90: Chapter 90 Sword Valley Reinforcements, The Frosty Scheme

Early the next morning, Liuyun Peak ushered in a rare, stern aura of killing.

An ice-blue escaping light came from the horizon, piercing the darkness before dawn.

Three figures landed on flying swords.

The leader was none other than the Revered Master of Ice Soul Sword Valley—Sword Sovereign Hanbing.

He wore an ice-blue robe, his facial features were lean, and his eyes were as deep as a ten-thousand-year-old cold pool.

The coercion of the Middle Stage Soul Transformation naturally leaked out, yet it did not appear ostentatious.

Behind him followed two Sword Valley Elders, both with the cultivation of the Late Stage Nascent Soul.

Ling Shuang had long been waiting at the Peak.

She stepped forward and bowed in salute:

"Revered Master."

Sword Sovereign Hanbing nodded slightly, but his gaze had already fallen upon Bai Yunzhou.

That gaze was calm and waveless, yet it seemed capable of piercing through all falsehoods.

Bai Yunzhou stepped forward, cupped his fists, and said:

"Junior Bai Yunzhou greets Senior."

Sword Sovereign Hanbing sized him up for a moment, then slowly spoke:

"The Chaos Green Lotus Body has already reached Minor Achievement."

"The Chaos Eye also has its initial embryonic form."

"Not bad."

His tone was flat, yet it carried a trace of imperceptible approval.

Bai Yunzhou felt a slight chill in his heart.

This Soul Transformation powerhouse's gaze was far too sharp, seeing through his background at a glance.

Sword Sovereign Hanbing said no more, walking straight towards the Immortal Cave.

Everyone followed him inside.

Inside the Immortal Cave, Zhou Zhiting was still deep in sleep.

Sword Sovereign Hanbing walked to the bedside, took only a single glance, and his brows furrowed slightly.

He extended a finger and pressed it between Zhou Zhiting's brows.

Ice-blue light circulated, probing into her Sea of Consciousness.

A moment later, he withdrew his finger and said in a deep voice:

"The demon god erosion has penetrated deep into her Divine Soul."

"Instead, the medicinal power of the ice soul marrow-washing pill stimulated this trace of devilish thought."

"Had you not suppressed it with the Power of Chaos, she would have already fallen into devilry."

Bai Yunzhou asked:

"Is there a solution?"

Sword Sovereign Hanbing pondered for a moment:

"It requires the Ice Soul Cleansing Heart Mantra combined with the Chaos Origin, attacking both inside and out, before it can be completely eradicated."

"However, the process is extremely dangerous; with the slightest mishap, her Divine Soul will be destroyed."

Bai Yunzhou's gaze was firm:

"Please perform the technique, Senior."

"Junior is willing to assist with the Chaos Origin."

Sword Sovereign Hanbing glanced at him:

"Do you know how precious the Chaos Origin is?"

"A single trace of consumption requires months of bitter cultivation to recover."

Bai Yunzhou nodded:

"Zhiting is my Junior Sister, and she suffered this erosion precisely to save her fellow disciples."

"How could I spare my strength?"

A trace of appreciation flashed in Sword Sovereign Hanbing's eyes:

"Good."

He said no more, raising his hand to set up a triple ice-blue barrier.

Inside the barrier, the temperature plummeted to freezing point, and even the air condensed into frost flowers.

The two Sword Valley Elders stood on either side, acting as Protectors for Sword Sovereign Hanbing.

Ling Shuang retreated to the side, worry carrying in her eyes.

Bai Yunzhou sat cross-legged behind Zhou Zhiting, pressing his hands virtually against her back.

The Power of Chaos was slowly channeled in.

Sword Sovereign Hanbing also began to perform the technique.

He chanted ancient incantations in his mouth, forming Seals with his ten fingers.

Ice-blue runes flew out from his fingertips, fluttering down like snowflakes and merging into Zhou Zhiting's body.

Zhou Zhiting's whole body shook violently.

Blood-red patterns once again surfaced on the surface of her skin.

This time, the patterns were even more ferocious, twisting like living creatures.

The devilish thought was completely stimulated!

"Roar—!"

Zhou Zhiting suddenly opened her eyes, her pupils completely blood-red.

She let out a beast-like roar, and the blood Qi within her body surged wildly, actually trying to break free from her restraints!

Sword Sovereign Hanbing snorted coldly:

"Mere devilish thought, how dare you act presumptuously!"

With a point of his sword finger, the ice-blue light turned into chains, tightly binding Zhou Zhiting.

The chains were covered in ancient runes, continuously purifying the Devilish Qi.

Bai Yunzhou also urged the Power of Chaos to its full extent.

The gray halo enveloped Zhou Zhiting, cooperating with the ice soul power to launch a double attack from inside and out.

The devilish thought struggled crazily.

Zhou Zhiting's body trembled violently, and blood began to ooze from her seven orifices.

In her Sea of Consciousness, a tragic slaughter was unfolding.

The bloody devilish thought turned into a ferocious ghost face, fiercely confronting the ice-blue runes and the gray light of Chaos.

Every collision caused excruciating pain to her Divine Soul.

Time ticked away second by second.

Inside the Immortal Cave, it was silent, save for the low chanting of incantations and energy fluctuations.

Half an hour later, the blood-red patterns on Zhou Zhiting's body began to fade.

The devilish thought was forced to a single point between her brows, making a last-ditch resistance.

Sword Sovereign Hanbing's gaze condensed:

"Right now!"

He bit his fingertip and used his essence blood to draw a profound rune Seal.

The moment the rune Seal formed, it turned into an ice-blue sword light, piercing straight between Zhou Zhiting's brows!

Bai Yunzhou exerted force at the same time.

The Chaos Origin condensed into a needle, closely following the sword light.

Chi—!

The two forces pierced into the core of the devilish thought simultaneously.

The devilish thought let out a shrill scream and exploded with a bang!

Zhou Zhiting let out a muffled grunt and spat out a mouthful of black blood.

As the blood hit the ground, it actually corroded small pits.

That was the final counterattack of the devilish thought.

But soon, the ice soul power and the Power of Chaos erupted simultaneously.

The black blood was completely purified, turning into blue smoke and dissipating.

The blood-red color in Zhou Zhiting's eyes completely faded away.

She collapsed limply onto the bed, her aura weak, but she had already regained clarity.

"Did... did it succeed?" Ling Shuang said pleasantly surprised.

Sword Sovereign Hanbing withdrew his technique, his expression slightly pale.

That strike just now had consumed three-tenths of his magic power.

Bai Yunzhou also breathed a sigh of relief, withdrawing the Power of Chaos.

In his Dantian, the chaos lotus seed had dimmed slightly.

The consumption was indeed not small.

But it was worth it.

Zhou Zhiting slowly opened her eyes, saw everyone, and smiled weakly:

"Th-Thank you..."

Before her voice trailed off, she lost consciousness once more.

But this time, it was a true deep sleep.

Sword Sovereign Hanbing probed her pulse and nodded, saying:

"The devilish thought has been eliminated, and the Saint Body Origin is undamaged."

"When she awakens, her cultivation might advance even further."

Bai Yunzhou bowed deeply:

"Thank you, Senior, for saving her life."

Sword Sovereign Hanbing waved his hand:

"No need for such formalities."

He paused, looked at Bai Yunzhou, and his gaze turned profound:

"Do you know why I have come this time?"

Bai Yunzhou pondered:

"For the battle of the Xuanhuang Tide?"

"Yes, but not entirely."

Sword Sovereign Hanbing waved his hand to set up a soundproofing barrier.

Inside the Immortal Cave, only he, Bai Yunzhou, and Ling Shuang remained.

"The tide battle is only a superficial phenomenon."

"The real crisis lies in the 'beyond the heavens'."

His tone was solemn:

"Thirty thousand years ago, Chaos Taoist sealed the demon god, but in reality, what he sealed was a 'crack beyond the heavens'."

"The other end of the crack connects to the Chaos Void Realm, where countless Chaos demon gods wander."

"They live by devouring the world's Origin, and the Northern Region is only one of their targets."

Bai Yunzhou's heart shook:

"Senior, you mean... behind the Blood God Cult are the demon gods from beyond the heavens?"

"More than that."

Sword Sovereign Hanbing shook his head:

"The Blood God Cult, Youquan Valley, Fenji Sect, and Reincarnation Hall all have the shadows of forces from beyond the heavens behind them."

"But the most terrifying thing is not these overt demonic sects."

"Instead..."

He paused, pronouncing each word distinctly:

"The... interior... of... the... Holy... Land."

Bai Yunzhou's pupils shrank:

"Infiltrators from beyond the heavens?"

"You already know?" Sword Sovereign Hanbing was somewhat surprised.

"In the Ancient Chaos Realm, the remnant thought of the Chaos Sword Monarch once warned: Watch out for the people around you."

Sword Sovereign Hanbing nodded:

"It seems you have already come into contact with part of the truth."

"I have investigated for a hundred years and found that among the upper echelons of the Holy Land, at least three people have already been infiltrated by the infiltrators from beyond the heavens."

"They have lurked for many years with the sole purpose of cooperating from within and without on the day of the tide to completely open the crack."

Bai Yunzhou asked in a deep voice:

"Do you know who they are?"

Sword Sovereign Hanbing shook his head:

"The other party is hidden extremely deep, and I can only determine the general range."

"However, one person is the most suspicious."

"Who?"

"True Monarch Xuanji."

These three words caused a violent shock in Bai Yunzhou's heart.

True Monarch Xuanji.

That Soul Transformation powerhouse who had saved him in the Black Wind Mountain Range.

Elder Moyuan's Senior Brother.

One of the three major pillars of the Holy Land.

"This... how is that possible?" Ling Shuang also found it hard to believe.

Sword Sovereign Hanbing's expression was calm:

"I also hope I am wrong."

"However, various signs indicate that True Monarch Xuanji's actions highly match the characteristics of the infiltrators from beyond the heavens."

"For example?"

"For instance, he 'happens' to go out at critical moments."

"For instance, his attitude towards the Chaos Green Lotus Body is overly 'enthusiastic'."

"Furthermore..."

Sword Sovereign Hanbing looked at Bai Yunzhou:

"Did he ever hint to you that on the day of the tide, you need to 'merge your body with the Dao'?"

Bai Yunzhou fell silent.

Indeed.

Before True Monarch Xuanji left, he had said similar words.

"On the day of the Xuanhuang Tide, you will be the key to guarding the ley lines."

Sword Sovereign Hanbing sneered:

"The plan of the forces from beyond the heavens is to have the Chaos Green Lotus Body sacrificed, using your Origin as a catalyst to completely tear open the Seal."

"By then, the demon gods will descend, and the Northern Region will turn into a purgatory."

"And you will become a sinner through the ages."

Inside the Immortal Cave, there was dead silence.

Bai Yunzhou took a deep breath, suppressing the ripples in his heart:

"Senior, by telling me these things, what do you want me to do?"

Sword Sovereign Hanbing said solemnly:

"First, during the tide battle, do not completely trust anyone, including True Monarch Xuanji."

"Second, if it truly comes to a desperate situation, you'd rather abandon the ley lines than fail to preserve yourself."

"The Chaos Green Lotus Body is the only hope to combat the extraterrestrial demon gods; you cannot die."

"Third..."

He took out an ice-blue Jade Slip:

"This is the 'Ice Soul Sword Array' formation diagram."

"Sword Valley has come this time, bringing thirty-six Nascent Soul Sword Cultivators who can set up this array."

"At a critical moment, this array can help you escape."

Bai Yunzhou took the Jade Slip, and his Divine Sense swept across it.

The formation diagram was extremely profound, containing the ultimate changes of the ice-type Laws.

It was indeed a peerless killing array.

"Senior, why are you helping me like this?" Bai Yunzhou asked.

Sword Sovereign Hanbing was silent for a moment, then slowly said:

"Thirty thousand years ago, Chaos Taoist and my Revered Master, the 'ice soul sword Immortal', were life-and-death friends."

"During the Sealing War back then, the ice soul sword Immortal perished to cover Chaos Taoist."

"Before passing away, he left a prophecy: On the day Chaos returns, the Ice Soul shall assist it."

"Since you have inherited the Legacy of Chaos Taoist, this old man cannot just sit back and ignore it."

Bai Yunzhou felt a surge of respect.

So there was this Origin.

He bowed deeply:

"This Junior will definitely not fail the trust of Senior."

Sword Sovereign Hanbing nodded and continued:

"There is one more matter."

"Saintess Yue Li of the Reincarnation Hall secretly contacted this old man three days ago."

"She proposed a cooperation, willing to lend us a hand in the tide battle."

"What are the conditions?" Bai Yunzhou asked.

"She wants the demon god origin."

A trace of mockery flashed in Sword Sovereign Hanbing's eyes:

"The Reincarnation Hall Cultivates the 'Reincarnation Rebirth Technique', requiring the demon god origin as a guide to resurrect ancient mighty figures."

"However, this technique carries extreme risks. With the slightest carelessness, one will instead be eroded by the demon god."

"However, her cooperation can still be temporarily utilized."

Bai Yunzhou pondered and said:

"Senior trusts her?"

"I do not."

Sword Sovereign Hanbing said bluntly:

"But an enemy's enemy is a temporary ally."

"In the tide battle, we need every bit of available power."

"As for what happens after the battle, that is another matter."

Bai Yunzhou understood.

This was a political game.

There are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.

"This Junior understands."

Sword Sovereign Hanbing stood up:

"This old man still needs to go meet True Monarch Tianxing to discuss defense matters."

"You should rest well. Three days from now is the actual day of the tide."

"Take care."

With that, he left the Immortal Cave with two Elders.

Ling Shuang did not follow and stayed behind.

She looked at Bai Yunzhou and said softly:

"What Revered Master said is all top secret."

"Even within Sword Valley, only three people know."

Bai Yunzhou nodded:

"I understand."

He looked outside the Immortal Cave; the Holy Land's mountains were shrouded in morning mist.

Beneath the calm, undercurrents were surging.

Three days later would be the day of the decisive battle.

And the enemies came not only from the outside.

But more likely from... behind.

"Miss Ling."

Bai Yunzhou suddenly spoke:

"If it truly reaches a life-or-death moment, do not worry about me."

"Take Zhiting and the others and retreat back to Sword Valley."

Ling Shuang shook her head:

"Ice Soul Sword Valley does not have the tradition of abandoning friends and fleeing."

Her tone was calm and firm:

"Back then, the ice soul sword Immortal could die in battle for Chaos Taoist."

"Today, I can also fight for you."

Bai Yunzhou felt a warmth in his heart.

But he knew some words did not need to be said again.

Some choices had already been destined the moment they met.

"Let's go."

He turned to look at Zhou Zhiting:

"Let's go check on Senior Brother Song."

Gathering Spirit Immortal Cave.

Song Xinghe had already woken up, but his face still looked pale.

Deng Mufeng was guarding the bedside, and seeing him enter, he hurriedly stood up:

"Senior Brother Bai!"

Bai Yunzhou nodded and walked to the bedside:

"Senior Brother Song, how do you feel?"

Song Xinghe gave a bitter smile:

"I narrowly escaped death."

"If you hadn't arrived in time, I'm afraid..."

He did not continue.

But the lingering fear in his eyes was clearly visible.

Bai Yunzhou channeled a wisp of Power of Chaos into him to help stabilize his injuries:

"Did you clearly see who ambushed you?"

Song Xinghe shook his head:

"That person was masked, and their cultivation was above the Middle Stage of Nascent Soul."

"Their attacks were ruthless, directly ambushing me with the Soul-Devouring Bead."

"I didn't even have time to react."

Bai Yunzhou's gaze turned cold.

Above the Middle Stage of Nascent Soul.

In the Holy Land, there were not many with this cultivation who were also his enemies.

Xuanyinzi had the greatest suspicion.

But without evidence, he couldn't move against him.

"Senior Brother, rest well."

Bai Yunzhou got up:

"The tide battle is imminent, and we need you."

Song Xinghe gritted his teeth and said:

"Rest assured, three days from now, I will definitely be able to go into battle!"

Deng Mufeng also nodded firmly.

Bai Yunzhou said no more and turned to leave.

Walking out of the Immortal Cave, he looked toward the direction of the Law Enforcement Hall.

Opening the Chaos Eye, that grayish-black cyclone was still spinning.

But this time, he saw more.

Deep within the cyclone, there was faintly a blurry phantom.

That phantom sat cross-legged, surrounded by bizarre gray flames.

Within the flames, countless tiny human faces were wailing.

That was... the fire of resentful souls!

Bai Yunzhou's heart trembled.

This was definitely not a Cultivation Technique of the Righteous Path!

Xuanyinzi indeed had a problem!

He was just about to look closely when the phantom suddenly raised its head.

Across the layers of barriers, it actually seemed to have locked gazes with him!

The next moment, the cyclone exploded with a loud crash, turning into black fog filling the sky.

The spying of the Chaos Eye was forcibly cut off!

Bai Yunzhou let out a muffled groan and stepped back two steps.

A trace of blood flowed from his eyes.

"Such a strong backlash..."

He wiped away the blood, and his heart became even more certain.

Xuanyinzi not only had a problem, but his cultivation was definitely beyond the Late Stage of Nascent Soul!

At least the Peak of Nascent Soul, or even... half-step Soul Transformation!

Why would such a figure willingly lurk in the Holy Land?

What was his aim?

Bai Yunzhou couldn't figure it out.

But time was running out.

He turned and returned to Liuyun Peak.

As soon as he reached the Peak of the mountain, he saw a figure standing in front of the Immortal Cave.

That person wore a moon-white robe and had an elegant temperament.

It was precisely True Monarch Xuanji.

He had returned.

Bai Yunzhou's heart tightened, but his expression remained calm:

"Senior."

True Monarch Xuanji turned around with a gentle smile on his face:

"Yunzhou, you've emerged from seclusion?"

"Your cultivation has improved quite a bit, congratulations."

Bai Yunzhou cupped his fists:

"Thanks to Senior's guidance."

True Monarch Xuanji waved his hand:

"It is your own Aptitude that is superior."

He paused, looked at Bai Yunzhou, and his eyes were deep:

"The tide battle is imminent, are you ready?"

"This Junior is fully prepared."

"Good."

True Monarch Xuanji nodded, then suddenly changed the topic:

"This old man went out this time and found an item that might be useful to you."

He took a jade box from his embrace.

The lid of the box opened, and inside lay a grayish-yellow Medicinal Pill.

The surface of the Medicinal Pill had natural cloud patterns, emitting a rich Xuanhuang Qi.

"This is the 'Xuanhuang Replenishing Heaven Pill'."

True Monarch Xuanji explained:

"Taking the Xuanhuang Origin as the main material, it is refined with thirty-six kinds of rare Spirit Medicines."

"Consuming it can greatly enhance the Awakening degree of the Chaos Green Lotus Body."

"What is even more critical..."

He lowered his voice:

"This pill can protect your Divine Soul at a critical moment."

"Even if you perish, it can preserve a wisp of true spirit from destruction, awaiting Rebirth."

Bai Yunzhou sneered in his heart.

As expected.

Sword Sovereign Hanbing's guess had been verified.

True Monarch Xuanji being so enthusiastic was clearly preparing for "sacrifice".

Preserve the true spirit from destruction?

I'm afraid it's just to make it more convenient for the demon god to take Possession.

But his face revealed an expression of gratitude:

"Thank you, Senior, for the generous gift."

True Monarch Xuanji handed the jade box to him:

"On the day of the tide, you need to preside over the core of the earth veins."

"At that time, this old man will protect you."

"The success or failure of this battle rests entirely upon you."

Bai Yunzhou took the jade box and said solemnly:

"This Junior will definitely not fail the commission."

True Monarch Xuanji nodded in satisfaction, gave a few more instructions, and then left on his sword.

Bai Yunzhou watched his retreating figure, his gaze gradually turning cold.

The jade box in his hand was sealed layer by layer by him using the Power of Chaos.

This Medicinal Pill, he would absolutely never consume it.

But perhaps... it had other uses.

Night fell once again.

Bai Yunzhou sat cross-legged in the Immortal Cave, adjusting his breathing and resting his mind.

The chaos lotus seed slowly rotated, absorbing and expelling Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi.

In the Sea of Consciousness, memory fragments of past line-guarding envoys surfaced.

Those shattered scenes, those tragic battles, those unwilling obsessions.

Ultimately, they all pointed to the same truth—

The extraterrestrial demon gods had never given up on devouring this realm.

And they, the descendants of these line-guarding envoys, were the final line of defense.

"This time..."

Bai Yunzhou opened his eyes and looked at the starry sky outside the window:

"I will guard it."

Not for any grand righteousness.

Not for any Legacy.

Just for those who believed in him.

For those who fought side by side.

For those... worth protecting.

Three days later.

Xuanhuang Tide.

The day of the decisive battle.

Outside the Immortal Cave, Ling Shuang's cold voice came:

"The time has come."