Chapter 38: Treasures Within the Stone Chamber

Dustin Li slowly opened his eyes. The radiant light enveloping him dissipated, leaving behind a calm stillness.

Quick Sword Art—unranked, divided into four realms: Initiate, Minor Completion, Major Completion, and Perfection.

In the world of martial arts, speed reigns supreme. When a sword is fast enough, no technique can withstand it. A blade that strikes like lightning and thunder, severing life in an instant—this was the essence of the Quick Sword Art.

Dustin exhaled deeply, his mind absorbing the gift of the Origin Law. Just as the Spirit of Reincarnation had said, this power prioritized enhancing his strength.

This sword technique, despite lacking a formal grade, was superior to anything he had studied at the Novaridge Martial Hall.

"Chong!"

He drew his sword. A dazzling flash of steel split the air, sending ripples through space. The fluctuations were faint yet visible, proof of the technique's extraordinary power.

"Based on what I recall, I've only reached the Initiate level of the Quick Sword Art."

Dustin knew the memories granted by the Origin Law provided guidance, not mastery. True mastery would require relentless practice.

Still, even at the Initiate level, the technique rivaled the perfected Thunder Nine Swords, a fourth-grade martial art. And if he infused the Thunder Nine Swords with the principles of speed, its power would become even more terrifying.

Yet, compared to the Quick Sword Art, the Wheel of Life and Death's Laws were far more enigmatic.

Dustin frowned. The Origin Law had nine diagrams, each more profound than the last. Even the simplest, the First Diagram, seemed incomprehensible. The intricate patterns, runes, and sigils were like a celestial script beyond mortal understanding.

"Spirit of Reincarnation, how do I leave the Origin Space?" Dustin asked, gazing up at the colossal wheel above.

"Weak heir, you may leave at any time. When your cultivation reaches the Innate Realm, you will be able to fully comprehend the First Diagram of the Death Wheel and re-enter this space."

Dustin's expression turned serious. "What's the situation outside? Will I be in danger?" He hadn't forgotten the terrifying Two-Headed Shadow Tiger that had swallowed him whole.

"You will reappear inside the belly of the Two-Headed Shadow Tiger. Weak heir, I wish you luck."

Before Dustin could react, an irresistible force pulled him away.

A moment later, he was overwhelmed by the rancid stench of decay and blood—he had returned to reality, trapped inside the beast's stomach.

.....

Outside the Cave

Ten days had passed.

Lawson Bu stood amidst a pile of filth, his face haggard, his once-pristine robes stained with rot. He had searched the tiger's droppings countless times but found no trace of the Dark Sword.

"Buzz!"

Suddenly, the Light Sword strapped to his back trembled violently.

"The Dark Sword…" Lawson's weary eyes lit up as he turned toward the sleeping Two-Headed Shadow Tiger.

The sword was resonating—the Dark Sword was inside this beast!

Before he could react, the monster's massive body shuddered.

"ROAR!"

A deafening roar exploded from its twin throats, shaking the entire cave. Boulders tumbled from above, dust swirled, and the sheer force sent Lawson crashing backward. His ears rang, his vision blurred, and blood sprayed from his mouth.

"What the hell is happening?!" Lawson gasped in horror.

Inside the tiger's belly, Dustin Li swung his mid-grade human-tier war sword relentlessly. Though the creature's hide was nearly indestructible, its organs were vulnerable.

And Dustin's special ability allowed him to strike directly at the beast's vital points.

The monster convulsed violently, roaring in agony. Its two heads gushed blood, spewing shredded organs across the cave floor.

Lawson could only watch, paralyzed with shock.

After half an hour, the monster's movements slowed, its roars fading into silence.

Had it… died?

Lawson cautiously approached, sensing the life force within the tiger had vanished.

Yet his mind reeled—this was a fifth-tier monster, an apex predator. How had it died so suddenly?

Then, a wave of pure killing intent washed over him.

"BOOM!"

The beast's stomach burst open, and a blood-soaked figure lunged out. A streak of sword light—swift as falling stars—flashed toward Lawson's throat.

Lawson stumbled back in terror. His breath caught as he saw the figure's face.

"D-Dustin Li?! That's… impossible!"

He staggered, eyes wide with disbelief.

Swallowed whole by a fifth-tier monster ten days ago, Dustin should have been dead. Yet here he stood, covered in gore, his eyes burning with chilling intent.

"Yes," Dustin said coldly, stepping forward. "I'm still alive. And you—"

"Die."

The sword flashed.

Blood sprayed.

Lawson barely dodged in time, staggering backward, his palm pressed against his gashed neck.

"Such a fast sword!"

If he had reacted a fraction slower, his head would have been rolling on the floor.

And Dustin… ten days ago, his sword had never been this fast.

"How?! How did he grow this strong inside the belly of that beast?!"

Before Lawson could comprehend it, Dustin vanished.

And in the next instant, reappeared right in front of him.

Lawson's pupils shrank.

Dustin's movement speed had increased exponentially—far beyond anything he had seen before.

At that moment, death had never felt closer.

"No! Dustin, you can't kill me!" Lawson screamed in panic.

"Buzz!"

The blade stopped at his throat. The air pressure alone sliced into his skin, drawing fresh blood.

"Give me a reason," Dustin said, his voice emotionless.

"I—I am the only heir of King Franklin Bu! Only I can open his treasure vault!"

Dustin's gaze sharpened. "And why should I believe you?"

Lawson had no chance to answer.

With a flick of his wrist, Dustin's sword arced through the air.

"Slash!"

Lawson's head flew from his shoulders, his eyes frozen in shock even as blood gushed from his severed neck.

Dustin flicked his blade clean, his expression unreadable.

Lawson had schemed to kill him at every turn—there was no way Dustin would ever let him live.

Even if the Martial King's treasury required him to open it, Dustin would rather forgo the treasure than let a snake like him live.

As he looted Lawson's Light Sword and storage bracer, he found a weathered scroll inside.

It detailed the Martial King's Treasury, left behind by King Franklin Bu himself.

To unlock the treasure, three items were required:

The Twin Swords of Light and Dark.

A jade pendant soaked in the blood of Franklin's descendants.

Nowhere did it mention that only Franklin's bloodline could open it.

"So, you even tried to lie to me in your final moments." Dustin scoffed.

....

Inside the Stone Chamber

The massive stone doors rumbled open.

Dustin stepped into the Martial King's hidden chamber, his eyes gleaming at the treasures before him.

Ancient martial arts tomes, rare war swords, glimmering vitality stones, and even a record of lost swordsmithing techniques filled the room.

This was beyond what he had imagined.

Lifting a dust-covered scroll, he chuckled.

"I've hit the jackpot."