Within the Sword Tomb, Li Xuan's expression grew solemn as he looked at a spirit sword radiating a crimson hue.
Over the past few days, Li Xuan had observed no less than twenty spirit swords within the Sword Tomb, their sword intent a constant source of contemplation. His own comprehension of sword intent had grown exponentially. However, the spirit sword before him was somewhat unusual.
Judging by the sword's aura, it was undoubtedly the "Furious Sword" that Jian Hongda had spoken of. The aura of slaughter spread, making even Li Xuan, with his resolute will, feel a dryness in his throat. A slight circulation of his sword intent instantly suppressed the wild tremor.
"I might as well see what this Furious Sword is truly capable of," Li Xuan mused, his mind urging him forward. He then reached out and grasped the spirit sword.
*Boom!*
The moment Li Xuan's hand closed around the crimson spirit sword, a thunderous roar erupted. Its struggle was palpable.
Yet, in Li Xuan's grip, even the most potent spirit sword could not break free.
In the next instant, Li Xuan exerted a slight force, and a terrifying sword intent surged towards the spirit sword.
*Yin!*
The aura of slaughter spread, causing the surrounding heavens and earth to turn a bloody red. Fury, bloodlust, chaos—various negative emotions flooded Li Xuan's mind.
"I underestimated you!" Li Xuan's bloodline surged, instantly dispelling the negative emotions. His eyes narrowed, and a sword qi shot forth, cleaving the air.
*Ding!*
The sword qi transformed into a blade, striking the spirit sword, leaving a clear fissure.
*Wuuu.*
The spirit sword let out a mournful cry, and the surrounding crimson hue vanished instantly.
Seeing this, Li Xuan chuckled. The next moment, his eyes closed, and he disappeared from his original spot.
When Li Xuan opened his eyes again, he was surrounded by a sea of crimson. Even more astonishing was that the scene before him was the very entrance of the Sword Sect's mountain gate.
The ground was littered with corpses, and blood flowed, forming small streams.
Before the mountain gate, a figure stood, leaning on a sword.
"Even if our Sword Sect fights to the last man, we will never yield! Those who offend our Sword Sect will be punished, no matter how far they flee!"
As the man's words fell, he hurled the spirit sword in his hand forcefully.
In the next moment, the spirit sword sliced through the air. When it returned, its blade bore several cracks. However, crimson blood flowed from its surface.
"You have worked hard," the man said, caressing the spirit sword with affection. He then spat out a mouthful of vital blood. Nourished by this blood, the spirit sword began to heal at a visible rate.
"With my blood as sacrifice, I protect my Sword Sect!" With those words, the man's skin aged rapidly. In a mere instant, he transformed into a white-haired elder before collapsing backward.
*Yin!*
The spirit sword let out a mournful cry, and its blade instantly turned a deep crimson...
The scene reverted to normal. Looking at the spirit sword in his hand, Li Xuan's expression was deeply moved.
The disciples of the Sword Sect had been almost wiped out, and their master along with them. Having endured such immense turmoil, it was no wonder the spirit sword had become so bloodthirsty.
In that vision, Li Xuan could viscerally feel the sense of unyielding courage. He could also sense the spirit sword's profound loneliness and anger.
"They say 'Kill one in ten steps, leave no trace for a thousand miles.' A sword is a tool for killing, but also a tool for protection," Li Xuan sighed softly. Then, with a flicker of thought, he tossed the spirit sword into the air.
This sword had witnessed the most tragic period of the Sword Sect's history and had protected it. Leaving it here was not only for the future disciples of the Sword Sect to experience firsthand but also a testament to the respect it deserved.
Time flowed by. In the following days, Li Xuan encountered more similar Furious Swords. However, apart from the first one he had encountered, all the subsequent ones were purely bloodthirsty.
Li Xuan absorbed these spirit swords without hesitation.
Perhaps his actions were too direct. After Li Xuan absorbed another Furious Sword, several whistling sounds filled the air.
In the next moment, no fewer than twelve spirit swords shot towards him.
Observing the twelve crimson spirit swords hurtling towards him, Li Xuan's eyes narrowed, and a smile curved his lips.
*Yin.*
The twelve spirit swords directly targeted Li Xuan, instantly sealing all his escape routes. Li Xuan paid them no mind. With a thought, he slowly closed his eyes.
*Boom!*
The twelve spirit swords went berserk and charged directly at Li Xuan. Amidst the deafening roars, they plunged into his body.
"Searched high and low, and there you were. Since you've come to me, I won't be polite," Li Xuan thought, then activated his dantian to absorb them.
In mere minutes, Li Xuan's aura surged.
A moment later, Li Xuan slowly opened his eyes. Feeling the surge of sword intent within him, he grinned and then struck his chest with his palm.
Li Xuan coughed up a mouthful of blood, and his aura instantly weakened.
*Yin!*
Simultaneously, a deafening sword cry echoed. In an instant, the entire mountain range trembled. At this moment, Jian Shisan and others, who were comprehending elsewhere, also paled. The terrifying sword intent was simply too powerful.
"Damn, could that commotion be caused by Li Xuan?" Jian Shisan's eyebrows twitched. He then moved and shot towards the distance without hesitation.
What a joke. Even from such a distance, the sword's might was palpable. Once that spirit sword arrived, he'd be lucky to escape with his skin.
"Young Master, you didn't happen to have discovered this sword beforehand, did you? And thus deliberately acted like this to lure it out," the voice of the Heavenly Dao Brush echoed in Li Xuan's mind.
Li Xuan smiled faintly and transmitted his thoughts, "The Sword Sect has existed for tens of thousands of years. There are countless spirit swords here. Spirit swords vary in their degree of damage and their grade. Where there are people, there is a martial world, and this Sword Tomb is no exception."
"When the twelve spirit swords appeared earlier, I sensed a controller behind them, so I decided to test it. It turns out to be true. Absorbing this Furious Sword should be enough to allow me to reach the realm of the Time Walker."
After speaking, Li Xuan glanced at the Furious Sword hovering in mid-air. Then, with a movement, he sped away into the distance without looking back. However, his staggered gait and the look of panic on his face caused the Furious Sword to instantly lunge at Li Xuan.
"Holy crap, Young Master, your acting is truly top-tier! Playing the pig to eat the tiger, you've performed it to its highest level," the Heavenly Dao Brush exclaimed.
Cang Ling Tower: "..."
*Yin.*
With a sword cry, the Furious Sword pierced Li Xuan's body.
Li Xuan grinned, and then slowly closed his eyes.