239: Chapter 239 Ancient Sword Mansion Opens

The battle at the Sword Testing Platform concluded. With his astonishing performance, Ye Tian successfully secured temporary eligibility to enter the core area of the Ancient Sword Mansion Ruins.

As the Grey-robed Elder and the others departed, the crowd gathered at the Sword Testing Platform also began to gradually disperse, but the discussions regarding Ye Tian were far from over.

"Incredible! With a cultivation of only True Martial Second Stage, he actually managed to defeat Commander Zhao!"

"It was more than just a defeat! It was a complete suppression of tactics and vision!"

"Seeing as he's so young, his future achievements will be limitless!"

"The core area opens in three days, there will be a good show then. Jing Wutian and the others probably feel the pressure too..."

Under the gaze of various onlookers, Ye Tian left the Sword Testing Platform and returned along the path to Cangya County City, accompanied by an excited and proud Hou Xiaojie and the Mini Dragon Ape, who was still looking around as if it hadn't had enough of the excitement.

Upon returning to the "Listening Pine Residence" inn, Ye Tian first cautiously checked the room. After confirming that no one had broken in, he finally truly relaxed.

The two consecutive trials of will and comprehension, combined with the hard-fought battle against Zhao Hegang, had taken a significant toll on his mental state and True Yuan, despite his victory.

He immediately sat down cross-legged, swallowed several True Yuan recovery and healing Medicinal Pills, and began to circulate his power to regulate his breathing.

The Star Qi Induction Art operated slowly, and strands of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi merged into his body, nourishing his slightly damaged Meridians and Dantian.

Ye Tian carefully recalled every detail of the exchange with Zhao Hegang.

In particular, the final three strikes of the "Earth-Rending Nine Strikes" had left a deep impression on him.

The reason he had only revealed the strength of the True Martial Second Stage was that he wanted to test if he could fight above his level.

Under the pressure, he had combined his Martial Dao Will, the agility of the Taixu Star-Shift Steps, and the Starfall Finger, refining his mastery by another fraction.

"The True Martial Realm Fourth Stage Peak is indeed not to be underestimated. If not for my powerful Physical Body, my more exquisite control over power, and the fact that I happened to catch the moment his breath transitioned, the outcome might have been uncertain."

Ye Tian thought to himself.

He once again took out the sword soul stone he had obtained from Broken Sword Valley, held it in his palm, and sensed that trace of ancient Sword Intent within it.

After the battle with Zhao Hegang, he had gained new insights into the transition between offense and defense and the condensation of power. Sensing the sword soul stone now, he actually perceived a different flavor to it, gaining a deeper understanding of the "point of force" and "penetration" of sword techniques.

"In this core area, opportunities and risks coexist. I must adjust my state to its Peak."

Ye Tian calmed his mind, regulating his breathing while comprehending the sword.

Hou Xiaojie chattered excitedly nearby, reliving his Senior Brother's heroic posture and imagining what treasures they might find in the core area three days later. It wasn't until Ye Tian gave him a look that he sheepishly quieted down and went off to the side to meditate and practice Qi himself.

Seeing there was nothing more to play with, the Mini Dragon Ape let out a yawn and curled up on a soft cushion to sleep soundly.

For the next three days, Ye Tian barely left his room.

During the day, he spent most of his time cultivating, wasting not a single moment. With the help of the sword soul stone and his insights from the previous battle, his Sword Intent became increasingly condensed.

At night, he routinely cultivated the Illusory Sea Heart Sutra to nourish his Divine Sense.

During this time, he also had Hou Xiaojie go out to gather information.

"Senior Brother, everyone outside is talking about you! They say you're the biggest dark horse of this trial!"

"The people from the Yasui Gang seem much better behaved; they haven't come looking for trouble again."

"I heard Jing Wutian went into seclusion as soon as he returned, seemingly having gained some insights."

"Ye Yiyi seems to be inquiring about your background..."

"There's no movement from the Governors Mansion, but Commander Zhao Hegang told people privately that he was utterly convinced by his defeat."

Ye Tian only nodded faintly upon hearing this.

Fame has its pros and cons; it brings attention, but it can also attract unnecessary trouble.

However, as long as one's strength was sufficient, everything could be dealt with.

He was more concerned about information regarding the core area, but what Hou Xiaojie could find was limited. He only knew it was exceptionally dangerous but also contained the true Legacy and Treasure Trove of the Ancient Sword Manor.

On the evening of the third day, Ye Tian woke from his meditation. As his eyes opened and closed, a divine light flickered within, his aura was harmonious and full, and his state had been adjusted to its Peak.

He felt that his cultivation had faintly progressed, and he was not far from the True Martial Sixth Stage Middle Stage.

"Tomorrow is the time to enter the core area."

Ye Tian looked at the deepening night outside the window, his heart filled with anticipation.

He knew that was where the true challenges and opportunities lay.

Meanwhile, the various factions in Cangya County City were not at peace.

In the Jing Family estate, inside a quiet cultivation room.

Jing Wutian slowly withdrew his power, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

The exquisite control over power and the grasp of combat opportunities Ye Tian had displayed had given him quite a stir.

"Ye Tian... Liuli Xuan Sect, interesting. "

"I hope to have a chance to fight you!"

He stroked the ancient sword beside him, his Battle Intent rising.

In a quiet courtyard.

Ye Yiyi gently stroked the zither strings, her eyes filled with thought.

"To be able to exert such combat power at the True Martial Second Stage, his Physical Body, will, and techniques are all top-tier... and there seems to be a trace of... a heart-palpitating secret aura on him? This little guy has quite a few secrets."

The corners of her mouth curled into a charming arc. "The Ancient Sword Manor core might be able to force out more of your secrets, right?"

Inside the study of the Governors Mansion.

Zhao Hegang was reporting to that True Martial Realm Fifth Stage commander.

"...This youth indeed has extraordinary qualities. Losing to him, I am utterly convinced. "

"His potential is immense. If he can be used by the Governors Mansion..."

The commander pondered for a moment: "This youth is a Disciple of the Liuli Xuan Sect; he may not be willing to be bound. "

"However, we can establish a good relationship. "

"Inside the core area, if there is an opportunity, we can look after him appropriately, but there is no need to force it."

In a dark corner.

The Yasui Gang leader looked gloomily at Wang Laosi, who was as quiet as a cicada in winter: "Useless! "

"Nothing but a disgrace to the gang! "

"That kid is at the height of his fame right now; don't provoke him for the time being! "

"When the core area opens, it will be a mix of dragons and snakes. There might be an opportunity... Hmph!"

In a secret room of the Duobao Pavilion.

Qian Fugui stroked his beard and smiled: "It seems the investment was right. "

"This youth has a boundless future. "

"Pass down the orders: from now on, Young Master Ye Tian is a distinguished guest of our Duobao Pavilion. All his needs are to be prioritized."

This night seemed exceptionally long.

Everyone turned their gaze toward the core area of the Ancient Sword Manor, which was set to open tomorrow.

Early the next morning, just as the sky was beginning to brighten.

Ye Tian took Hou Xiaojie and the Mini Dragon Ape out of the eastern gate of Cangya County again, heading for the Sword Testing Platform deep within the Jianming Mountains.

This time, there were far fewer people encountered on the road, but every one of them had an extraordinary aura and a clear direction; they were all holders of eligibility for the core area or their attendants.

When they reached the Sword Testing Platform, dozens of people were already standing on the platform.

Besides the five who had obtained eligibility the day before—Ye Tian, Jing Wutian, Sikong Changhe, Ye Yiyi, and Zhao Chengzhi—and their few attendants, there were three other groups of people.

One group was led by a graceful and beautiful woman in white. Behind her followed several young people dressed as Disciples. She was the only one of the "Five Heroes of Cangya" who had not participated in the trial, Fairy of the Ingenious Hand, Bai Zhiyun.

She was acquainted with Jing Wutian and the others and nodded in greeting.

Another group was the largest, with over a dozen people wearing uniform leather armor and possessing sharp auras. Leading them was that Fifth Stage commander from the Governors Mansion, with Zhao Hegang also standing behind him.

They represented the power of the Governors Mansion.

The last group was more mysterious, consisting of only three people, all wearing cloaks that obscured their features. Their auras were obscure and unclear, but they gave off a dangerous feeling.

They stood alone in a corner, not communicating with anyone.

It was said that among these three, two were holders of the sword manor key order.

The Grey-robed Elder, the head of the Jing Family, and a stern-faced elder from the Governors Mansion with a profound aura had also arrived.

Seeing Ye Tian arrive, everyone's gaze converged on him simultaneously.

Jing Wutian nodded slightly to Ye Tian.

Sikong Changhe grinned.

Ye Yiyi's beautiful eyes flickered with a smile.

Zhao Chengzhi remained cold.

Bai Zhiyun sized Ye Tian up curiously.

The Governors Mansion commander also nodded in greeting to Ye Tian.

The three mysterious people showed no reaction.

Being watched by so many experts, Hou Xiaojie swallowed nervously and followed closely behind Ye Tian.

The Mini Dragon Ape looked around curiously.

"The time has come."

The Grey-robed Elder scanned the field, his majestic voice speaking, "Those holding the sword manor key order, step forward."

The Jing Family head, the high-level elder from the Governors Mansion, and two of the three mysterious people each took out an ancient-styled token that emitted faint spatial fluctuations.

It was indeed the sword manor key order!

The moment the four sword manor key orders appeared, they resonated with each other, emitting a faint glow.

The Grey-robed Elder and the other two powerhouses exchanged glances and acted simultaneously!

Three surges of majestic power were injected into the center of the Sword Testing Platform!

Rumble!

On the ground in the center of the platform, a huge runic formation slowly lit up, emitting a dazzling light!

Space began to distort, forming a slowly rotating light gate!

Behind the light gate was a hazy scene, where the outlines of ruined palaces and sky-piercing Sword Qi were vaguely visible!

"The Ancient Sword Manor core area has opened! "

"Those with the eligibility jade token may enter! "

"Remember, the entrance can only be maintained for six hours! "

"Those who do not exit by the deadline will be trapped inside! "

"Once inside, life and death are up to fate!"

The Grey-robed Elder's voice rang in everyone's ears.

"Go!"

The Jing Family head barked a low command and was the first to lead Jing Wutian and the others into the light gate.

The Governors Mansion team followed closely behind.

The three mysterious people also entered quickly.

Ye Tian took a deep breath and said to Hou Xiaojie, "Follow me closely!"

Immediately, he gripped the eligibility jade token and, leading Hou Xiaojie and the Mini Dragon Ape, stepped into the shining teleportation gate!

Then came a feeling of the world spinning...