Following the direction she pointed, Ye Yun saw a high platform situated in the center.
Surrounded by layers of formation defenses, everything was bathed in golden light, exuding a rather grim aura.
It was clear that Qian Qingning placed immense importance on whatever was within.
As for what hovered above the platform, it was undeniably a sword, or more accurately, a broken sword.
Its ancient body was etched with peculiar patterns, and every chipped edge seemed to tell tales of its past experiences.
Despite being severely damaged, the sharp, penetrating aura emanating from within spoke volumes, indicating that in its complete state, this sword was undoubtedly a true peerless divine artifact!
"The treasure you mentioned, is it this broken sword?"
Ye Yun felt a hint of surprise, having considered various possibilities, but never this.
At this moment, Qian Qingning walked forward and introduced it to him.
"That's right, it is. While it might look a bit strange, its capabilities are indeed formidable."
"Truly astonishing..."
Ye Yun approached the formation, drawing closer to the broken sword.
At such proximity, Ye Yun could indeed sense the peculiar, subtle power emanating from it...
What concerned Ye Yun the most, however, was the reason behind the broken sword's state. After all, it was difficult to imagine what kind of attack such a peerless divine artifact would endure to be shattered.
"Have you researched the origin of this sword?"
Ye Yun asked Qian Qingning, a hint of confusion in his gaze.
She nodded but then sighed, "Naturally, I've researched it, and for a long time."
"However, I could never decipher its mysteries, so eventually, I stopped pursuing it."
How could Qian Qingning not research such a precious and unique treasure? It was just that her own abilities were severely limited.
Her desire to let Ye Yun see it was partly because she hoped he might uncover some clues.
Unfortunately, Ye Yun found himself unable to discern anything about this broken sword either.
After gazing and sensing for a considerable while, his spiritual power was repelled by an unseen force the moment he tried to merge with it.
In the end, he could only shake his head and say,
"It is indeed peculiar that even spiritual power cannot penetrate it."
"Yes, I don't know if this thing is ultimately good or bad..."
Qian Qingning sighed. While the broken sword currently brought immense benefits to the Lingluo Domain, who could guarantee it wouldn't bring disaster in the future?
There was always a significant risk associated with completely unknown entities.
Ye Yun, as if struck by a thought, turned to Xiao Ai beside him and asked,
"By the way, can you see anything from this..."
He had initially thought that since she felt a sense of familiarity with the divine palace, perhaps she could discern something from this broken sword.
However, before he could finish speaking, he noticed his good disciple's large eyes fixated on the broken sword.
Perhaps she was so engrossed that she didn't even respond to his words, appearing as if her soul had been devoured.
"Xiao Ai?"
Ye Yun called out again.
But she remained unresponsive, instead walking step by step towards the formation with a dazed expression.
Upon reaching it, she was stopped by an invisible barrier – the outer defense Qian Qingning had set up to protect the broken sword, designed to prevent accidental contact rather than to attack.
Even though she was blocked, she still pressed herself against the barrier, gazing up at the broken sword as if wanting to grasp it.
This action caused Qian Qingning beside her to frown and ask, "Your disciple is..."
"Uh, I'm a bit perplexed myself."
Ye Yun also didn't understand what had come over Xiao Ai.
Just then, Xiao Ai, who was still pressed against the barrier, seemed to have a flash of crimson light in her eyes.
Concurrently, something astonishing occurred. The broken sword, protected by layers of formations, suddenly began to vibrate.
Following that, streaks of crimson light erupted from within the sword, swirling around it.
"How is this possible?!"
The anomaly of the broken sword within the formation astonished Qian Qingning, making it hard for her to believe.
"No matter what I tried before, it wouldn't react at all. What did your disciple do?"
"That's what I'd like to know."
Ye Yun shrugged his shoulders, saying with a helpless expression.
"To be honest, the reason I came here before wasn't because I sensed anything unusual about this place."
"It was after my disciple arrived here that she mentioned feeling a sense of familiarity with the divine palace, as if something was calling to her."
Given the circumstances, there was no need to hide things from her any longer.
Upon hearing this, Qian Qingning frowned, not because she suspected Ye Yun of deceit, but rather due to Xiao Ai's own situation.
"Could it be that your disciple has some connection with this broken sword?"
"This... perhaps."
Ye Yun had no clue.
Qian Qingning, however, showed a hint of excitement.
She had spent years researching the broken sword without progress, and now that there was finally some change, she was naturally happy.
However, at that very moment, an accident occurred!
"Master, Junior Sister seems a bit off..."
It was Xiao Meng who reminded them, causing the contemplative Ye Yun and Qian Qingning to snap back to reality instantly.
Looking up, they saw that the broken sword, at some unknown time, had moved and floated to the edge of the formation.
Simultaneously, streams of crimson light continuously emerged from the sword, coiling towards Xiao Ai.
In just a few breaths, Xiao Ai was engulfed in countless crimson lights, standing there with vacant eyes. Only the trembling of her delicate body and her rapid breathing indicated the pain she was enduring.
"What's happening?"
Ye Yun furrowed his brow and immediately moved to rush forward.
But before he could get close, the crimson light around her suddenly erupted, transforming into streaks of power that lashed out towards him.
Ye Yun swiftly summoned his Star Shield. With a deafening bang, the crimson light struck the defense, producing explosive sounds.
The moment the attack met the defense, a massive shockwave caused the entire underground palace to tremble violently.
Fortunately, Ye Yun was unharmed, but his face darkened as he gazed ahead.
"What the hell is going on?"
However, as time passed, the situation continued to worsen.
As the crimson light surrounding Xiao Ai grew more intense, her suffering seemed to increase, her hands tightly clutched her head. The sweat on her forehead was a testament to the ordeal she was undergoing.
Finally, Xiao Ai let out a scream of agony, and a tidal wave of crimson surged and receded from her body.
The overflowing power easily surpassed the Star God level, reaching the Heavenly God level.
For a divine being to unleash Heavenly God-level power was simply an incredible feat!
"Xiao Ai!"
Ye Yun called out in concern, but Xiao Ai at this moment seemed possessed by a demon.
As she slowly turned her head, her gaze, revealed when she looked up, was one of extreme coldness, vastly different from her previous cheerful demeanor.
At this moment, she resembled an evil god emerging from hell, her killing intent already condensed into a tangible form.