Chapter 956: Interception
Chapter 956: Interception
"Brother Lu is too humble," Mo Yuanfeng said with a slight smile. "The ability to obtain various treasures of the Sword Dao in the Heart Sword Lake depends on two main factors: one's cultivation realm and one's proficiency in the Sword Dao. Other factors come into play as well, such as individual talent and means."
"Some inner sect disciples are born with innate sword bodies and have an incredibly strong affinity for the Sword Dao. They will naturally thrive like fish in water once they enter Heart Sword Lake."
"Thank you, Brother Mo, for your guidance. I understand now," Lu Xuan replied with a slight nod.
He attributed his opportunity to enter Heart Sword Lake not only to Master Huan Zhen's esteem but also to his own late-stage Pill Formation realm cultivation.
As for his proficiency in the Sword Dao, having cultivated countless Sword Grass and absorbed numerous Sword Intent experience packs, he was confident that he was not inferior to most Sword Sect disciples.
"Right, Brother Lu," Mo Yuanfeng continued, "I have this Heart Lake Sword Handle for you." He produced a deep cyan sword handle and handed it to Lu Xuan.
The surface of the sword handle seemed to ripple with deep green lake water, devoid of a blade but emanating an intangible sword qi that constantly surged.
"The Heart Lake Sword Handle has multiple purposes, Brother Lu. It will allow you to enter the Heart Sword Lake, guide your direction to prevent you from getting lost in the endless lake of sword qi, and offer some protection."
"While there aren't any significant dangers within Heart Sword Lake, I cannot guarantee absolute safety. There may be aggressive sword-type spirit beasts or sword souls lurking about."
"Additionally, disputes may arise among disciples if there are competing interests in certain treasures."
"Should you encounter any dangerous situations, you can fully stimulate the special sword qi within the Heart Lake Sword Handle, and a senior will come to your aid."
"However, this can only be done once. Once the sword qi is triggered, the sword handle will become mundane, and you won't be able to use it to explore Heart Sword Lake for treasures anymore." Mo Yuanfeng patiently explained.
He then proceeded to impart various tips and small experiences on entering the Heart Sword Lake and searching for treasures, all the while Lu Xuan listened with gratitude.
Finally, amidst Lu Xuan's continuous thanks, Mo Yuanfeng bid him farewell and departed.
Time passed, and soon the day of entering the Heart Sword Lake arrived.
Lu Xuan joined the other six inner sect disciples from the Huan Zhen Sword Peak at the gathering place.
Seizing the opportunity, he acquainted himself with the six disciples, who already knew of Lu Xuan's background and treated him amicably.
More and more Sword Sect disciples gathered, soon totaling over a hundred.
"Our Huan Zhen Sword Peak only has seven disciples. The most populated Sword Peak has over twenty, indicating a significant disparity between the peaks," Lu Xuan mused to himself.
The disciples from different Sword Peaks could be easily distinguished by the slight variations in their standard sect robes.
As Lu Xuan surveyed the gathering, a sword light rushed over like thunder, revealing the figure of a Nascent Soul Sword Cultivator.
"Congratulations to all of you for obtaining the qualification to enter the Heart Sword Lake. May you find the treasures you desire," the Nascent Soul Sword Cultivator said with a coldly dignified expression.
With a single hand, he cleaved downward, causing a massive fissure to appear in the ground. Powerful restrictions were set up around the fissure, beyond which countless sword auras could be faintly seen, attempting to break free from their restraints.
"It seems this entrance leads to the depths of the Heart Sword Lake," Lu Xuan thought to himself.
In his cave abode, there was a special passage to the Heart Sword Lake, but it only granted access to the outermost regions. To venture into the central areas, one needed permission from the Sword Sect.
"Go ahead and jump in," the Nascent Soul Sword Cultivator said as he released the restrictions.
Without hesitation, the hundred-plus Sword Sect disciples leaped into the fissure.
Lu Chen was, of course, among them.
A strange whooshing sound filled Lu Chen's ears as he opened his eyes, curious about his new surroundings. He found himself enveloped by emerald green lake water on all sides. The usually gentle flow now had a sharp edge to it, causing a tingling sensation on his skin.
Lu Chen channeled his spiritual energy, his bones turning a faint golden hue as he repelled the intrusive, fine sword qi.
"So this is Heart Sword Lake?" He mused to himself. "And the surrounding water is Sword Qi Spirit Liquid?"
He attempted to use the Water Escape Technique, but to his surprise, his speed was significantly slower than usual.
A thought flashed through his mind, and he promptly activated his sword art, causing the waters around him to erupt with activity and surge with vigor.
"The lake water contains countless strands of sword qi and sword intent," he observed. "But the quality is only average, comparable to second-grade spirit liquid. However, given the vast expanse of Heart Sword Lake, having it all be second-grade is still quite terrifying."
He collected a few bottles of the ordinary sword qi spirit liquid and decided to explore further.
"According to reason, as the supreme treasure of the Dongxuan Sword Sect, Heart Sword Lake should contain sword qi spirit liquid of even higher quality. I just need to find the right way to obtain it."
Lu Chen slowly swam through the lake, allowing the Heart Lake Sword Handle to guide him deeper into its depths.
"There's something odd about the flow of water in this area," he paused, sensing something amiss. A profound star within his consciousness shone with a faint spiritual light as he extended his spiritual sense.
"As expected, there's something hidden here." Lu Chen was delighted by his discovery. With his keen spiritual sense, he found an extremely subtle stream of high-quality sword qi spirit liquid hidden within the lake waters.
With a thought, over a hundred invisible strands of sword qi swiftly swam towards the hidden stream. The Dividing Light and Shadow Sword Qi, known for its enigmatic nature, became even more stealthy, quietly intercepting its target.
Countless strands of sword qi weaved through the water like lightning, forming an invisible net. The hidden stream struggled, but it couldn't break free. The net gradually contracted, and finally, a ball of deep green spirit liquid appeared within.
Lu Chen extended his spiritual sense into the spirit liquid, and countless fine strands of sword qi rushed towards him. It was at least ten times more concentrated than the ordinary sword qi spirit liquid.
"So I have to collect the high-quality sword qi spirit liquid myself," he realized, thrilled by the discovery. He carefully stored the deep green liquid in a bottle, sealing it with a talisman.
After finding the hidden stream, Lu Chen didn't rush deeper into the heart of Heart Sword Lake. He considered this high-quality sword qi spirit liquid just as valuable as some sword-type treasures and perfect for nurturing his sword grass and spiritual plants.
With his superior spiritual sense, Lu Chen once again discovered several hidden streams at the lake's bottom and collected them one by one.
"Hmm? What's that?" As he searched for more sword qi streams, he suddenly sensed a peculiar presence approaching. "The aura is equivalent to a cultivator in the early stages of the Golden Core realm."
Having sensed the other party, Lu Chen felt relieved. He turned his palm golden and easily caught the strange fish that swam towards him.
The fish had a bizarre form—its entire body was deep black, as if made by intertwining a slender black rope. As soon as Lu Chen grabbed it, the fish disintegrated into a black line, wriggling frantically. Wisps of sword qi surged towards him.
"Still trying to escape?" Lu Chen wouldn't let it go so easily. His palm turned into afterimages, capturing the black line fish once again.
"So this is the Sui Fish that Brother Mo mentioned," he thought to himself. "Some sword tassels on flying swords have stayed in Heart Sword Lake for years, gradually gaining sentience and forming these unique spirit monsters."
He sent a drop of sword qi spirit liquid into the black line, curious to see its reaction.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
