towards Sword Master Feng with overwhelming force.

The destructive power within those flames was so immense that even Sword Master Feng dared not meet it directly. He leaped lightly, like willow fluff in the wind, effortlessly dodging the surging torrents of fire.

However, mere evasion was not a long-term strategy. A flaw in the opponent’s defenses needed to be found to deliver a fatal blow.

So, Sword Master Feng took a deep breath, spiritual power swirling within him, and the Cyan Kite Sword in his hand burst forth with dazzling light. A blue aura of the Wind Element surrounded the sword, as he wielded it in a single striking motion.

"Wind Rolls up the Remnants of Clouds, Cyan Kite Breaks the Sky!" Sword Master Feng shouted lowly, turning into a cyan whirlwind, carrying boundless sword intent and the Power of Wind, rushing directly toward the torrents of fire. Every swing of the sword released Gale Sword Qi, as fire and the Gale Domain fiercely collided, changing the colors of heaven and earth.

Meanwhile, Sword Master Chen faced off against Liu Zongwei. The opponent was as elusive as a ghost, moving at incredible speed. The Extreme Yin Realm emitted a bone-chilling cold as several Yin Dragons roared menacingly toward Sword Master Chen, each containing enough Yin Fiend Power to cause heart palpitations in any Integration Cultivator.

But Sword Master Chen remained unfazed. The Geng Metal Dao Sword in his hand was like a living being; the tip of the sword wove complex patterns in the air, forming a densely woven Sword Net that severed the roaring Yin Dragons one by one.

Just as the battle between both sides reached a fever pitch, Gao Hong finally completed the charging of the Heaven-Reaching Technique, unleashing the Integration Realm—Netherworld Realm, through Netherworld Devouring Heaven.

He stood at the center, Netherworld Power furiously surging around him, gradually forming a massive black vortex that swallowed the figures of Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen.

"Hahaha, dare to oppose us? Today, I’ll let you witness the true power of the Netherworld!" Gao Hong laughed loudly, his voice tinged with madness and glee.

"Cyan Kite, Wind Whistles through the Nine Heavens!" Sword Master Feng shouted, the Cyan Kite Sword transforming into a cyan tornado in his hand, fiercely tearing apart the surrounding Nether Qi to carve space for survival.

"Geng Metal, Sword Breaks the Sky!" Sword Master Chen simultaneously struck, the Geng Metal Dao Sword transforming into a brilliant golden Sword Aura, stabbing toward the core of the Netherworld Realm, attempting to shatter this terrifying cage from the inside.

The two of them, one attacking and one defending, coordinated seamlessly, their sharp Sword Qi crisscrossing. Gradually, the Nether Qi within the Netherworld Realm began to thin, and the gigantic black vortex showed signs of loosening.

Amidst the fierce battle of the five, Xu Wen watched Li Mu depart and withdrew from the spectation, stealthily using the Escape Technique to follow.

Before long, Xu Wen had quietly approached Li Mu, witnessing Li Mu using the power of the Yin Yang Essence Wheel, casting the Sutra of the Wheel of Space-Time and the Five Elements Escape Technique to alternate between speeds, with each blink covering hundreds of miles.

"Master Li, please stop!" Xu Wen’s voice suddenly rang in Li Mu’s ears, as his figure appeared not far ahead of Li Mu, wearing a smile, his eyes revealing sincerity.

"Sect Master Xu, what is the meaning of this? Aren’t you afraid that this will affect the millennium-long friendship between the Taiyi Sect and the Profound Celestial Sword Sect?" Li Mu looked at Xu Wen with full alert, furrowing his brows.

Xu Wen smiled softly and waved his hand, indicating that Li Mu need not be tense.

"Master Li, you worry too much. I pursued you not out of malice, nor to disrupt the sects’ friendship. It is actually because there is a matter I must ask with respect to the future of the Taiyi Sect."

Xu Wen flew forward a little, maintaining a distance suitable for conversation without appearing confrontational. He continued, "Master Li, allow me to explain. My actions stem from admiration for your skills and a bit of personal interest."

Xu Wen paused, his gaze becoming more earnest and expectant. "Master Li, you have extraordinary expertise in the Path of Artifact Refining, and every Dao Artifact you refine is of unparalleled quality. However, although the Taiyi Sect has made advancements in many areas over the years, we’re unable to break through the bottleneck of refining high-grade Dao Artifacts. After much thought, only an Artifact Refining Master like you can assist our sect."

Seeing that Li Mu remained wary, Xu Wen continued, "Our Taiyi Sect cherishes an ancient Spiritual Material known as the ’Chaos Spirit Crystal,’ containing the Power of Chaos from before the division of heaven and earth. It’s an excellent material for creating top-tier Dao Artifacts. However, for years, no one has been able to master its power here, let alone refine it into an artifact."

At this point, Xu Wen’s tone betrayed a hint of regret, but then it filled with anticipation as he sincerely looked at Li Mu: "I perceive your unique insight in the art of refining, hence I risk inviting you to our Taiyi Sect to attempt to refine this ’Chaos Spirit Crystal’ into a treasure that could protect the sect and awe the demonic hordes?"

"Sect Master Xu, let’s discuss artifact refining another day. Simply bring the Spiritual Material to me. I’m currently indisposed," Li Mu said, his tone apologetic but firm and resolute, remaining cautious. "Moreover, I sense Sect Master Xu seems to have more to say!"

Xu Wen’s expression changed slightly, hesitating whether to disclose the next piece of news. After a brief moment, he sighed, a look of worry crossing his face, and gestured: "Master Li, you may not know, but the reason for my urgency is that I’ve received news that the Profound Celestial Sword Sect is on the brink of an unprecedented upheaval. According to reliable sources, the sect’s two Daoist Monarchs have become trapped in the Nine Nether Secret Realm during an exploration, their fate unknown. Should this be true, it would be a devastating blow to the Profound Celestial Sword Sect."

"Master Li, if you stay with the Profound Celestial Sword Sect amid this crisis, you might face peril. Remember, Elder Hu invited you to our sect long ago, but the Profound Celestial Sword Sect intercepted you midway, an unfortunate loss for us."

"Sect Master Xu, is this true!"

Upon hearing this, Li Mu was taken aback. The two Daoist Monarchs were the backbone of the Profound Celestial Sword Sect. Should they fall, the entire sect could plunge into chaos.

Xu Wen nodded, taking an ancient Jade Scroll from his bosom and handing it to Li Mu, explaining: "This message comes from the Celestial Secret Tower; the Nine Nether Secret Realm has undergone great changes, and Daoist Monarchs Xuan Tian and Qing Hong ventured deep inside. I did not witness this firsthand, but given the Celestial Secret Tower’s credibility, it’s almost certainly true."

"Sect Master Xu, thank you for the information. This matter is of utmost importance. I must return to the sect immediately to inform the Elder Council." Li Mu took the Jade Scroll without further inspection and prepared to leave.

However, a flash of anger crossed Xu Wen’s eyes as he blocked Li Mu, persisting with persuasion: "Master Li, wait. I understand your loyalty to the sect, but if you head back now, you might not quickly solve anything. Plus, the perilous Nine Nether Secret Realm is hazardous even for Daoist Monarchs. I suggest you first come with me to Taiyi Sect, where we can thoroughly discuss the rescue of the two Daoist Monarchs. Moreover, if needed, you can leverage our Taiyi Sect’s strength to face this crisis together!"

Hearing this, Li Mu sighed, realizing the need for a firmer approach.