Chaos Heaven-Dominating Technique

Chapter 457: Chapter 455: Entering the Sword Tomb

Soon, under Shen Haoran’s lead, the group carved out a path dozens of meters wide through the countless Sword Arrays. Just like that, they swaggered directly to the foot of the Cyan Stone Tower.

If the Sect Leader and past Elders of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect could see this, they would probably leap right out of their coffins. The Ten Thousand Swords Return to the Sect Formation, created with the full power of the sect and the wisdom of generations, had been dismantled by Shen Haoran with just a few stones. This was the grand array meant to protect the very foundation of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, its Sacred Land! For it to be solved so easily... it was an absolute joke.

In truth, only Shen Haoran could have pulled this off. For one, he possessed the legacy of the Array Dao in his mind, giving him a crystal-clear understanding of the flaws in the Ten Thousand Swords Return to the Sect Array. Furthermore, after so much time had passed, the array’s power had dwindled to less than a tenth of its peak strength. It might have threatened ordinary Spiritual Martial Artists, but for Shen Haoran, it was well within his ability to handle. Relying on his Fifth Floor Nine Heavens Shocking Cloud Step and the Vermilion Bird Wings on his back, Shen Haoran dodged the Sword Light with ease.

Soon, the group arrived at the base of the Cyan Stone Tower. They were all deeply shocked as they gazed up at the structure piercing the clouds. Before, on the outskirts of the Sword Sea, they could only sense that the Cyan Stone Tower was something special. But now, up close, a simple and ancient aura washed over them, and a profound sense of history involuntarily rose in their hearts.

Moreover, standing beneath the Cyan Stone Tower felt like facing an incredibly Sharp Sword. The Sword Qi was so tangible that it prevented them from getting any closer. Some people couldn’t withstand the Sword Qi emanating from the tower and had to circulate their Spiritual Power to protect themselves.

"As expected of the Sword Tomb! This Sword Intent... it’s so pure!" There was no shortage of sword experts among the crowd. Upon sensing the Sword Intent, their faces filled with fervor, as if they had just stumbled upon a priceless treasure.

Shen Haoran also stared at the Cyan Stone Tower with a solemn expression. Although he didn’t use a sword, he could still sense the sheer purity of the Sword Intent emanating from it. ’The Sword Tomb of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect truly is extraordinary.’

RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE...

Just as everyone was marveling at the Cyan Stone Tower, it began to tremble. A moment later, a pitch-black gate materialized at its base. With the Ten Thousand Swords Return to the Sect Formation broken, the gate to the Sword Tomb had opened for them all.

This time, the crowd had learned their lesson. Even with the great doors of the Sword Tomb wide open, no one dared to be the first to enter, fearful of a repeat of what had happened in the Sword Sea.

Shen Haoran couldn’t help but purse his lips at this. ’Placing a grand array outside the Sword Tomb is for protection, but the Ten Thousand Swords Sect would never set up arrays or traps inside the tomb itself. That would be disrespectful to their predecessors. These people... truly once bitten, twice shy.’

The other Martial Artists didn’t dare to move forward, but Shen Haoran did. After shooting them a cool glance, he stepped directly into the Sword Tomb, and his figure vanished inside the Cyan Stone Tower.

Seeing Shen Haoran enter the Cyan Stone Tower, the other Martial Artists hesitated for a good while before steeling themselves and diving in after him. In the blink of an eye, not a single person remained in front of the tower. Once everyone was inside the Sword Tomb, the pitch-black gate rumbled shut once more.

BUZZ...

The moment Shen Haoran stepped into the Sword Tomb, a buzzing sound echoed in his mind. By the time he came to his senses, the scene before him had completely changed. He was now standing in an empty, white space.

Having been through many similar trials, Shen Haoran quickly adapted to his surroundings. He began to walk forward slowly. ’Since this Sword Tomb is the burial ground for past Sect Leaders and experts of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, and also a place for disciples to undergo a trial, there must be someone here to administer it.’

Shen Haoran walked forward aimlessly, observing his surroundings. ’The other Martial Artists must have entered the Sword Tomb by now, but I don’t see them. It seems everyone’s trial is conducted separately. That’s for the best. I can finally stop suppressing my strength and go all out to conquer this Sword Tomb. I have to get my hands on that One Sword Asura Martial Skill!’

WHOOSH...

As Shen Haoran walked and pondered, the space before him suddenly distorted, and an elderly figure slowly materialized.

"So you’ve finally appeared," Shen Haoran said, his focus sharpening as he looked at the elderly figure. He was eager to see what an expert from the Ten Thousand Swords Sect was capable of.

"Hm? A Tier Five Spirit Marquis?" The old man’s brow furrowed upon seeing Shen Haoran. "Since when are disciples this weak allowed into the Sword Tomb?" In his memory, a Tier Five Spirit Marquis would have been at the very bottom of the barrel even in the Outer Sect, let alone be allowed to enter the Ten Thousand Swords Sect’s Sacred Land—the Sword Tomb.

"Old man, the sect you speak of has long since vanished into the river of history," Shen Haoran replied calmly, not at all angered by the elder’s words.

At these words, the old man’s brow tightened. A formidable aura erupted from his body, causing the surrounding space to tremble.

"What do you mean by that?" the old man demanded in a cold voice, taking a step forward to stand right in front of Shen Haoran.

"You want to know? Then you’ll have to beat me first," Shen Haoran retorted, completely unfazed by the old man’s threatening aura. A cold smirk even played on his lips.

The old man’s face darkened instantly at Shen Haoran’s audacity. In life, he had been an Elder of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, a true powerhouse. To be challenged so brazenly to his face by a junior who was merely a Tier Five Spirit Marquis—how could he maintain his dignity?

"Hmph. You’re the first one who’s ever dared to speak to me like that!" the old man snorted. A Silver Longsword materialized in his hand, and sharp Sword Light filled the air, slashing toward Shen Haoran.

"Then I’m honored!" Sensing the incoming Sword Qi, Shen Haoran unleashed the Fire Spirit Black Obsidian within him. It surged forth, forming a suit of Black Flame Armor that enveloped his body. The strands of Sword Qi hacked against the armor, kicking up a shower of sparks.

"Oh?" The old man raised an eyebrow, surprised that Shen Haoran had blocked his attack so easily. ’That was just a probing strike, but even so, it’s not something a mere Tier Five Spirit Marquis should be able to withstand. For this boy to neutralize it with such ease... it seems he’s not as simple as he looks. And those flames covering him... they look like Fire Spirit Black Obsidian, one of the Heaven and Earth Spirits. This kid has some serious luck!’

"But this is as far as you go." After speaking, the aura around the old man swelled once more. It looked like he was finally getting serious...

[PS: Let me sort out my thoughts. The upcoming plot is a bit blurry, so I need to think it through...]