39: Chapter 39 Sword Saint's Ruins

Early the next morning, just as the sky was beginning to brighten, Chen Ergou arrived at the entrance of the Novice Village.

The morning air carried a hint of chill, and a thin mist shrouded the entire Novice Village. The distant mountains were faintly visible, resembling an ink wash painting. A few early birds chirped on the branches, adding a touch of vitality to the tranquil morning.

Ye Liuli was already waiting there. She had changed into a white mage robe today, and her long, silvery-white hair was tied into a ponytail, making her look capable and spirited. The morning light spilled over her, coating her in a faint golden radiance, making her look almost otherworldly.

"You're quite early," Chen Ergou said with a smile, walking over quickly.

"You're not exactly late yourself," Ye Liuli replied indifferently, though the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.

"I was too excited to sleep last night," Chen Ergou said, scratching his head. "Just thinking about exploring the Sword Saint Ruins today has me so pumped."

Ye Liuli rolled her eyes at him. "Money-grubber."

"That's called having ambition!" Chen Ergou corrected her.

The two set off together, heading toward the Sword Saint Ruins. The Sword Saint Ruins were located in a mountain range to the north of the Novice Village, about half a day's journey from the village. Along the way, they passed through a dense forest, where sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Occasionally, small animals would dart through the grass, causing a rustling sound.

"What do you think will be in the Sword Saint Ruins?" Chen Ergou asked while walking.

"I don't know," Ye Liuli shook her head. "But since it's the place where Sword Saint Xiao Wuchen practiced, it certainly won't be simple."

"I hope there's a clue to the second style of the [Sword Saints Three Styles]," Chen Ergou said longingly. "If I could learn the second style, my strength would rise to the next level."

"Don't be too greedy," Ye Liuli reminded him. "There must be dangers in the ruins, so be careful."

"Don't worry, with Guild Leader Xiguang here, I'm not afraid of anything!" Chen Ergou said, patting his chest.

Ye Liuli gave a light huff but didn't refute him.

By noon, they finally reached their destination.

"This is it?" Chen Ergou looked at the scene before him, feeling a bit surprised.

An ancient stone gate stood at the entrance of the valley. It was covered in the marks of time, with moss and vines covering most of its surface, exuding an air of antiquity. On either side of the stone gate stood a stone statue holding a long sword, looking majestic. Despite the erosion of time, one could still feel its sharp, imposing aura.

The valley was filled with a faint mist, and the sound of running water could be heard faintly in the distance. A strange fragrance permeated the air, refreshing the spirit.

"The Sword Saint Ruins..." Ye Liuli said softly. "It is said that this was once the place where Sword Saint Xiao Wuchen practiced, and it holds his inheritance and secrets."

Chen Ergou stepped forward and reached out to touch the stone gate. The gate was cold and rough, engraved with ancient runes that emitted a faint glow.

[System Prompt: [Sword Saints Three Styles] aura detected. Open the ruins?]

"Yes!"

As he confirmed, the stone gate slowly opened with a heavy "rumble," revealing a deep, dark passage. The passage was filled with a faint spiritual energy that refreshed the spirit. Glowing crystals were embedded in the walls, lighting the way forward.

"Let's go." Chen Ergou took a deep breath and stepped inside.

Ye Liuli followed closely behind.

The passage was long, and the walls on both sides were covered with various sword technique patterns, which all appeared to be moves from the [Sword Saints Three Styles]. Each pattern was lifelike, as if one could see sword light flowing across the walls. Chen Ergou observed as he walked, trying to comprehend something from them.

"These patterns..." he muttered to himself, "they seem a bit different from what Senior Xiao taught me."

"Different?" Ye Liuli asked.

"Yeah." Chen Ergou nodded. "The 'Sky Breaker' that Senior Xiao taught me focuses on the explosion of power. But the 'Sky Breaker' in these patterns seems to focus more on... technique and rhythm?"

Ye Liuli thought thoughtfully, "Perhaps, this is the true essence of the [Sword Saints Three Styles]?"

Chen Ergou's heart stirred. Perhaps he would be able to learn more from this trip to the ruins.

The two continued forward, the passage growing deeper and the spiritual energy becoming more concentrated. Finally, they reached the end of the passage.

At the end was a huge stone gate, with three large characters carved into it—[Trial Hall].

[System Prompt: Welcome to the Sword Saint Ruins. The first trial is about to begin.]

[Trial Content: Defeat the Guardian]

[Trial Reward: EXP +10,000, [Sword Saints Three Styles] insight improved]

"Here it comes!" Chen Ergou gripped his sword tightly, a flash of excitement in his eyes.

The stone gate slowly opened, and a huge figure appeared before them.

It was a giant made of stone, standing a full three meters tall, wielding a massive stone sword, and exuding a powerful pressure from its entire body. With every step it took, the ground would tremble slightly. The giant's eyes were two balls of red light, emitting a bloodthirsty aura.

[Ruins Guardian]

[Level: 20]

[HP: 5000/5000]

[Skills: Heavy Strike, Sweep, Petrifying Gaze]

"Level 20?" Chen Ergou swallowed hard. "This is going to be a bit tricky."

Ye Liuli raised her staff. "I'll provide support, you take the lead in attacking."

"Alright!"