Chapter 159 – Third-Realm Spiritual Treasure: Ink Dragon Sword—Sword as Brush, Ink Falls into…

In the arena, Yan Lei gazed with complex emotions at Mu Xiaoye, who lay unconscious in Lu Chen’s arms nearby, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

Though by all appearances he had technically defeated Mu Xiaoye, in reality he felt like the true loser—and an utterly defeated one at that.

Not only had he, a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator, been forced to confront Mu Xiaoye who was merely at the Qi Condensation Stage, but the fact that he’d been compelled to summon his Classic of Mountains and Seas Mythical Beast·Kui Bull at the final moment made Yan Lei wish he could cover his face and flee in shame.

A Foundation Establishment cultivator against a Qi Condensation practitioner, yet forced to resort to a Mythical Beast…

He had utterly humiliated himself today!

In the distance, Lu Chen gently placed Mu Xiaoye beneath a tree, then took out some Elixirs from his robe and carefully fed them to her. Recalling Mu Xiaoye’s nearly suicidal determination during the fight, he couldn’t help but lecture her.

“Fighting against Foundation Establishment while at Qi Condensation—losing isn’t shameful at all. Was it necessary to risk your life like that?”

Had Yan Lei possessed killing intent and not held back at the critical moment, using his Mythical Beast’s power to neutralize Mu Xiaoye’s full-force punch, the outcome would have been far worse than mere injury had they exchanged blows unreservedly.

It could have truly cost Mu Xiaoye her life!

Facing Lu Chen’s admonishment, Mu Xiaoye hung her head like a chastened child, remaining silent. Yet Lu Chen could tell his words went in one ear and out the other—the classic “I know I’m wrong but I’ll never change” attitude.

Against this, Lu Chen had no effective solution.

Meanwhile, Zhong Yaojun watched Mu Xiaoye from afar and remarked, “Old Yu, I never understood why headquarters assigned you to protect this girl before, but now I get it. Phoenix Calamity Cultivators are truly extraordinary. Once they mature… they become truly terrifying.”

Yu Tianqi nodded. “Indeed, they’re born Great Divine Power wielders, standing at heights most can’t even glimpse from birth.”

The title “Great Divine Power Wielder” was originally reserved for those in the Transformation Dao Realm, yet Yu Tianqi applied it to Mu Xiaoye without hesitation, demonstrating his immense confidence in her future potential.

Zhong Yaojun didn’t contest this assessment in the slightest, for he believed Phoenix Calamity Cultivators fully deserved the title “Great Divine Power Wielders.”

Before today, Zhong Yaojun had always known Phoenix Calamity Cultivators were formidable, but he never imagined they could be this powerful. After all, hearing about something and witnessing it firsthand produce completely different levels of impact.

Considering Mu Xiaoye hadn’t even reached Foundation Establishment yet, with such a vast cultivation gap between her and Yan Lei, once she achieved Foundation Establishment, Zhong Yaojun believed she could defeat Yan Lei even with his Mythical Beast’s assistance.

Bear in mind that Mountain and Sea Walkers were unquestionably top-tier among cultivators of equal level. Yet despite this, Mu Xiaoye had nearly managed to overcome the realm difference and defeat Yan Lei.

The significance of this achievement was immense.

After witnessing the battles of both Mu Xiaoye and Zuo Qiuzi, the surrounding trial participants fell into silence. They realized that whether facing Xu Yangyang or Yan Lei, they stood no chance against such formidable opponents.

Lasting five minutes against either of them?How could they possibly last five minutes against these two monsters!

Let alone Yan Lei and Xu Yangyang, the two Mountain and Sea Walkers.

Even Mu Xiaoye and Zuo Qiuzi were already existences they couldn’t hope to match.

Yet even these two powerful individuals had suffered crushing defeats at the hands of Yan Lei and Xu Yangyang, let alone those who were inferior to Mu Xiaoye and Zuo Qiuzi.

Before today, their impression of Mountain and Sea Walkers was that while they were powerful, it was largely due to the enhancements from their Classic of Mountains and Seas Mythical Beasts.

But today’s two battles made them face a harsh reality.

Even without the Mythical Beasts, the strength of Mountain and Sea Walkers was beyond what ordinary Cultivators could compare to.

And this was just the lowest-level Agents of the Shanhai Bureau.

They couldn’t imagine how terrifyingly powerful the Scripture Masters, Grand Scripture Masters, and Guardians that followed would be.

No wonder, no wonder the Shanhai Bureau could stand on equal footing with the top Holy Lands within the Immortal Alliance.

Even making these Holy Lands willingly send their most outstanding Disciples to the Shanhai Bureau for training.

All of this was achieved through the Shanhai Bureau’s own demonstrated strength.

After these two battles, the trial participants who had been full of confidence were now experiencing Broken Dao Hearts.

Compared to Mu Xiaoye and Zuo Qiuzi from earlier, what kind of trash were they?

Were they even qualified to pass this third trial? Don’t make them laugh!

It was in this strange atmosphere that…

None of the surrounding trial participants dared to step forward, creating a very awkward atmosphere.

Just as the participants were hesitating whether to continue observing or simply throw caution to the wind and randomly choose an examiner to challenge…

A figure walked toward Yan Lei.

When the trial participants saw him, their faces lit up with anticipation.

Because they all had deep impressions of Lu Chen.

Not only was he the only trial participant in the first test who could compete with Mu Xiaoye and Yan Lei in terms of physical endurance…

He was also the first to complete the second trial.

Although the first two tests examined a Cultivator’s physical strength and Heart-Nature, which couldn’t fully represent a Cultivator’s combat ability…

From Lu Chen’s relationship with Mu Xiaoye…

They felt Lu Chen was definitely not as simple as he appeared on the surface.

As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together.

Mu Xiaoye’s attitude toward Lu Chen definitely couldn’t be just because he was better looking than average.

This guy must have some other exceptional qualities.

And if anyone present besides Mu Xiaoye and Yu Tianqi, who knew Lu Chen, had some understanding of Lu Chen’s strength…

Yan Lei was definitely among them.

Because during the first test, Yan Lei had sensed the Sword Intent emanating from Lu Chen.

Even within the same Entering Dao Realm, there were distinctions in level.

Just like Mu Xiaoye’s Phoenix Fist Intent and his own Surging Thunder Fist Intent.

In terms of Concept, Mu Xiaoye’s Phoenix Fist Intent was undoubtedly superior.

And the Flood Dragon Sword Intent that Lu Chen had displayed during the first trial…

Wasn’t much inferior to Mu Xiaoye’s Phoenix Fist Intent.

Not to mention that Lu Chen’s cultivation was only at the Foundation Establishment Stage.

If Mu Xiaoye was an opponent who required his serious attention, where he might capsize in a gutter if careless…

Then Lu Chen was an opponent against whom he had to go all out.

Because he had a premonition that his battle with Lu Chen would be anything but ordinary.The reason Yan Lei was certain Lu Chen would choose him as an opponent rather than Xu Yangyang could be discerned from his relationship with Mu Xiaoye and the way he was currently looking at him.

This kid definitely came with ill intentions!

As if to confirm Yan Lei’s suspicions, Lu Chen directly addressed him upon entering the arena: “Release your Kui Bull. Otherwise, you won’t last a single round against me.”

As the words fell, a massive Ink Dragon phantom materialized behind Lu Chen. Simultaneously, the black ring on his right hand shimmered and transformed into a black Spirit Sword, hovering behind his back.

A Third Realm Spiritual Treasure?!

Yan Lei stared at the Ink Dragon Sword behind Lu Chen, his heart shaking violently. He never expected Lu Chen to possess such a hidden card.

[Name: Ink Dragon Sword]

[Grade: Third Realm (1%)]

[Trait 1·Blood Ink: Can nourish itself by devouring enemy blood to enhance the sword’s grade]

[Trait 2·Ink Spirit (7/10): Can imprison slain souls and summon them for battle when necessary]

[Trait 3·Dragon Transformation: Sword transforms into an Ink Dragon for combat and autonomously executes special Divine Abilities]

[Trait 4·Reverse Scale Might: Dragons possess reverse scales – touching them incites fury. Can release Dragon Might to intimidate Divine Souls]

Different from its Second Realm incarnation as the Ink Dragon Sword, the Third Realm version not only underwent a name change to ‘Ink Dragon Sword’ but also gained an additional trait called ‘Reverse Scale Might’. Though the effect seemed straightforward, Lu Chen understood this trait represented the fundamental qualitative transformation of the sword.

The moment the Ink Dragon Sword appeared, it intertwined with the Ink Dragon phantom behind Lu Chen. Soon, the originally ethereal dragon gradually solidified into a thirty-meter-long massive Ink Dragon hovering behind him. Moreover, ink-like ripples undulated around the dragon’s form, as if it weren’t soaring through the sky but swimming through abyssal depths.

Almost simultaneously with the dragon’s manifestation, a terrifying pressure swept across the entire arena.

Boom!

This soul-terrifying pressure caused observing trial-takers to instinctively kneel. They couldn’t comprehend the source of this fear – they only knew they dared not look directly at the massive Ink Dragon above Lu Chen’s head.

Terror, absolute terror.

Even before Lu Chen made a move, merely releasing his Sword Intent and Third Realm Spiritual Treasure already made everyone feel utterly outmatched.

If trial-takers standing at the arena’s edge experienced such terrifying pressure, Yan Lei at the center faced exponentially more.

Now Yan Lei finally understood the meaning behind those earlier words. Without releasing his Classic of Mountains and Seas Mythical Beast, he truly might not survive a single round against Lu Chen.

Without hesitation, Yan Lei summoned his Classic of Mountains and Seas Mythical Beast once more… the Kui Bull.

“Classic of Mountains and Seas · Great Wilderness East Classic”: “Resembling an ox, blue-bodied and hornless, with one foot. Its emergence from water brings wind and rain. Its light shines like sun and moon, its voice roars like thunder. Its name is Kui.”

As the Kui Bull appeared, the terrifying Dragon Might pressing down on Yan Lei immediately diminished considerably.

Facing this suddenly emerged, single-footed, hornless peculiar creature, the Ink Dragon’s eyes immediately revealed an intrigued expression.

“Go.”As Lu Chen’s calm words fell, the Ink Dragon soaring in the sky immediately flew toward the Kui Bull.

With just this movement, a vast expanse of ink-black mist erupted from the Ink Dragon’s body.

It quickly enveloped Yan Lei and his Classic of Mountains and Seas Mythical Beast, the Kui Bull.

Facing this bizarre ink mist, the Kui Bull raised its head and roared furiously.

The next moment, a terrifying thunderous power burst forth from its body.

Countless electric sparks struck the ink mist, producing crackling sounds.

Yet they only slowed the mist’s expansion without dispersing it.

Soon, the ink mist completely shrouded the Kui Bull and Yan Lei’s bodies.

Boom! Boom! Boom!…

Amidst a series of startling noises,

those outside the arena, though unable to see the events within the ink mist,

could sense astonishing waves of energy emanating from within.

Amid these energy fluctuations, occasional unintelligible roars echoed.

In response, Lu Chen merely stood still, allowing the Ink Dragon Sword to act autonomously.

His composed demeanor suggested utter indifference to the outcome within the mist.

And indeed, that was the reality.

Whether Yan Lei could overcome the Ink Dragon held no sway over the battle’s result,

for the outcome had been predetermined from the very beginning.

While ordinary observers couldn’t penetrate the mist, Golden Core Stage cultivators like Yu Tianqi and Zhong Yaojun could.

Inside the ink mist, Lu Chen’s Ink Dragon moved with the majesty of a true Dragon,

each strike unleashing immense power.

Even with combined efforts, Yan Lei and his Kui Bull could only barely hold their own against the Ink Dragon, gaining no advantage.

Whether from Yan Lei or the Kui Bull, their attacks barely fazed the Ink Dragon,

whereas the Ink Dragon’s strikes easily pierced Yan Lei’s thunder armor or the Kui Bull’s tough hide.

Crucially, only after being enveloped did Yan Lei grasp the mist’s function:

it could manipulate surrounding heaven and earth Spiritual Power, suppressing a cultivator’s Entering Dao Conception.

Trapped within, Yan Lei found his Surging Thunder Fist Intent utterly stifled,

as if some force had shackled his body,

rendering every movement agonizingly arduous.

This precarious sensation filled Yan Lei with frustration.

This can’t go on.

Realizing his disadvantage within the mist, Yan Lei cast aside restraint, retrieving a peculiar scroll.

Emblazoned on it was a vivid depiction of his Kui Bull.

Channeling Spiritual Power into the scroll, the mysterious Mountains and Seas Scroll fused with Yan Lei’s skin, becoming one with him.

Upon completion, Yan Lei’s Aura shifted dramatically.

Though his cultivation level remained unchanged, his presence, appearance, and even Spiritual Power attributes underwent a qualitative transformation.

This was the true trump card of a Mountain and Sea Walker—merging the Mythical Beast’s power with one’s own.

Soon, five distinctive drums emerged on Yan Lei’s back, resembling a Buddhist mandala.Not only that, but a pair of special drumsticks appeared in Yan Lei’s hands.

This was the unique power he obtained after fusing with the Kui Bull… the Five Thunder Drums.

He raised his head to look at the Ink Dragon in the sky and fiercely struck the drum on his back.

Boom!

With this strike, a terrifying rumble of thunder echoed across the battlefield.

The ink mist that had been surrounding him was instantly dispersed.

This strike seemed to have consumed a significant amount of Yan Lei’s energy, as his face turned somewhat pale.

But he didn’t pause, striking his Five Thunder Drums once again.

Immediately afterward, a fearsome bolt of lightning instantly struck the Ink Dragon.

The lightning appeared out of thin air and moved with incredible speed, making it impossible for the Ink Dragon to evade.

“Roar!”

The Ink Dragon roared furiously, its body entirely composed of ink shrinking noticeably.

It was clear that this lightning strike had caused it considerable trouble.

Seeing this, Lu Chen narrowed his eyes slightly.

Because from Yan Lei’s Five Thunder Drums, he detected familiar traces of the Dao.

“Heavenly Tribulation power…”

After murmuring to himself, Lu Chen reached back and recalled his Ink Dragon Sword.

The next moment, Lu Chen’s Azure Lotus Eyes began to rotate.

A thick mass of thunderclouds started gathering above Lu Chen’s head.

Witnessing this scene, Yan Lei in the distance showed immediate astonishment, seemingly unable to believe what he was seeing.

Facing this, Lu Chen stood firm beneath the heavy thunderclouds and said expressionlessly: “You’re not the only one who can wield the Five Thunder Heavenly Tribulation.”

“Fall.”

As Lu Chen’s voice faded, a massive bolt of Heavenly Tribulation lightning directly descended toward Yan Lei.

Its power appeared to surpass even the lightning force Yan Lei had just unleashed!

Faced with this, Yan Lei seemed to have his competitive spirit ignited, striking both Five Thunder Drums on his back simultaneously.

He acknowledged Lu Chen’s strength, but he refused to believe he would lose to this youth under twenty in the thunder techniques he specialized in!

He would defend the pride of being a Mountain and Sea Walker!

Boom!

Amidst a terrifying flash of lightning, two bolts of Heavenly Tribulation lightning collided with each other…

(End of Chapter)