305 - Elasia Saga

Outside of the Dragon's Crag. A resounding "rip" echoed through the air as a spatial rift was forcibly torn open. In the blink of an eye, a figure swiftly emerged from within. Swoosh— With a slight rustle of his garments, Fang Yu landed steadily on the ground. After a brief pause, he quickly raised his eyes to survey his surroundings, seemingly intent on confirming where he had arrived. However, what lay before him was a desolate landscape, devoid of any signs of life as far as the eye could see. The area seemed like a forgotten corner where even grass struggled to grow. Witnessing this, Fang Yu couldn’t help but knit his brows slightly. It was only after a long while that his gaze settled on the stone tablet ahead. “Dragon's Crag?” He murmured to himself, staring at the three characters engraved on the tablet. After a brief hesitation, he shifted his gaze to the deeper part of the crag. Within, the Dragon's Crag was particularly dim, yet Fang Yu felt no trace of chilling aura. Composing himself, he couldn’t help but chuckle softly, a thoughtful look in his eyes as he remarked under his breath, “So, it’s here.” When he sensed the resonating aura, Fang Yu was slightly taken aback. Though the sensation passed in an instant, he managed to trace it to this location. Now, seeing where he was, he realized his senses had not led him astray. With these thoughts in mind, Fang Yu took decisive action. Without a moment's hesitation, he stepped forward, passing through the stone tablet and venturing into the Dragon's Crag. After walking for just a moment, a faint, foul stench wafted towards him, instinctively causing him to wrinkle his nose. Upon detecting this aura, Fang Yu halted abruptly, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes before he suddenly understood. “The Corpse Demon Sect—so they found this place.” Realizing that the aura's source was the Corpse Demon Sect, Fang Yu was a bit surprised. He hadn’t expected them to arrive before him. Still, he wasn’t too worried, confident that they lacked the ability to unseal this place. Despite the time that had passed, the Corpse Demon Sect had failed to succeed. The outcome was clear. In fact, they had inadvertently helped him locate this place swiftly; otherwise, it might have taken Fang Yu decades to find it. Now, it seemed, everything had fallen into his lap effortlessly. With this realization, Fang Yu's smile deepened as he continued through the Dragon's Crag. “Buzz—” At this precise moment, a booming sound erupted from deeper within the crag. Fang Yu’s eyes sharpened, and he instantly quickened his pace. In less than half an hour, Fang Yu found himself at the depths of the Dragon's Crag. The terrain ahead, in the shape of a "dragon head," came suddenly into view. Outside, hidden in the shadows, Zhao Ping was anxiously observing the interior of the cave. Nearly an hour had passed since Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li entered, yet everything remained eerily quiet within. This silence filled her with growing unease and impatience. However, with the crowd outside the cave entrance, she dared not approach recklessly. While Zhao Ping found herself in a dilemma, neither able to stand still nor sit comfortably, she suddenly noticed a straight figure approaching from behind. Clad in an elegant, cinched robe, his hair simply tied, the newcomer exuded a luminescence akin to the moon, starkly contrasting the damp gloom of the surroundings. More strikingly, Zhao Ping noted this person was a powerful cultivator. Moreover, with every step he took, the air seemed to part swiftly in his wake. Staring at this unexpected figure, Zhao Ping’s shock quickly gave way to excitement. If this person was willing to help, alongside Fu Yan, Bai Yue Li, and the others from the Corpse Demon Sect, the situation could be evenly matched—three against three. With these thoughts, Zhao Ping snapped back to reality. As she prepared to intercept the newcomer, she suddenly found his gaze coolly locking onto hers. Before she could react, she heard Fang Yu, whom she recognized, utter two words, “Sword Guardian?” At his words, Zhao Ping felt as if she had been struck by lightning. Her earlier delight vanished, replaced by disbelief. How could Fang Yu identify her identity with just a glance? But she understood one thing: Anyone who knew her identity wouldn’t be ordinary and was likely here for her master. Swoosh! Indeed, without hesitation, Fang Yu raised his hand, and a sharp blade flew directly at Zhao Ping. In that critical moment, Zhao Ping transformed into a transparent mist, scattering like air. With a metallic clang, the blade passed through where Zhao Ping had stood, striking the stone wall behind and dislodging fragments with a loud crash. “Lucky you reacted fast.” Fang Yu commented casually, dismissing the incident from his mind. Though spirits had limited fighting prowess, their methods of escape were varied, making it challenging to capture them without preparation. Of course, if Fang Yu chose to pursue now, his abilities would allow him to swiftly dissipate Zhao Ping. However, his attack had already alerted the nearby Corpse Demon Sect members, and he wouldn’t waste time on a mere spirit. “Sizzle—” As predicted, the Corpse Demon Sect grand elders surged from the cave entrance moments later, swiftly surrounding Fang Yu. They didn’t waste words, launching a barrage of strikes immediately, aiming to crush Fang Yu in one strike. Efficient and ruthless. Yet, with a simple wave of his hand, Fang Yu dismantled all incoming attacks effortlessly. Only then did the Corpse Demon Sect realize they faced a terrifyingly powerful cultivator. Decisively, they turned to retreat. Swoosh— But an overwhelming sword aura surged from Fang Yu, radiating outwards like ripples. The crowd had no time to react, their eyes widening before they collapsed, lifeless. Outside the cave, it was a scene of carnage. The air was suffused with the foul stench of blood, staining the layers of arrays. Yet, in the midst of the corpses, Fang Yu remained indifferent, his gaze fixed on the cave entrance. As he moved forward, the surrounding arrays activated, launching fierce attacks. Despite the concentrated assaults, none so much as touched his robe. ... As Fu Yan pulled Bai Yue Li through a corridor, Bai Yue Li seemed still dazed from the earlier phenomena, yet she instinctively allowed Fu Yan to lead her. No matter what, she would always trust her. Wrapped in the threads of rules' power, the two dashed through the passages unnoticed. To the Corpse Demon Sect, it seemed as if nothing had occurred. Fu Yan, not dwelling on the situation, had pinpointed the source of the sound. Thus, she led Bai Yue Li out swiftly. Navigating through the maze of corridors, they eventually reached the source. Fu Yan halted as the sound lost its urgency, allowing for a pause. Nearby, Bai Yue Li slowed as well and glanced toward the passage ahead. As a light flickered, she sensed an incredibly potent force emanating within. “What is this?” Bai Yue Li asked, her voice tinged with surprise. Fu Yan, collecting herself, shook her head truthfully, “I don’t know, but the sound came from straight ahead.” Hearing this, both shared a glance. Hesitating no longer, the pair moved, slipping through the passage easily and bypassing the layered arrays, alighting smoothly within the cavern. In an instant, their vision expanded. Before Fu Yan could take in her surroundings, a figure dashed towards them. Reacting instinctively, she pulled Bai Yue Li aside, leaping to avoid the newcomer's path. Below, the Ancient Corpse Daoist hesitated; just moments ago, he had felt subtle air currents shift oddly. However, upon refocusing, he realized nothing seemed amiss. Realizing it might have been a trick of his imagination, the Ancient Corpse Daoist thought nothing more of it. He merely glanced sideways at the center of the cave before resuming his path forward. Seeing this, Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li finally exhaled a sigh of relief, though they immediately recognized the figure's identity: “It’s the Ancient Corpse Daoist.” This was the same formidable cultivator who had appeared at the Dragon Habitat, the one Bai Yue Li had once battled. After regaining her composure, Fu Yan took the opportunity to survey her surroundings. The cave was exceptionally vast, its ceiling lost to sight upon looking upward. The entire space was circular, with steep cliff-like walls. The cave seemed to have only one entrance and exit—the direction from which Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li had just entered. Suddenly, both Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li focused intently on the middle of the cave. Shock flashed briefly in their wide eyes as the scene before them rendered them speechless. In the center stood a blood-red longsword, firmly planted atop a glowing pedestal and emanating a faint luminescence. Its hilt bore an intimidating resemblance to a menacing fang, as if capable of devouring someone whole, instilling a sense of awe and trepidation. Moreover, beneath the glowing pedestal stood towering stone pillars resembling massive hands cradling the sword. Between each pillar shone a veil of energy, as if intentionally containing the blade within. At a glance, Fu Yan immediately deduced that the sword's resonant hum, which she had heard, likely originated from this very blade. Perhaps it was due to the layers of veils sealing it, but Fu Yan couldn’t discern the grade of this blood-red spiritual sword directly. Yet, she was certain it surpassed ordinary immortal weapons. For a moment, Fu Yan found herself captivated. Despite having received an immortal spiritual sword from the Demon Lord, the appearance of this superior sword naturally stirred desire within her. However, she knew better. This sword was not ordinary. Regaining her senses, Fu Yan calmed her heart and looked towards Bai Yue Li beside her. Telepathically, she asked, “Sister, do you know what sword this is, and why it’s sealed here?” Each layer of the veil acted as a seal, leaving Fu Yan puzzled over what made the sword so formidable that it required such heavy containment. Upon hearing this, Bai Yue Li shook her head, replying, “I’m not sure, but it seems the Corpse Demon Sect came for this sword.” With that, Bai Yue Li glanced to the other side. To the right of the cavern, three figures had gathered. As Zhao Ping had mentioned, there were indeed three mighty cultivators here. Besides the Ancient Corpse Daoist, whom Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li recognized, the renowned Corpse Demon Daoist was also present. Corpse Demon Daoist was known to be the founder of the Corpse Demon Sect, whose whereabouts even powerful immortals found challenging to trace. Neither Fu Yan nor Bai Yue Li expected to find him here. The last figure remained unfamiliar to them, seemingly a recent arrival in the immortal realms. The three gathered were wearing solemn expressions, a silence broken only by the Ancient Corpse Daoist: “This isn’t working. Ten years have passed, and we’ve only managed to break the first seal. If this continues, it might attract others here.” “But we can’t just let all our efforts go to waste,” another replied, pausing to gaze longingly at the red sword in the cave’s center, unwilling to give up. Throughout, the Corpse Demon Daoist remained silent. “What is the origin of this sword that they’ve spent ten years on, yet only destroyed one seal?” Fu Yan wondered, surprised by the conversation. “Crackle—” Just then, a potent force set by the Corpse Demon Sect erupted violently, streaming directly towards the central veil. The entire cavern trembled slightly. In the next moment, all surrounding veils flashed brilliantly, and in seconds, slender streams of force, like tiny serpents, surged towards the red sword, entwining around it like vines. Buzz— At that moment, the red sword shuddered as if attacked, causing the entire cavern to tremble, the familiar sound echoing. Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li realized that the phenomenon they saw outside the Dragon’s Crag originated from here. No wonder the sword’s hum seemed tormented, almost mournful, as if enduring suffering. The Corpse Demon Sect seemed to have abandoned breaking through one seal at a time, opting to incite the red sword’s power and seize it from within. Both Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li were taken aback by this realization. Yet, the three cultivators remained frowning, seemingly unfazed. After a pause, the Ancient Corpse Daoist uneasily remarked, “Why hasn’t the sword awakened?” “Perhaps its spirit has perished over the eons,” someone speculated. “But…” The Ancient Corpse Daoist began, glancing discreetly at the Corpse Demon Daoist, who had mentioned something—there was no spirit in the red sword. He couldn’t understand; without a spirit, what were they trying to awaken? But as the Corpse Demon Daoist didn’t elaborate, no one dared to ask further. “Continue,” the Corpse Demon Daoist commanded calmly, turning a blind eye to complaints. Reluctantly, the others complied, intensifying their efforts. A moment later, another surge of energy struck the veil. A massive sound reverberated through the space again. Their peculiar actions baffled Fu Yan, uncertain of the Corpse Demon Daoist’s intentions. “By the way,” Bai Yue Li suddenly said, prompting Fu Yan, “Did you sense any other spirits?” Fu Yan realized; Zhao Ping had mentioned her master’s suffering here, yet since entering, they had found no anomalies. Both fell silent. Despite their concerns, it was imperative to prevent the Corpse Demon Sect from obtaining the sword. As Fu Yan pondered their next steps, a potent wave of energy from outside invaded unexpectedly. Before Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li could react, the Ancient Corpse Daoist's face changed abruptly. “Someone’s breached the perimeter!” he exclaimed. The two women froze momentarily, assuming they had been discovered, but realizing with the power of rules binding them, they couldn’t have been exposed. Clearly, someone else besides them had discovered the location. Sure enough, battle sounds erupted soon after. The Corpse Demon Daoist’s face shifted slightly at the realization of the intruder’s strength. Without hesitation, he said, “You stay here.” Without waiting for the Ancient Corpse Daoist’s reply, the Corpse Demon Daoist and the other companion dashed into the passage. It happened so fast that when they all reacted, the vast cavern was left with only the Ancient Corpse Daoist. Taken aback, Fu Yan turned to Bai Yue Li, “Sister, the chaos outside may work to our advantage.” Yet the challenge remained—the Corpse Demon Sect had spent ten years without retrieving the sword. Fu Yan doubted their ability to break the seals. “First, we need to destroy the formations binding the seals,” Bai Yue Li said, understanding Fu Yan’s concerns. No matter the cost, they couldn’t allow the sect to seize the sword. Resolutely, Fu Yan nodded, wasting no time. In a flash, they sped towards the Ancient Corpse Daoist. As Fu Yan neared the central seal, she felt the rules’ power binding her dissipate. Her suppressed energy surged anew. Her eyes widened instantly. Despite the sudden release of the rules’ grip, she focused, summoning her celestial bow and crossbow. Although from the Corpse Demon Sect, the Ancient Corpse Daoist was of immortal strength. He noticed the sudden manifestation of two unknown auras in the cave. Without a moment's hesitation, the Ancient Corpse Daoist raised a hand, launching a fierce attack straight at the approaching Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li. The aggressive strike sliced through the air with incredible speed. But Fu Yan swiftly pulled Bai Yue Li behind her and immediately aimed her bow and crossbow forward. “Whoosh!” In an instant, a terrifying arrow of light was released by Fu Yan, directly intercepting the Daoist’s attack. With a decisive "rip," the Ancient Corpse Daoist’s technique was torn apart by the arrow. Not stopping there, the light arrow continued its unwavering course toward the Ancient Corpse Daoist. His eyes widened in shock, but he reacted instantly. With a blur of energy around him, he vanished from his spot, and the light arrow buried itself into the mountain wall. A violent crash echoed as a massive section of the rock face collapsed, sending clouds of dust billowing into the air. All this happened in mere heartbeats, catching both sides by surprise. With a moment to breathe, Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li deftly flipped and landed steadily on the ground. “Are you alright, Sister?” Fu Yan quickly asked, glancing at Bai Yue Li. Bai Yue Li shook her head, having remained alert from the start. If Fu Yan had delayed even slightly, she would have countered the attack herself. With relief, both women allowed themselves a brief sigh of relief. Meanwhile, the Ancient Corpse Daoist regained his footing, barely registering the sudden appearance of the two figures before his attention was drawn to the central seal of the cave. A dazzling light emerged from the seal, capturing the stares of all present. As the light dissipated, a long, golden line appeared, mysteriously threading through the veils of the seal and extending onto the glowing platform above. This golden line was the rules’ power that had loosened from Fu Yan. Yet the next moment, the red sword on the platform abruptly vanished, replaced by a— Radiantly vivid red silhouette.