108: Axe transformation, Nine Star Barrier

Deep within the desolate mountain range, in a secluded cave hidden by natural vines, Xiao Chen sat cross-legged, his pale golden Dou Qi rising like flames around him, illuminating the dim cave brightly.

His battle with the Soul Hall Elder, though ultimately victorious, had left him greatly exhausted and with some internal injuries.

At this moment, he was fully circulating his cultivation technique, refining pills, healing his wounds, and simultaneously digesting the insights gained from this life-and-death struggle.

“The Nine Axes of Heaven Opening… it truly possesses infinite profundity.” Xiao Chen introspected his sea of consciousness; the phantom of the dark-gold battle axe was even more solid than before, and the light flowing along its edge carried a sharpness that seemed capable of severing karma.

Clashing head-on with a Peak Eight-star Dou Zong Soul Hall Elder had deepened his understanding of the first four axe moves, especially the fourth move, “Falling Star.” The imagery of stars plummeting and destroying everything was brought to its fullest potential by him at the brink of death.

“However, the fifth move, ‘Void Breaking,’ involves the Power of Space, which is still too profound.” Xiao Chen attempted to draw upon that trace of spatial insight; pale golden light flickered at his fingertips, and the air in front of him rippled subtly, but it was still far from truly tearing space.

“I need more practical combat experience, or… a special opportunity.”

He turned his attention inward.

After a series of intense battles and the baptism of the Sacred Spirit Pool, his Xiao Clan bloodline was more active and surging than ever, his pale golden blood seemingly containing infinite power.

He felt that he was just a step away from the complete realm of Peak Eight-star Dou Zong.

As for his soul realm, although it had not broken through to the Heavenly Realm, with the enhancement of the Indestructible Soul Armor, he was practically invincible within the Spirit Realm Soul, his perception range expanding to nearly two thousand zhang, and his control over energy reaching a subtle and masterful level.

“My resources are almost depleted.” Xiao Chen checked his storage ring; the pills and medicinal herbs obtained from the secret realm and by killing Soul Hall assassins were largely consumed.

To rapidly improve, he needed to find new opportunities.

“The jade slip given by my teacher mentioned an ancient ruin deep within this mountain range; perhaps I can try my luck there.”

After his meditation, Xiao Chen’s condition returned to its peak, even showing subtle improvement.

He restrained his aura and, like a leopard, silently left the cave, stealthily moving deeper into the mountain range.

The deeper he went, the more rugged the mountain range became, with ancient trees reaching to the sky and a rich primeval aura.

Occasionally, he could sense the obscure auras of powerful magical beasts, at least Peak Six-Star, and even Seven-Star existences.

Relying on the keen perception of his Spirit Realm Soul, Xiao Chen avoided the territories of some powerful magical beasts in advance, saving himself a lot of trouble.

Three days later, guided by the jade slip, he arrived at the entrance of a huge canyon.

The cliff walls on both sides of the canyon soared into the clouds, with grotesque rocks, and a faint gray mist permeated the valley, obstructing soul detection and giving it an eerie and sinister feeling.

The jade slip recorded that this canyon was called the “Valley of Buried Soldiers,” rumored to be the ruins of an ancient battlefield, with countless broken weapons and the bones of powerful experts remaining within.

Occasionally, ancient remnant souls or strange energy bodies would appear, making it a place where danger and opportunity coexisted.

“This is it.” Xiao Chen’s eyes narrowed slightly, and his soul perception carefully probed into the valley, immediately sensing a chaotic, violent residual will, and several strong energy fluctuations.

“There’s something strange indeed.”

He pondered for a moment, then decided to enter the valley to investigate.

Fortune favors the bold; to improve quickly, one must dare to take risks.

Stepping into the Valley of Buried Soldiers, a cold and deathly aura assailed him.

The ground was scattered with various rusty, incomplete weapon fragments, and the bones of some gigantic, unknown creatures.

A faint scent of blood and decay permeated the air.

The gray mist not only obstructed vision but also eroded Dou Qi, making one extremely uncomfortable.

Xiao Chen protected his body with Dou Qi, his soul perception fully extended, cautiously exploring forward.

Not long after, the mist ahead churned, and a clang of metal striking metal and fluctuations of energy collision reached him.

“Someone is fighting?” Xiao Chen’s heart stirred; he concealed his aura and quietly approached.

Passing through a pile of rubble, the scene before him suddenly opened up.

On a relatively flat clearing, two groups of people were engaged in a fierce battle!

One side consisted of three young people dressed in unified cyan tight-fitting clothes, with sharp auras, all around Five-Star Dou Zong cultivation.

They cooperated tacitly, their swordplay exquisite, clearly talented disciples of a certain sect.

Their opponents, however, were seven or eight energy bodies, completely shrouded in gray-white mist, without physical form, like phantoms!

These energy bodies varied in form; some resembled axe-wielding warriors, others archers with drawn bows.

Their attack methods were bizarre, they fought fearlessly, and even after being dispersed, they could quickly re-condense, making them extremely troublesome.

“They are ‘Battle Soul Remnants’!” Xiao Chen recognized these energy bodies.

These were remnant soul energy bodies formed by the unextinguished battle intent of ancient powerhouses after death, combined with the special environment of this place.

They had no intelligence, only combat instincts, but their strength was not to be underestimated.

The three cyan-clad disciples were clearly in a tough fight.

Although their swordplay was sharp, the Battle Soul Remnants were numerous and unkillable, gradually forcing them onto the defensive, putting them in precarious situations.

“Senior Brother, what should we do? These ghostly things are too troublesome!” a younger disciple anxiously said.

“Hold on! Form the ‘Three Talents Sword Array’!” the leading cold-faced youth shouted, and the three people's sword light connected into a single sheet, temporarily stabilizing their position.

Xiao Chen’s gaze swept across the battlefield but he did not immediately offer assistance.

He noticed that under a large rock behind the battle circle, a small, emerald-green grass was growing, emitting a faint glow, and surrounded by pure soul energy fluctuations.

“Soul Condensing Grass!” Xiao Chen’s eyes lit up.

This was a rare spiritual herb that nourished the soul and was highly beneficial for Spirit Realm Soul cultivation.

It seemed these Battle Soul Remnants were guarding this spiritual herb.

“The opportunity has arrived.” Xiao Chen no longer hesitated.

His figure flashed, and like a phantom, he cut into the battle circle!

He did not attack the Battle Soul Remnants but directly used the Illusory Spirit Steps, bypassing the battle and heading straight for the Soul Condensing Grass!

“Who is it?!”

“Trying to snatch the spiritual herb? You’re courting death!”

Seeing this, the three cyan-clad disciples were both shocked and enraged, thinking Xiao Chen was trying to take advantage of the situation.

Several Battle Soul Remnants also sensed Xiao Chen’s approach and roared as they lunged!

Xiao Chen’s expression remained unchanged.

He pointed his fingers like a blade and unleashed a palm strike infused with Heaven Opening Axe Intent!

It was not an attack on a physical entity, but rather a strike aimed at the invisible energy connection between the Battle Soul Remnants and the Soul Condensing Grass!

“Screech!”

Where the palm wind passed, it was as if something had been severed!

The actions of the several lunging Battle Soul Remnants paused, their bodies became somewhat illusory, and their re-condensation speed greatly decreased!

“Good opportunity!” The leading cyan-clad youth’s eyes lit up.

Although he didn’t understand what method Xiao Chen had used, the battle opportunity was fleeting, and he immediately directed his junior brothers to attack fiercely!

Sword light surged, instantly shattering several remnants!

Xiao Chen, seizing the chance, plucked the Soul Condensing Grass and put it into a jade box.

As the spiritual herb came into his hand, a cool, pure soul force surged up his arm and into his sea of consciousness, invigorating him.

“Thank you for your assistance, Your Mightiness!” The leading youth, having dealt with the remnants, sheathed his sword and stepped forward, cupping his hands in thanks to Xiao Chen, though a trace of wariness remained in his eyes.

The other two disciples also followed, curiously sizing up Xiao Chen.

“It was nothing.” Xiao Chen returned a faint greeting, his gaze sweeping over the three of them, “Which sect are you disciples from? Why have you come to this Valley of Buried Soldiers?”

“I am Ling Feng, and these two are my junior brothers, Ling Yun and Ling Yu.

We are from the Heavenly Sword Pavilion.” Ling Feng replied, “We heard that the Valley of Buried Soldiers has remnants of ancient sword dao insights, so we came to train.

We didn’t expect the Battle Soul Remnants here to be so troublesome.

Thank you, brother, for helping us out just now.

May I ask your esteemed name?”

“Heavenly Sword Pavilion?” Xiao Chen’s heart stirred slightly.

The Heavenly Sword Pavilion was a powerful sect in Central Plains renowned for its sword dao, and its relationship with the Pill Tower was amicable.

“I am Xiao Chen.”

“Xiao Chen?” Ling Feng and the other two exchanged glances, surprise in their eyes, “Could it be the one from the Pill Tower’s Heaven’s Chosen Grand Meeting…?”

Evidently, Xiao Chen’s reputation had already spread.

Xiao Chen nodded, saying no more.

He sensed a stronger energy fluctuation deep within the canyon and said, “This place is not suitable for prolonged stay; there are likely more dangerous things deeper inside.

You should leave as soon as possible.”

Ling Feng hesitated for a moment, then said, “Brother Xiao is right.

However, we heard that there is a ‘Sword Mark Cliff’ at the bottom of the valley, containing the insights of an ancient sword dao great expert, and we wish to see it.

Brother Xiao’s strength is formidable; I wonder if you would consider traveling with us? We could look out for each other.”

Xiao Chen pondered for a moment.

While the Sword Mark Cliff might not be of great use to him, the insights of ancient powerhouses might serve as a reference for perfecting his Axe Intent.

Moreover, traveling with people from the Heavenly Sword Pavilion could also slightly conceal his tracks.

“Alright.” Xiao Chen nodded in agreement.

The four companions proceeded deeper into the canyon.

The further they went, the thicker the mist became, and the more frequently Battle Soul Remnants appeared, their strength also increasing, with some even comparable to Six-Star Dou Zong.

However, with Xiao Chen’s Heaven Opening Axe Intent, which specifically countered remnants, and the exquisite sword array coordination of Ling Feng and his two junior brothers, they passed through all dangers without incident.

Along the way, Xiao Chen and Ling Feng exchanged some insights on sword dao and Axe Intent, each gaining something.

Ling Feng was filled with admiration for Xiao Chen’s strength and insights, and his attitude became increasingly respectful.

Half a day later, the four finally reached the deepest part of the canyon.

Before them was a black stone wall, smooth as a mirror and a thousand zhang tall!

The stone wall was covered with countless sword marks of varying depths and crisscrossing patterns!

Each sword mark exuded an incomparably sharp sword intent; some were scorching like raging fire, some chilling like frost, some ethereal like a gentle breeze… Various sword intents intertwined, forming a majestic sword dao pressure that shook the soul!

“This is the Sword Mark Cliff!” Ling Feng and the other two were incredibly excited; they immediately sat down cross-legged, concentrating on comprehending the sword intent on the wall.

Xiao Chen also looked up, his soul perception carefully sweeping over the sword marks.

Although he did not cultivate sword dao, the “intent” realms were ultimately similar.

The “sharpness,” “unwavering forward,” and “severing everything” will contained within these ancient sword intents had a similar effect to his Heaven Opening Axe Intent.

He immersed himself in these sword intents, analyzing and verifying them from the perspective of Axe Intent.

The phantom of the dark-gold battle axe in his sea of consciousness trembled slightly, the light on its edge becoming even more condensed, and his understanding of the essence of “severing” deepened.

“The fifth move, ‘Void Breaking,’ perhaps I can draw inspiration from this penetrating and tearing intent…” Xiao Chen had an epiphany and fell into a deep state of comprehension.

Unconsciously, several hours passed.

Suddenly, in Xiao Chen’s Qi Sea, the Dou Qi star, which had long reached its critical point, violently trembled, its volume expanding once again, radiating boundless light!

The barrier of Peak Eight-star Dou Zong shattered naturally and thunderously!

Nine-star Dou Zong! Success!

The vast Dou Qi surged like a breaking dam, washing over his limbs and bones!

His aura instantly soared, and his physical strength and soul perception also increased accordingly!

More importantly, at the moment of breakthrough, his comprehension of Heaven Opening Axe Intent also underwent a qualitative leap!

The fifth move, “Void Breaking,” which had been so difficult to advance, finally revealed its path!

Although he couldn’t fully unleash it yet, he could already initially draw upon a trace of the Power of Space, making his attacks even more bizarre and difficult to defend against!

“Boom!”

The commotion of the breakthrough startled Ling Feng and the other two, who were immersed in their comprehension.

They felt the terrifying aura that suddenly surged from Xiao Chen, and all were greatly shocked, looking at Xiao Chen as if he were a monster!

“Nine… Nine-star Dou Zong?! Brother Xiao, you… you broke through again?!” Ling Feng’s voice even trembled slightly.

How long had it been? From Eight-star Dou Zong when they met, he had directly broken through to Nine-star?! What terrifying cultivation speed was this!

Xiao Chen slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp yet restrained, his aura as steady as a mountain.

He smiled faintly, “A slight realization, a fortunate breakthrough.”

Fortunate?

Ling Feng and the other two’s mouths twitched; if this counted as fortunate, what were they, who toiled in cultivation, considered?

Just then, Xiao Chen’s soul perception suddenly stirred, his expression slightly changed, and he looked towards the canyon entrance: “Someone is coming, and… they mean trouble!”

In the distance, several powerful auras were rapidly approaching, one of which was cold and deathly, clearly from the Soul Hall!

Moreover, its strength seemed even greater than that of the previous Venerable Elder!

“The Soul Hall’s pursuers, they found us again so quickly?” Xiao Chen’s eyes were icy, battle intent surging.

Having just broken through, it was the perfect opportunity to test his new strength on them!

“Brother Ling, you all go first, I’ll cover your retreat.” Xiao Chen said to Ling Feng.

Ling Feng’s expression flickered, then he gritted his teeth and said, “Brother Xiao has shown us kindness; how can we leave you to face the enemy alone? We, disciples of the Heavenly Sword Pavilion, are certainly not cowards!

We wish to advance and retreat with Brother Xiao!”

Ling Yun and Ling Yu also nodded firmly.

Xiao Chen glanced at the three of them, and seeing the determination in their eyes, he said no more: “Good! Then… let’s fight!”

The four consolidated their momentum, ready for battle.

Deep within the canyon, a new storm was about to arrive!

And Xiao Chen, having broken through to Nine-star Dou Zong and further advanced his Axe Intent, what astonishing combat power would he display?