Chapter 22:Gold of Life

In a secluded room within the Golden Nine Treasures Pavilion, an air of solemnity filled the space.

"Xiaotian, step outside for now."

Chen Junting spoke softly, his gaze fixed on the soul-sealing soul guide resting on the table before him. His tone carried a weight of caution.

"Alright, but be careful."

Ning Tian, who had been holding onto Junting's arm, hesitated, her expression clouded with worry. The artifact within the soul-sealing soul guide was simply too dangerous. However, she knew her Brother Junting—once he made up his mind, there was no changing it.

Fortunately, this process had been repeated numerous times before, and with each attempt, the risks had diminished. She hoped this time would be no different.

"I'll be right outside. Call me if anything happens."

"Understood."

Junting gently brushed his hand through Ning Tian's golden hair, reassuring her before guiding her out of the room. Once alone, he turned back to the table, his heart steady yet solemn. He took a deep breath, placed his hand on the soul-sealing soul guide, and slowly lifted the lid.

A carving knife lay within, its presence exuding an eerie aura.

This was the Soul-Devouring Carving Knife—an artifact he had obtained at the Nine Treasures Auction in Tiandou City two and a half years ago. However, compared to when he first acquired it, its appearance had changed significantly.

Beneath its once pitch-black exterior, streaks of green had begun to emerge.

For over two years, Junting had utilized the influence of the Nine Treasure Glazed Sect to aid in its purification. With his master's approval, he had sought out soul masters attuned to light attributes, enlisting their help in cleansing the knife of its lingering malevolent thoughts and curses.

Every six months, he would test its progress. The first attempt had nearly ended in disaster when the blade lashed out at him. Fortunately, his quick reflexes had saved him. From then on, he intensified the purification process, though progress remained slow due to the rarity of soul masters with pure light attributes.

His master had once told him there were only two viable methods to fully cleanse the Soul-Devouring Knife:

First, seek assistance from Shrek Academy.

Second, find a soul master or soul beast with sacred or ultimate light attributes.

Junting had immediately dismissed the first option. He was well aware that if Shrek Academy got involved, the knife would likely never return to him. Instead, he placed his hopes on the second option.

After extensive searching, he had come across Yu Mengdi, a student from Justsky Academy, who possessed an angel martial soul. Unfortunately, her sacred power was too weak to completely cleanse the blade.

Nevertheless, there had been progress—the green markings on the knife were proof of that.

But today, everything would change.

He was ready for the final purification.

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Junting slowly unsealed the artifact, feeling a chill seep into the air. Yet, the knife remained still, as if lying dormant.

Frowning slightly, he quickly realized the reason.

"It's because I'm too weak."

Without hesitation, he unleashed his soul power.

Shua!

Five golden streaks of light flashed as his Dark Gold Claw Soul Skill activated, instantly shattering the table beneath the soul-sealing guide. The artifact landed in his right hand, clutched securely.

Flexing his left hand, he admired the razor-sharp claws. "This Dark Gold Claw is truly useful."

Despite not making direct contact, the Soul-Devouring Knife trembled violently. A piercing, ghostly wail echoed through the room, accompanied by a surge of vicious energy. Cold and malicious, it sought to invade Junting's soul.

Prepared for this, he countered swiftly.

His robust life force surged, repelling the chilling invasion. At the same time, his Seven Killing Swords materialized, encircling him protectively. A formidable aura of murderous intent clashed against the knife's fierce energy, initiating a battle of wills.

Just then, a deep voice echoed in his mind.

"So I was right after all."

Junting's vision darkened momentarily. When clarity returned, he found himself within his own spiritual sea, facing a floating gray mass of energy.

"Electrolux."

Recognizing the presence, Junting remained calm. He studied the shifting gray mist before addressing the entity.

"Old man, I haven't had the chance to thank you for saving my life earlier."

Electrolux chuckled. "'Old man'? An oddly familiar yet strange way to address me. But tell me, when did I ever save you?"

Junting didn't hesitate. He was someone who never forgot a kindness, even if the act had been indirect.

"Ah, I see now," Electrolux mused. "Boy, this spiritual sea is yours, but I am merely a guest here. My memories are fragmented, but I recall that I do not belong to this world. Before my death, a sliver of my consciousness lingered. When I arrived here, I was drawn to something—an aura from that carving knife you hold."

Junting's eyes narrowed. "You recognize it?"

"No," Electrolux admitted. "But I can sense its importance to me. If I absorb its essence, my unstable consciousness will solidify."

Junting considered this carefully before nodding. "If you can fully purify the knife, you may take what you need."

Electrolux let out a soft chuckle, his tone brimming with confidence. "Evil thoughts and curses? Trivial matters. I can erase them entirely."

Junting's expression remained calm, but an idea struck him. "Old sir, if possible, could you leave behind its fierce energy?"

Recalling how the knife's vicious aura clashed with his Seven Killing Sword's murderous intent, he saw an opportunity—perhaps the two forces could be fused, elevating his martial soul's power.

"Very well."

Darkness returned once more.

As Junting's consciousness returned, an overwhelming force erupted from within him. A vague yet imposing figure materialized behind him, radiating an ancient presence.

A surge of gray spiritual energy descended upon the Soul-Devouring Knife.

In an instant, it shifted—gray turned to pure, radiant white.

The remaining black corruption on the blade dissipated into mist, vanishing with an eerie wail. Even the green streaks brightened, blending into a luminous cyan hue.

At last, the Soul-Devouring Knife had been purified.

Its essence had evolved.

At this moment, the legendary Gold of Life was revealed in its full glory.

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(End of chapter)

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I'm so sorry for late update,I have few things to do irl

Like always Stones me~