Chapter 366: Swarming Arrival
Chapter 366: Swarming Arrival
As Chen Mu immersed himself in the collapsing stone vein and the ensuing chaos from the destruction of the pocket universe, figures began to arrive from all directions.
"Is this... a collapsing pocket universe?"
A Grandmaster, shrouded in dim and eerie light, arrived nearby, gazing at the crumbling stone vein pocket universe with a look of astonishment.
Even for a Grandmaster, the chance of discovering a pocket universe during their travels across the realms was minuscule, let alone witnessing its collapse, an event so rare that it was scarcely mentioned in ancient texts.
Swish! Swish!!
Several more Grandmasters appeared, rushing in from another direction.
Observing the massive commotion caused by the collapsing stone vein pocket universe and the white spatial rifts, they all wore expressions of shock, stopping at a distance, hesitant to approach too closely.
"What is this...?"
Luan Qiumei and Xia Yuye arrived from one direction, their gazes fixed on the terrifying scene before them, filled with grave intensity. Xia Yuye's face also showed surprise.
Although neither of them had reached the Blood Exchange Realm, as disciples of the Joyful Union Sect, they had extensive knowledge and had witnessed the clashes between Blood Exchange Realm cultivators, whose full-power strikes could create such white spatial rifts.
At this moment, the spatial rifts proliferated above the shattered stone vein, countless in a single instant! Just gazing from a distance, one could feel a heart-palpitating sensation, as if being drawn into them would instantly shatter one's body, and even the most powerful martial bodies might struggle to withstand it.
"Such extensive spatial rifts must be caused by a collapsing pocket universe," Xia Yuye whispered gravely. "I once read in the sect's most secret classics that one of our ancestors encountered the collapse of a pocket universe. It's said that during the complete destruction, the heavens and earth will be in complete chaos, and in that moment of destruction and rebirth, various wondrous and spiritual objects will emerge..."
Luan Qiumei glanced at Xia Yuye with a hint of surprise. Xia Yuye lowered her voice, her lips moving without a sound, using secret sound transmission to speak directly into Luan Qiumei's ear.
Xia Yuye also used sound transmission, saying, "Elder Sister Luan, you've always been dedicated to martial arts, often exploring the outer seas. I, on the other hand, have spent most of my time in the sect, and when I'm not busy, I delve into those ancient histories."
"Whether it's the outer seas, the Earth Abyss, or the Great Wilderness, encountering a pocket universe is already rare, let alone witnessing its destruction. According to that ancestor, the larger the pocket universe, the more wondrous objects it births during its collapse. This pocket universe seemed hidden within the stone vein, but we don't know its exact size, and now it's inaccessible."
Xia Yuye briefly explained the situation.
Hearing this, Luan Qiumei nodded slightly and scanned the surroundings, noticing that about four or five Grandmasters from various major sects in the Frost North had already arrived from different directions.
"If there are indeed wondrous objects, you and I might have a chance to compete for them. Others may not be aware of this, so they might be slower to act. As long as we don't get greedy and just grab one item, we might succeed."
Luan Qiumei whispered into Xia Yuye's ear using sound transmission.
Both Luan Qiumei and Xia Yuye were renowned figures in the outside world, possessing exceptional strength among Grandmasters, second only to the top-tier ones. However, they were well aware that none of the others here were to be taken lightly, and they might not win against any of them in a one-on-one fight.
But if they worked together and seized the opportunity, they might have a chance to grab an item and escape.
"If only Elder Sister Yan were here," Xia Yuye sighed. "She would have definitely arrived before us. I've sent her a message, but I'm not sure if she'll make it in time."
The Joyful Union Sect also had top-tier Grandmasters, who had come to explore the Earth Abyss but then split up to search separately.
"Mhm," Luan Qiumei responded, carefully observing the other figures nearby. She hoped that these Grandmasters, unaware of the impending changes during the pocket universe's destruction, would be deterred by the spatial rifts and retreat.
However, this was an unlikely scenario. Those who dared to venture to this level, even if not top-tier Grandmasters, were almost all exceptionally powerful among their peers. Encountering such a situation, even without knowing the specifics, they wouldn't simply retreat; they would want to understand the situation clearly.
Furthermore, there was someone who had arrived extremely close to the site of the stone vein collapse. It seemed they had been there for a while, standing just twenty zhang away from the nearest void rift, as if teetering on the edge of danger. Yet, they remained unmoved.
Xia Yuye's gaze also fell upon this person, and after a brief assessment, her eyes widened in surprise.
Could it be him?
Chen Mu was already a renowned figure in the Frost North, and even more so after his encounter with Xia Yuye. She had recognized him at once, a glint of recognition flashing in her eyes.
Xia Yuye, Luan Qiumei, and the other grandmasters all held a certain wariness towards the void rifts, fearing their sudden spread. They maintained a distance of fifty to sixty zhang, except for Chen Mu, who stood just twenty zhang away, seemingly unaware of the rift's danger.
This wasn't surprising.
Although Chen Mu's strength was exceptional, on par with Xia Yuye and Luan Qiumei, he was still relatively young, lacking the experience to recognize the signs of a collapsing pocket universe. It was only natural that he wouldn't be aware of the dangers of the void rift.
After a moment's hesitation, Xia Yuye's lips curved slightly, and her voice carried forward like a silken thread.
"This is a collapsing pocket universe, and only those in the Blood Replacement Realm can withstand the void rifts. It's too dangerous to be so close."
The Harmony Union Sect had no significant grudges with Chen Mu, and the true disciples, the Flower Sisters, were even willing to invest in him. Currently, they were abroad, gathering information for Chen Mu. It was only natural for Xia Yuye to foster a benevolent connection with him.
The current world situation was unclear, and it was uncertain which of the Eight Princes of the Central State would emerge victorious. The future of the Eleven Northern Provinces was also uncertain. The Harmony Union Sect had always maintained a neutral stance, never fully committing to any one side.
In fact, among the various sects, only the Harmony Union Sect could afford to act this way. Other factions dared not disperse their forces, attempting to sit back and watch the conflict unfold, as they would likely face dire consequences. The Harmony Union Sect, however, was comprised entirely of women, practicing the path of pleasure. No matter how the world changed, they always found a place to stand.
"Mhm, I understand."
Chen Mu heard the voice in his ear and had already sensed the presence of Xia Yuye and Luan Qiumei. Recognizing Xia Yuye's voice, he responded calmly without moving away.
Seeing that Chen Mu remained standing within twenty zhang of the stone vein, Xia Yuye's heart gave a twinge, but she chose not to remind him further. Although twenty zhang was somewhat dangerous, it was just that—somewhat dangerous.
If, as Flower Sisters had assessed and invested in Chen Mu, believing him to be the Frost North's once-in-a-century genius born with a heavenly mandate amidst the chaos, then it was unlikely he would lose his life so easily.
Just as Xia Yuye was pondering this, a sharp and piercing aura approached without any concealment, immediately capturing the attention of all the grandmasters present. After discerning its source, they all revealed a mix of concern and wariness.
"The Eternal Sword!"
One person's eyes darkened, speaking softly.
The aura of the Eternal Sword preceded its master!
The arrival of the person was less concerning than the sword intent that heralded their approach. Among the grandmasters in the Earth Abyss, none wished to encounter this person.
Jiang Changsheng, a top grandmaster in the Frost North, was a young man with the potential to reach the Blood Replacement Realm, was the last person anyone wanted to face.
Swish!
A figure in a green robe appeared nearby, taking a step forward. Jiang Changsheng surveyed the shattered earth vein, now unrecognizable, from a distance of about thirty zhang, his sharp gaze fixed on the scene.
"Jiang Changsheng... I heard he recently exchanged three moves with the Absolute Blade, and it ended in a draw."
Someone whispered, their eyes shadowed.
"Even the Jade Flute Guest acknowledged that Jiang Changsheng surpassed him by a fraction."
Another person's eyes sparkled.
In the current Frost North, the comparison between the Absolute Blade and the Eternal Sword was a topic of interest. Only a few days ago, Jiang Changsheng and the Absolute Blade, Tuoba Xi, had competed for a spiritual artifact, their battle ending in a tie.
This confirmed Jiang Changsheng's strength, proving that he was no less than Tuoba Xi, standing at the pinnacle of grandmasters in the Frost North.
As the grandmasters in the area focused on Jiang Changsheng, some with furrowed brows and others with wary eyes, a gentle and righteous aura suddenly spread, dissipating some of the oppressive atmosphere in the Earth Abyss.
"May all be well, may all be well."
A figure approached from afar, seemingly following closely behind Jiang Changsheng. He wore tattered monk robes, his bare feet revealing a gaunt body that emanated a faint golden glow, giving him an air of sacred benevolence. His skin, like ancient bronze, added to this divine aura.
"The Ascetic Arhat from the Birthless Temple."
"He's here too."
Numerous gazes converged, each revealing a hint of astonishment.
The top Grandmasters from the Northern Chill were no strangers to those present, especially the renowned Birthless Temple's Ascetic Arhat and the Horizon Guest, whose names had resonated in the Northern Chill for decades. They were among the finest experts within the Northern Chill Grandmaster circle.
A deafening rumble echoed!
The collapse of the Stone Vein Heaven continued.
Within its vast interior, spanning dozens of li, the void's destruction was not an instantaneous event. The entire stone vein had almost shattered beyond recognition, its surface devoid of cracks. It had disintegrated into countless powdery fragments.
These stone shards, however, were caught in the clash of void forces from the Earth Abyss and the Stone Vein Heaven. They were crushed and ground, sometimes coalescing, sometimes scattering, amidst an unidentifiable mix of mineral spirit materials.
At this moment, upon closer inspection, one could see that the shattered stone fragments revealed a massive orb of light. The entire orb was composed of white void cracks, densely woven and surging with void power, instilling fear in those who beheld it.
Some Grandmasters, sensing this oppression, unconsciously took a few steps back, concerned that the void cracks might suddenly erupt and engulf the entire area.
However, only a handful retreated.
The majority of Grandmasters remained steadfast, each fixated on the unfolding scene, including Jiang Changsheng, who stared at the disintegrating Stone Vein Heaven with a dazed expression, furrowing his brows in contemplation.
The Horizon Guest, Hai Qianyuan, arrived, his presence as formidable as the surging sea.
"Oh? The Heaven Cavern is collapsing?"
Hai Qianyuan, upon reaching the scene, momentarily surprised, quickly narrowed his eyes. As the Horizon Pavilion's master, he was well aware of the secrets behind the Heaven Cavern's collapse and the emergence of rare treasures during such events. He surveyed the extent of the Stone Vein Heaven's destruction while simultaneously assessing the situation.
Noticing Jiang Changsheng and Empty Perception, his gaze grew slightly more solemn. He then quietly moved away, circling around them to the other side.
"Joyful Union Sect's Xia Yuye and Luan Qiumei... Hmm, and the Heaven Earth Blade's Chen Mu..."
Hai Qianyuan glanced at the figures on this side, his expression calm as he stood about thirty to forty zhang away.
The Heaven Cavern's collapse continued, and the rare treasures had yet to manifest. When they did, everyone would undoubtedly scramble for the nearest ones. He naturally wouldn't stay close to Jiang Changsheng and Empty Perception.
Evidently, the risks were lower on this side with Luan Qiumei and the others, potentially allowing him to secure one or two more extraordinary objects.
"Judging by this situation, the internal space of this Heaven Cavern is likely quite large, spanning dozens of li. I wonder if there's a chance for a 'Void Crystal' to emerge from such a massive Heaven Cavern's destruction."
Hai Qianyuan's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
The destruction of Heaven-type spirit armaments was an extremely rare occurrence, especially for those with internal spaces. Since the founding of the Grand Proclamation Empire, there had been, at most, only a dozen or so recorded instances of Heaven-type spirit armaments being destroyed, and even fewer for those with internal spaces spanning dozens of li.
Why were Heaven-type spirit armaments with internal spaces so scarce across the land?
Aside from the Heaven and Earth Flask, which was directly refined by the Founding Martial Emperor of the Grand Proclamation Empire using a unique Heaven Cavern, other Heaven-type spirit armaments with internal spaces were crafted from 'Void Crystals'.
The birth of Void Crystals was an incredibly challenging process, so much so that many Grandmasters might not have even heard of their existence. But as the master of the Horizon Pavilion, Hai Qianyuan, was privy to this knowledge. He understood their creation, knew they were born solely during the destruction of Heaven Caverns with substantial internal spaces, and even then, it was a chance occurrence within the annihilation and collision of the void.
(End of Chapter)
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