Chapter 422: Third Layer, the Bloodblade Saint
A massive energy barrier cascaded from the sky, straight down to the ground like an impenetrable wall.
Energy turned solid?
Even someone like Xiao Yuan frowned at the crystalline wall of energy that appeared almost tangible, a barrier forged from solidified elemental essence.
Guess it's time to try something new.
Xiao Yuan inhaled deeply, channeling the Dragon-Phoenix bloodline. His hands formed rapid seals, and behind him, a translucent draconic figure with phoenix wings gradually emerged.
Dragon-Phoenix Devourer Art!
Immediately afterward, Xiao Yuan activated the Five-Ring Li Fire Technique, manifesting a five-tiered furnace of flame. Five fire spirits spewed different exotic flames into the furnace, pushing its temperature to the extreme.
"Go!"
With a soft shout, the furnace shot forward. Intense golden fire burst out, vaporizing the crystalline energy wall into dense energy mist. The Dragon-Phoenix projection opened its massive maw and swallowed everything whole.
Heavenly Fire Triple Transformation—First, Second, Third!
By continuously triggering the transformations, Xiao Yuan surged his Dou Qi level, magnifying the power of the golden flame and accelerating the devouring speed. In this state, he was a self-sustaining engine of destruction.
But a third of the way through, something unusual happened.
The passage behind him, which he had already cleared, was sealing up again—the crystalline energy walls were regenerating.
With a punch, Xiao Yuan blasted a hole into one wall, revealing a swarm of wriggling, snow-white organisms secreting a fluid that hardened into fresh crystalline layers.
"So it's these bugs doing the patchwork…"
The realization dawned. These weren't just walls—they were part of a hive. He had barged into a gargantuan ancient insect nest.
These were Primordial Devouring Insects, ancient mini-beasts capable of consuming anything and secreting pure energy. They were thought extinct. Apparently, the ones in the Heavenly Tomb were the last.
Troublesome.
Without hesitation, Xiao Yuan unleashed his Qi Chamber Infusion Technique, vastly increasing the energy absorption rate. Then, he morphed flame into a dragon form, crowned with the five-ring furnace, and charged forward, bulldozing through the energy walls.
For half an hour, the golden fire dragon's brilliance didn't wane.
Almost through…
His arms ached from constant fire control. Up ahead, the green-hued crystal wall shimmered with a hardness that surpassed anything he'd seen thus far. At its center was a fist-sized reddish object—an insect cocoon, perhaps the Queen of these Devouring Insects?
The wall's tougher here…
With a deep breath, Xiao Yuan merged with his fire dragon projection and unleashed a blazing punch fused with dragon claw energy.
Boom!
The wall cracked, a spiderweb of fissures racing outward. As the barrier shattered, Xiao Yuan reached into the exploding shards and caught the cool, smooth object. Without checking it, he shoved it into his storage ring and dashed forward.
The passage gave way to a vast, ash-gray plain stretching to the horizon. Though energy mist here wasn't thick, the very ground pulsated with rich energy, feeding into Xiao Yuan's body.
This is the third layer of the Heavenly Tomb…
His eyes lit up with uncontainable excitement.
Then—Buzz!
Behind him, the crystalline tunnel began to resonate ominously. Xiao Yuan's face changed as a white tidal wave of insects exploded out.
"The Devouring Insects followed me!?"
Even with his composure, the sight made his skin crawl. The swarm surged forward, but—
Poof!
The moment they exited the energy wall's boundary, they turned to dust. Again and again, they hurled themselves out, only to vaporize, piling up a deep layer of white powder at the wall's base.
Guess they can't cross over…
Xiao Yuan glanced at his ring and chuckled.
Looks like that cocoon's pretty important to them…
But then a thought struck him: Wait… doesn't this mean when Xiao Yan and Xun'er come through… they'll get mobbed?
He rubbed his nose guiltily. Oops.
The suicidal charge lasted ten full minutes before slowing. Eventually, the swarm gave up and receded.
Seeing no more threats, Xiao Yuan finally relaxed and turned to venture deeper.
Ancestor Xiao Xuan… I'm coming.
In the endless gray-brown terrain, light energy drifted with the wind. The silent world was mysterious and time felt suspended.
At one campfire deep in the wilderness, Xiao Yuan sat cross-legged, his expression more composed and tempered than ever.
Though he aimed to reach his ancestor's resting place, he took his time. Energy bodies of seven or eight-star Dou Zun level roamed everywhere—and never alone.
He'd killed countless of them already. In just half a month, he was nearly at the eight-star Dou Zun level.
This tomb really is perfect for cultivation…
Now that I'm near the tomb's core, I should be cautious. This is where the true danger lies.
He summoned his Bone Phantom Puppet to stand guard and entered a meditative state to rest.
The next day, he pressed on.
After a short trek through energy mist, he stopped.
Ahead, four energy bodies meditated on a massive boulder. One emitted the pressure of a nine-star Dou Zun.
"Attack!"
With a wave, his half-saint puppet struck. One blow—done. Four energy cores landed in Xiao Yuan's hand.
Having a Soul Clan puppet sure is handy!
The path eased somewhat, but soon, Xiao Yuan felt increasing pressure.
A half-saint…
Excited, he clenched his fists. Though tomb-dwelling half-saints were weaker than normal ones, with his secret techniques, he had a shot!
As he moved forward, a towering stone peak emerged. At its summit sat a figure on a stone throne. A dark red butcher's blade rested before him, exuding bloodlust like a choking fog.
Such domineering aura…
The man stirred—an energy body, but with lifelike awareness and combat memory. He stood.
"Intruder. The moment you set foot here, your fate was sealed."
The figure looked down at Xiao Yuan. He wore dark crimson robes, a face lined with scars, and exuded savage killing intent. His eyes weren't hollow like others—there was intelligence within.
Boom!
He stomped, cracking the peak. Massive stone chunks tumbled as he suddenly appeared midair before Xiao Yuan, raising his blood-red blade with a chilling grin.
"It's been years since I've tasted human blood. I nearly forgot the flavor."
He twisted his neck, voice eerily calm.
"I suppose I should introduce myself first… It's been ages since anyone asked. Most intruders flee when they sense me."
"You may call me... the Bloodblade Saint. Ever heard of me?"
(END CHAPTER)
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