The Seven Towers World, level 40 of the one-star tower.
Gone was the vast land, the battlefield now replaced by a sea of clouds high in the sky, stretching endlessly as far as the eye could see. The three suns overhead shone brighter than ever.
Wu Yuan stood in mid-air, gazing into the distance at the figure cloaked in black, whose vital aura was similar in strength to his own. Both were at the first-stage Golden Core phase, and their soul auras were not particularly strong.
The guardian controlled only nine fourth-grade spirit flying swords, a paltry number compared to the number of swords Wu Yuan wielded.
However, the moment the nine flying swords emerged from the black-robed figure, the world around them shifted in hue. A fierce surge of earthy-yellow qi streams swept across the sky, encompassing an area spanning over 100 li, prompting a stark change in Wu Yuan’s expression.
The strength of that Domain was simply overwhelming, far surpassing Wu Yuan’s Domain not only in strength but also in its expansive reach.
Wu Yuan’s Domain could only cover a little over ten li without weakening. But this guardian? A full hundred li. His power was far greater compared to the guardian on level 39, exceeding it by more than tenfold!
In that instant, Wu Yuan realized the truth – True Intent!
At the Harmony of Man and Nature stage, one gained an initial perception of heaven and earth, tapping into its power. When one perceived the various types of heaven and earth’s power, and then delved deeply into a single type of power, one could harness the profundities of the specific Dao, shaping it into a Domain, and thereby reaching the Domain stage.
The progression from the first level of the Domain stage to the ninth was a process of deepening one’s comprehension of the specific Dao’s profundities.
When one’s comprehension reached a certain level, touching upon the essence of the Dao’s profundities, that was the stage of True Intent, the genuine intent of heaven and earth.
When someone reached the True Intent stage, the power they could bring forth was staggering.
According to the Archeldritch Divine Codex, once an individual’s Dao comprehension reaches the True Intent stage, the Dao’s power they can harness rivals that of a ninth-stage Golden Core cultivator, even without using any mana. Wu Yuan locked eyes with the black-robed guardian.
This guardian had comprehended just a hint of the Land Dao’s True Intent. Though it was just a hint, it embodied the fundamental truth of heaven and earth, containing immense power.
The guardian who oversees level 40 of the one-star tower has already grasped the True Intent stage. Then what about level 50? Level 60? This question weighed heavily on Wu Yuan’s mind.
He couldn’t fathom what kind of monstrous prodigy could ascend to level 80 of the tower. After all, to even attempt the one-star tower, one must be under 100 years old.
I’ve only cultivated for a very short period. Right now, I am only 37 years old. If I continue to cultivate until 80 or 90, then re-attempt the tower, my chances of success will be vastly different.
Time was an extraordinary power that could age the mighty and elevate the young into heroes.
“Challenger, the fact that you can face me means that you are extremely strong among the billions of challengers,” the figure in black robes declared coldly, his features hidden beneath a mask. “But you are fated to fail here.”
“Is that so? Come, let’s see if you’re right,” Wu Yuan responded with a steely gaze.
He now understood why Gu Sixing had been so confident. Level 40 was indeed not easy to clear at all.
The black-robed figure said no more. With a deafening roar, the Dao Intent surged toward Wu Yuan, a force spanning hundreds of li crashing into him like a tsunami. The power contained within was unimaginable.
Assemble! Gritting his teeth, Wu Yuan commanded the flying swords around him to form layers of protective arrays, their power magnified by his soul. Earthy-yellow qi streams merged with the arrays, strengthening them further.
With an earth-shattering boom, the guardian’s overwhelming Domain crashed into Wu Yuan’s own.
One side was an unstoppable wave, earthy-yellow streams manifesting as razor-sharp sword lights that cut through the atmosphere with deadly precision. On the other side, Wu Yuan stood firm like an immovable mountain, his soul, Domain, and flying swords melded into a shield of impenetrable defense.
“By withstanding my Domain, you have proven yourself worthy of facing my sword.” the black-robed guardian declared, his eyes fixed on Wu Yuan. The nine floating swords surrounding him suddenly sprang into action.
With a low hum, the swords resonated, their surfaces adorned with intricate cryptic patterns that intertwined and merged together in a mesmerizing display. In an instant, they coalesced into a solid, ancient divine sword, resembling a colossal needle.
This third step of the Dark Earth Sword Array: The Sword Within Reach.
The guardian also mastered the Dark Earth Sword Array!
With a sharp whistle, the divine sword flashed through the air, empowered by his Domain. Swirling earthy-yellow currents enveloped the needle as it seemingly teleported across the sky, carving a lasting mark in its wake as it aimed straight for Wu Yuan.
The speed of the attack was nothing short of terrifying.
“Go!” Wu Yuan’s eyes gleamed with frigid determination as his Soul Force surged, summoning a flurry of flying swords that converged around him. 81 swords assembled to form a long, elongated divine sword resembling a needle, slicing through the sky with breathtaking speed.
The two sword arrays clashed in a thunderous boom, each one vying for dominance. One attacked, graceful and agile, its movements unpredictable yet somewhat lacking in power. The other defended, unmoving as a mountain and less agile, yet the Hundred Swords Array formed by 81 flying swords was mighty and unyielding.
They collided again and again, each clash fierce and unrelenting.
“Break!” The black-robed guardian’s voice was cold as ice, his masked gaze fixed on Wu Yuan. He sought to end the fight swiftly, yet his attacks were blocked every time.
Defend! Look for an opening. Wu Yuan’s defenses held strong, his soul still brimming with power despite the onslaught. However, he was inwardly shocked.
So this was True Intent. Though they both employed the same move and the opponent only wielded nine flying swords, the profundity of Dao imbued in his attacks was extraordinary, and it completely suppressed his Hundred Swords Array.
When Dao Intent is grasped, one’s Domain is perfected. With the repeated clashes, Wu Yuan gradually perceived a wisp of True Intent of the Land’s profundities.
Perception and comprehension were different concepts. The feeling they gave Wu Yuan was also completely different.
…
The clashes between Wu Yuan and the guardian had the Amethyst Cradle Reverends in the Southmoon Island on the edge of their seats. Both combatants were only at the first-stage Golden Core phase, yet their battle had already reached the level of a fight between Amethyst Cradle cultivators.
The profoundness of the guardian’s sword array greatly surpassed that of many Amethyst Cradle Reverends, though his lack of mana prevented him from unleashing the full extent of his power.
On the other hand, Wu Yuan, though slightly behind in his comprehension of the Dao’s profundities, managed to hold his ground with the Hundred Swords Array.
…
Inside the one-star tower, the black-robed guardian’s cold gaze pierced through Wu Yuan as he declared, “Your sword array is formidable. Even though your Dao comprehension is inferior to mine, you’re still able to withstand my attacks. However, defense alone isn’t enough to win. I will now unleash my full power to end you.”
With a deafening boom, the sword array originally resembling a needle scattered, transforming into nine streams of light, each seemingly independent yet connected. Earthy yellow light condensed on the surface of the nine flying swords, causing them to shine with dazzling brightness and seemingly transforming the Domain.
The sword array fragmented into nine, yet the speed of the nine flying swords did not wane, but instead intensified, gaining an edge of increased sharpness.
Swish! The skies were ablaze with sword lights, no longer assailing from a singular direction, but now striking Wu Yuan simultaneously from all angles.
The clash of sword arrays ensued, and Wu Yuan’s once impregnable Domain suddenly revealed numerous fissures. The mighty Hundred Swords Array began to succumb to the onslaught of the nine fearsome streaks of light, hinting at its impending collapse.
Wu Yuan’s expression darkened.
The nine swords of the array separated, yet remained united as one, their presence all-encompassing. Wu Yuan observed the swords dancing in the air.
At last, he understood. The guardian had employed the fourth step of the Dark Earth Sword Array: Light Of The Land!
At this step, the Domain and the sword array melded seamlessly, expanding over a vast area rather than concentrating at a singular point. Endless sword lights blanketed the area encompassed by the sword array, resembling an embryonic form of a world of swords.
At the fourth step, it seemed as if there were nine attack points within a single sword array, amplifying the power more than tenfold compared to the third step. This spelled trouble!
I thought that my Hundred Swords Array was enough to withstand his attacks, wearing down his soul until victory was within reach. Wu Yuan acknowledged that he had miscalculated.
The guardian was far more formidable than he had anticipated. Relying on defense alone would prove futile.
The Hundred Swords Array teetered on the brink of collapse as the rain of sword lights sliced through his Domain with ease, draining its strength.
Re-assemble! Wu Yuan commanded. Relying on his resilient soul, he fortified the faltering array, withstanding the barrage of sword lights.
“Let’s see how many times you can block my strikes,” the black-robed guardian looked down at Wu Yuan, full of confidence. He didn’t believe he would lose at all.
He was employing the fourth step of the sword array, and each sword light was no less powerful than the entirety of Wu Yuan’s Hundred Swords Array.
It was nine against one; Wu Yuan’s struggle seemed futile.
I have to go all out! Wu Yuan ground his teeth, releasing the full power of his soul, even the portion he had previously not revealed.
Simultaneously, a dense swarm of flying swords materialized around Wu Yuan. As the swords floated, their sword qi crisscrossed through the air. Their numbers were staggering.
Including the original 81 flying swords, Wu Yuan’s soul now commanded a total of 729 flying swords. The weight of this unprecedented power bore down on him like a mountain, causing his soul consciousness to quiver. It was nearly unbearable.
Assemble! Wu Yuan screamed internally, his consciousness wavering.
Whoosh! The flying swords began to move, intricate cryptic patterns arranging them in formation. In an instant, the 729 swords became one entity.
A Thousand Swords Array!
As more than 700 swords combined into one, a colossal illusory sword 100 zhangs in length materialized in the sky like a towering needle, enveloping Wu Yuan inside.
Attack! With a mental command, Wu Yuan directed the Thousand Swords Array toward the black-robed guardian dozens of li away.
Sword intent surged forth, tearing through the vast Domain imbued with True Intent as if it were mere paper.
“The Thousand Swords Array? How is this possible?” The black-robed guardian’s disbelief was palpable as he gritted his teeth and ordered, “Block it!”
Nine sword lights blazed through the sky like nine divine lights, attempting to intercept Wu Yuan’s attack.
Clang! In a single, fierce exchange, both sides collided nine times. The guardian’s flying swords were all sent spiraling off course. They were no match for the overwhelming power of the Thousand Swords Array.
Wu Yuan’s assault was relentless, each strike delivering a forceful blow to the black-robed guardian, who had no time to react as the strikes rained down upon his defenses, each filled one fierce and merciless.
The air crackled with energy as Wu Yuan unleashed his strongest attack, his divine sword cutting through the sky. It sliced through the black-robed guardian’s body without hesitation, leaving a stillness in its wake.
As the chaos settled, Wu Yuan stood alone in the void, his face drained of color from the exertion of power.
“Congratulations, Li Xia,” the tower spirit’s voice rang out, breaking the silence. “You have successfully cleared level 40 of the one-star tower. Your reward is a one-time True Intent perception experience of your choice.”