Chapter 112 - The Sword Cultivators' Anticipation, Beyond the God Demon Realm?

Holding the Heaven Dao Reward in his hand, the Immortal-Grade Formation Disk "Heaven Slaying Sword Formation", Zhu Houzhao was left speechless.

In his understanding, the danger level of the Sword Tomb was far inferior to the Azure Dragon Association.

Yet the Golden Ranking actually ranked it as the second most dangerous Forbidden Land.

This was supposed to be his "backyard garden", how did it become a Forbidden Land?

Moreover, it was even classified as a place of absolute death?

"Our love nest... is it really that terrifying?"

Zhu Houzhao asked in surprise.

Murong Xisheng scoffed and shot him a glare.

"You've set up so many killing formations outside the Sword Tomb. How could it not be dangerous?"

"If I hadn't deliberately adjusted them to only trap instead of kill, the ground outside would have been littered with corpses."

"It's not surprising that the Nine Provinces Martial World sees it as a cursed ground, a dead zone, or a forbidden place!"

Zhu Houzhao didn't pay much attention to the Sword Tomb rewards.

But Murong Xisheng had lived there for years.

Her understanding of the Sword Tomb far surpassed Zhu Houzhao's.

Not to mention the Sword Tomb's own mysterious functions.

Even the various protective formations added by Zhu Houzhao afterward were unimaginably powerful.

Thankfully, Murong Xisheng was not bloodthirsty.

Otherwise, the number of people killed by the Sword Tomb formations would have easily reached into the thousands.

It would have caused a massive uproar throughout the Nine Provinces and invited unnecessary trouble.

It would never have remained like it is now, with only a few small fries lingering outside.

"This time, you really thought things through."

"With you around, I feel much more at ease."

"You're truly the perfect inner companion. I'm incredibly lucky to have you."

Seeing Zhu Houzhao trying to get handsy again, Murong Xisheng smacked him in annoyance.

"Enough. Hurry up and break through your realm. We can deal with everything else later."

In her heart, nothing was more important than a breakthrough in cultivation.

==========

The moment the Rank 2 Forbidden Land was updated on the Golden Ranking, it captured everyone's attention.

All dynasties and top powers began investigating immediately.

But this time, sword cultivators from across the Nine Provinces were especially interested.

Sword Tomb.

Just the name alone resonated deeply with sword cultivators.

It might be the resting place of countless precious swords.

Perhaps even Divine Swords were hidden there.

Otherwise, how could it live up to its reputation as the second most dangerous Forbidden Land?

Unfortunately, no one knew where the Sword Tomb was.

If they did, they would venture there regardless of the risk.

Even if they didn't dare enter, just catching a glimpse from afar would be worth it.

==========

Qin Dynasty Territory.

In a secluded location.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The sound of intense sword strikes echoed nonstop.

Sword energy raged and ravaged the surroundings.

The ground was shredded into deep trenches.

The entire battlefield looked like it would collapse at any moment.

Boom!

With a loud explosion, two figures were sent flying backward.

"Senior Brother, ever since the battle in Snow Moon City, you haven't improved at all?"

"You had the opportunity to comprehend the Myriad Sword Diagram, yet you squandered it!"

"Truly disappointing."

Wei Zhuang looked at Ge Nie with frustration, a hint of scorn on his lips.

"Xiao Zhuang, the Myriad Sword Diagram is extraordinary. It's not as simple as you think."

"Who says I haven't improved?"

"Take another strike from me!"

Swish!

At that moment, Ge Nie struck with his wooden sword.

A flash of cold light.

Before Wei Zhuang could react, the sword tip was already at his throat.

"This... this isn't just the Half-Step Land Immortal Realm?"

"You've advanced to the Heavenly Human Realm?"

Wei Zhuang was stunned.

At the same time, a deep sense of humiliation rose within him.

He had lost to Ge Nie again.

He would rather lose to anyone else than this man standing before him.

"In Snow Moon City, after comprehending the Myriad Sword Diagram, I also received three days of instruction from the Snow Moon Sword Immortal. Only then did I manage to break through."

"What? The Snow Moon Sword Immortal actually taught you for three days? How is that possible? Why?"

Wei Zhuang was full of envy.

"She asked three questions in the Mission Hall of Snow Moon City. I happened to answer them correctly."

"Each answer earned me one day of instruction."

"The Snow Moon Sword Immortal is truly a Mythical Realm cultivator. Those three days taught me more than I could've imagined."

Even Ge Nie, who usually had a calm temperament, couldn't help showing excitement at this point.

Those three days laid a solid foundation for his path in swordsmanship.

Advancing to the Mythical Realm in the future no longer seemed so distant.

From that moment on.

Ge Nie had begun to match the strength of the older generation cultivators of the Qin Dynasty.

"Hmph. You win this time, Senior Brother. But I won't give up. One day, I'll surpass you!"

"Xiao Zhuang, I look forward to it!"

"By the way, have you heard of the Sword Tomb?"

"Is there such a place in the Nine Provinces? Why have I never heard of it?"

"Heh, that's just your ignorance. Have you heard of the Heaven Palace or the Earth Mansion before?"

"So what if there's another Sword Tomb?"

"But since it's ranked 2nd on the Forbidden Land Ranking, it must be extraordinary."

"I bet there are terrifying Divine Swords inside."

"I wonder how they compare to my Sharktooth."

"I'll keep an eye out. If I get any news, I'll let you know right away!"

"I want to see for myself what this second Forbidden Land looks like."

Wei Zhuang spoke proudly.

Even though he was currently weaker than Ge Nie, he firmly believed he would catch up and even surpass him.

In the future, among the top sword cultivators of the Nine Provinces.

His name, Wei Zhuang, would certainly be on the ranking.

==========

Ming Dynasty, Snow Moon City.

The Snow Moon Sword Immortal, Li Hanyi, stood proudly atop a rooftop, staring at the ranking.

Sword Tomb?

She vaguely remembered hearing of it.

When she had once chatted with Zhu Houzhao, he had accidentally let the name slip.

Thinking back now, he definitely knew more than he let on.

Perhaps the Sword Tomb was his creation.

With Zhu Houzhao's strength and influence, such a possibility wasn't far-fetched.

Given how deeply he had hidden himself, even she was shocked.

Hiding a second Forbidden Land like the Sword Tomb was entirely plausible.

Also, the Tianya Sword in her hand was clearly no ordinary weapon.

She had seen countless Divine Swords.

But none could compare to hers.

Perhaps this Tianya Sword had come from the Sword Tomb.

Just how many secrets was Zhu Houzhao still keeping from her?

Thinking of this, a hint of melancholy flickered in Li Hanyi's eyes.

That rascal... she must've owed him something in a past life.

Now she was here to repay the debt.

Whoosh!

With that thought, Li Hanyi drew her sword and began dancing atop the rooftop.

Her figure was ethereal and graceful.

Utterly breathtaking.

With a unique aura that only added to her allure.

==========

Southern Song Dynasty.

Outside Xiangyang City, at the Dugu Sword Tomb.

Dugu Qiubai stared in disbelief at the ranking in the sky.

Sword Tomb?

Could it be his Sword Tomb?

Impossible.

Although he was strong, he wasn't at a level where he could slay God Demon Realm cultivators with ease.

He was certainly not qualified to be part of a Forbidden Land.

Clearly, there was another Sword Tomb elsewhere in the Nine Provinces.

"Master, is the Sword Tomb on the ranking referring to our place?"

A curious voice asked beside him.

The speaker was a handsome young man, about sixteen years old.

"Probably not. Guo'er, keep practicing your sword. Don't be distracted by outside matters."

"A true sword cultivator must always maintain a pure heart."

"Yes, Master!"

Back then, when Long Bixia of the Ancient Tomb Sect was snatched away by Zhu Houzhao and became one of his Imperial Consorts.

Yang Guo, left without a destined master.

By a twist of fate, ended up becoming Dugu Qiubai's disciple.

What an unexpected turn of events.

Now, at just sixteen, Yang Guo was already quite powerful.

In the next update of the Hidden Dragon Ranking.

He might very well earn a spot.

"Interesting. There are so many powerful figures in the world. I've truly been ignorant."

"In that case, why not test my sword against the world once more?"

"Who will grant me... defeat?"

Dugu Qiubai spoke proudly.

"Caw!"

A piercing cry echoed.

"Brother Diao, you think I should re-enter the Martial World?"

"Eh? Challenge those who are ranked?"

"Cough cough..."

Dugu Qiubai stared speechlessly at his enthusiastic eagle companion.

"You overestimate me. Those God Demon Realm cultivators on the ranking are far beyond my reach right now."

"For now, I can only challenge those at my own level."

He was proud, but not foolish.

If he dared to appear before the Ming Imperial Palace now and challenge Zhu Houzhao.

He would be killed in an instant.

Sure, that would be a defeat.

But not the kind of defeat he was seeking.

What he wanted was a defeat in swordsmanship.

As for the Sword Tomb.

Dugu Qiubai was extremely curious about this second Forbidden Land that shared a name with his retreat.

He had already discarded the sword.

Everything in the world could be his sword.

Would the Divine Swords within the Sword Tomb pose any threat to him?

==========

Ming Martial World.

Since the last Snow Moon City incident.

Ximen Chuixue, Xie Xiaofeng, and Yan Shisan had successfully studied the Myriad Sword Diagram.

They had spent these days together, exchanging Sword Techniques.

Their sword skills improved rapidly.

Even their cultivation realms were skyrocketing.

Clang! Clang!

Xie Xiaofeng and Yan Shisan were once again locked in combat.

Ximen Chuixue watched with eager eyes.

Not far away, Lu Xiaofeng and Chu Liuxiang also watched with great interest.

They exchanged insights as they observed.

Surrounded by geniuses.

Their own skills also advanced rapidly.

Though still not on par with the monsters on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, the gap was steadily closing.

Clang!

A soft chime and the sound of swords.

The battle ended once again.

"Xie Xiaofeng, you've improved again."

"Yan Shisan, you're no slouch either."

"Indeed, you are my destined rival!"

"With an opponent like you, my path of the sword will never be lonely."

The two praised each other once more.

"Hey, enough already. Every time you fight, you end with that line. Can't you change it up?"

"Yeah, we're sick of hearing it!"

"And Ximen Chuixue too. Are all sword cultivators like this?"

"Seriously, it's getting boring!"

Lu Xiaofeng interrupted loudly, completely breaking the lofty mood.

"Alright, Lu Xiaofeng, stop teasing them."

"You're well-traveled and know many people. Do you know anything about this Sword Tomb?"

Even Chu Liuxiang, who was well-informed with many connections in the Martial World, had never heard of it.

"Sword Tomb? I haven't heard of it directly."

"But I do know of a place that might be related."

"That place is covered in dense fog all year round. Once a year, the fog clears and reveals a Sword Mountain."

"Several cultivators have, by chance, retrieved powerful swords from there and greatly improved their strength."

"But compared to the second Forbidden Land on the ranking, it still seems lacking."

"Maybe I'm overthinking it?"

"Or maybe that Sword Mountain isn't as simple as it looks?"

Lu Xiaofeng hesitated as he shared.

"In that case, let's go check it out."

"Xie Xiaofeng, Yan Shisan, are you coming?"

"If it really is the Sword Tomb, there'll definitely be powerful sword cultivators!"

Ximen Chuixue made the decision on the spot.

"Could it be dangerous? After all, it's a Forbidden Land where even God Demon Realm cultivators die. We're nothing compared to them."

Hua Manlou expressed concern.

"We'll just observe from a distance."

"We don't even know if it's the real Sword Tomb."

"Besides, this might be a great opportunity."

"Fine, we're free anyway. Let's all go."

"Lu Xiaofeng, you lead the way."

==========

Han Dynasty.

Zhonghua Pavilion.

At this moment, Nameless sat across from an old man with white hair and beard, radiating fierce sword intent.

"Nameless, after all these years, your strength has become truly unfathomable."

"What realm are you in now?"

"Heavenly Human? Mythical? Or perhaps... God Demon Realm?"

The Sword Saint looked seriously at Nameless, who was calmly playing an erhu.

"God Demon Realm? I'm not that terrifying."

"Otherwise, I wouldn't be here waiting at Zhonghua Pavilion."

Nameless shook his head, completely composed.

"Then you've reached the Mythical Realm?"

"I didn't expect you to be hiding your strength so deeply."

"Back then, I really overestimated myself. I was too arrogant!"

"If not for the appearance of the Golden Ranking, I'd still be a frog at the bottom of the well, arrogant and ignorant."

"Nameless, in your eyes, did I look like a fool?"

The Sword Saint couldn't help but laugh bitterly.

"Follow your own path. Why care how others see you?"

"Who in the Martial World dares to look down on the Sword Saint?"

The Sword Saint stopped dwelling on the topic and asked again.

"With your insight, do you know where the Sword Tomb is?"

"I don't know, but I'm sure it's not from the Han Dynasty."

"My guess is it's either in the Qin Dynasty or the Ming Dynasty."

"The Ming Dynasty... what a terrifying place."

Thinking of the Ming Dynasty's God Demon Realm Emperor, even the proud Sword Saint didn't dare be careless.

In the past, he would've scoffed at Emperors.

But after the Golden Ranking appeared.

He realized the most deeply hidden were these Emperors.

Every Emperor was not to be underestimated.

Especially considering the Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao was only in his twenties and had already reached the God Demon Realm.

Such talent, even Nameless couldn't compare.

Let alone himself.

And the top ten on the Hidden Dragon Ranking.

Soon, they too would surpass him.

==========

Buzz!

Boom!!!

Suddenly.

The void exploded.

Purple energy flowed from the east, and strange phenomena filled the sky.

Golden light radiated from the heavens.

The spectacle shook the entire Nine Provinces.

Nameless and the Sword Saint stood up in shock.

They looked to the sky, unsure of what was happening.

"Nameless? What is this phenomenon?"

"The Golden Ranking is still there?"

The Sword Saint looked at Nameless, hoping for an answer.

But even Nameless was confused.

In the next moment.

The entire sky began to rain countless nine-colored flowers.

"This is..."

Nameless reached out and caught one.

The flower turned into light and vanished.

A mysterious feeling surged through him.

It was a breakthrough.

Beyond the God Demon Realm?

How could this be?

It was a silent confirmation.

Someone powerful had just broken through!

The Sword Saint beside him was also stunned.

Sage Realm.

The realm beyond the God Demon Realm was the Sage Realm?

Who was it?

The Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao?

The Jade Emperor of the Heaven Palace?

The Fengdu Emperor in the Earth Mansion?

The mysterious leader of the Heaven Gate, Di Shitian?

One of the two hidden beings in the Divine Search Palace?

Yin Zhong of the Sword Control Manor?

Or some other hidden God Demon Realm cultivator?

One by one, names flashed through their minds.

Their hearts filled with shock.

It seemed something huge was about to happen in the Nine Provinces.

A dark look passed over Nameless's face.

If it were merely God Demon Realm, at least there would be some who could restrain them.

But now, a new Sage has emerged.

Who could possibly stop them?

If that person intended to bring chaos to the world, who could resist?

Even the God Demon Realm cultivators might be powerless.

For the first time.

Nameless felt a trace of fear.

A sense of uncertainty about the future.

With the appearance of the Golden Ranking.

And now a Sage Realm cultivator.

Who knows what other terrifying things were yet to come?

Sigh.

Even if Nameless wanted to intervene.

He was already powerless.

He couldn't even deal with the God Demon Realm.

Let alone the Sage Realm.