45- Illusionary Mountains - End
I took a deep breath and pressed forward, blade in hand.
Seven 5th-rank high-tier beasts remained—and I wasn't about to leave a single one alive.
With each swing of my blade, fire and fury danced. My techniques tore through the battlefield.
Ding!
You killed 5th-rank high-tier Beast – XP Gained: 7200
... (x7)
Current XP: 50,400
Without pause, I turned toward the looming staircase.
"System, remove the pressure."
Ding!
38,000 XP deducted.
Current XP: 12,400
I ascended.
---
Tenth Floor…
The illusion came again, but worse than before. It gripped me tighter, blurred the edges of reality further.
Seventy days passed in endless torment before my sword and I, together, tore through it. I stumbled free—blood spilling from my lips.
"Huff… This is… getting dangerous."
Before I could recover, the beasts arrived.
Five 6th-rank low-tier monsters towered before me. Their auras pressed down like mountains.
"Seriously? This strong?"
They lunged.
I barely blocked their attacks, their claws scraping against my spiritual armor. I spun back and activated Wind Steps, reappearing behind one.
Earth Finger Ray!
A condensed beam of spiritual force shot from my fingertip and tore through one beast's head.
Ding!
You killed 6th-rank low-tier Beast – XP Gained: 8000
Current XP: 20,400
Another charge. I retreated, raised my blade, and unleashed Inferno Slash – First Form.
One beast dodged it. I redirected and activated Meteor Rain of Sword—a tempest of flaming blades rained from the sky, piercing another beast's core.
Ding!
You killed 6th-rank low-tier Beast – XP Gained: 8000
Current XP: 28,400
But I let my guard down.
A beast's claw slashed across my side, blood splattering the ground.
"Ahh! You damn beasts!"
They roared, sensing weakness.
I growled and stood firm. "You think I'll go down that easily?"
I slashed out—techniques combining, sword blazing with elemental fury.
Ding!
You killed 6th-rank low-tier Beast – XP Gained: 8000
You killed 6th-rank low-tier Beast – XP Gained: 8000
You killed 6th-rank low-tier Beast – XP Gained: 8000
Current XP: 52,400
I stood panting, bloodied but victorious. I had conquered the Tenth Floor.
Suddenly, the air shifted.
A golden gate shimmered into existence before me.
Cautiously, I opened it.
A flash of light blinded me, and when it faded, I found myself standing atop the Illusionary Mountains.
I gasped. "So this… this is the summit?"
The wind was crisp, the sky endless.
And there it stood—my reward.
The Fourth Sword.
It glowed faintly with green energy—wood element. The Sword of Immortal Wood.
I stepped forward, reverently placing my hand on its hilt.
My main sword rose beside it. The two blades trembled, then flew into the air and merged in a brilliant burst of green and silver light.
Ding!
Scenario Mission Completed
Rewards Granted:
• 5000 XP Points
• Unknown Token
Current XP: 57,400
I smiled, heart pounding. "I did it. My Fourth Sword…"
Before I could celebrate further, a familiar voice called from behind.
"Zhen Huan!"
I turned to see Feng Xuan, with Mu Lingyao and Yang Kai running toward me.
"Why are we on the mountain peak?" Feng Xuan asked, bewildered.
I laughed. "I cleared the entire Illusionary Mountains… solo."
Their jaws dropped.
Mu Lingyao gasped, "Wait… solo? How long were we trapped in illusion?"
I paused, then said, "About six months."
They froze. "Six months?!"
"It's okay. You're safe now. Let's go."
Suddenly, a voice echoed in my mind—clear and commanding.
Shen Hong:
Zhen Huan. The All-Sect Competition begins in the Central Area in twenty days. Be there.
Then silence.
I blinked. "Hello? Sect leader?"
Mu Lingyao looked at me. "What happened?"
"Our Sect Leader just gave me a message. The competition starts in twenty days."
They all brightened with excitement. "Then let's go! Our sect is waiting."
I chuckled, "But… I don't know where the Central Area is."
Yang Kai grinned. "We do."
Feng Xuan nodded. "Follow us."
And so, the four of us rose into the air, streaking across the skies toward our next challenge—stronger, wiser, and united.