Chapter 1041
The Fisherman's Profit: Avoiding the Enemy's Edge
A white sword light flashed through the void, instantly transforming into a giant sword tens of feet long, which slammed directly into a semi-transparent white shield.
In an instant, spiritual light shot out from all around, and countless sharp sword energies turned into raindrop-like aftershocks that spread out.
The numerous Golden Core cultivators standing below, faced with such a surging sword aura, hurriedly cast spells to release a protective shield of spiritual light in front of them.
Although Song Qingyu's cultivation level is only at the second level of the Nascent Soul stage, she cultivates the sword path, which is good at offense, and her offensive capabilities are no less than those of a typical mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.
After the sword light dissipated, Song Qingyu looked up and saw a very obvious red crack appear in the sky.
Seeing this, Bai Yuxian and Song Qingming, who were standing to the side, immediately flew forward and arrived at a distance not far in front of the "Crimson Crack".
After exchanging a glance, Bai Yuxian first took out a golden flying sword and cast a spell to transform it into a golden spiritual light.
On the other side, Song Qingming summoned the "White Jade Halo," which transformed into a white ball of light.
Then, the two streaks of light, one gold and one white, flew directly towards the location of the "crimson rift," as if two giant hands were slowly tearing open the void before them.
During this time, Song Qingyu was not idle either, and once again unleashed several sword lights, expanding the "crimson crack" in front of her several times over.
Finally, with the combined efforts of the three, they managed to open a passage in the void barrier in front of them, and saw the ninth floor of the "Tower of Babel" on the other side of the barrier.
The spiritual energy around the newly opened void barrier is extremely chaotic, making it very dangerous for cultivators to pass through.
Half an hour later, sensing that the spiritual energy around the passage ahead had gradually stabilized, Song Qingyu put away her flying sword and transformed into a streak of azure light, passing through the barrier ahead.
After Song Qingyu successfully passed through the void passage, Bai Yuxian and Song Qingming nodded to the people behind them, and then led everyone through the passage to the ninth floor of the "Tower of Babel".
-
In a simply decorated wooden attic, a man in white was lying on a wooden chair, flipping through bamboo slips in his hand.
Just as Song Qingming and the others passed through the void barrier, the white-robed man, who was engrossed in reading, seemed to sense something at the same moment and suddenly raised his head.
The next moment, the man in white put down the bamboo scroll in his hand, then waved his hand and released a beam of white light. Soon, a white scroll appeared in front of him.
Looking at the many figures moving in the painting, the man in white quickly locked his gaze on one of the scenes, and then a smile appeared on his lips.
"It's been three hundred years since I last saw you. Quite a few people have come this time. I hope you won't disappoint me again!"
Looking at the figure in the painting, the man in white muttered a few words to himself before standing up and walking to the side.
-
At one location on the ninth floor of the Tower of Babel, a crimson crack suddenly appeared in the previously calm void, which quickly transformed into a semi-circular passage wreathed in crimson spiritual light.
The next moment, a flash of light appeared in the crimson passage, and then more than a dozen figures flew out of the passage one after another, landing on a nearby open space.
The leader, a middle-aged man with a short beard, glanced around before immediately asking a question to another burly man in black robes beside him.
"Brother Longfeng, is this the ninth floor of the Tower of Babel? Why does it seem like there's nothing here?"
Hearing the doubt in the other party's voice, the burly man in black robes quickly explained, "Brother Flying Wing, don't worry, this place is the same as when I first came here, it's definitely here."
There was originally only one Tongtian Pavilion on the ninth floor, but this building has not yet been completed, so we still need to wait for some time.
"Don't worry, brother, we'll be able to go in soon."
"Well! In that case, let's go and meet up with Gu Yun and the others first!" "Flying Wing Demon Emperor" nodded to Long Feng, and then led the demons away from the spot.
Not long after the many demons left, two gray-robed figures suddenly emerged from the still unhealed "crimson rift" in mid-air and stopped where they had just been.
"Hehe, I didn't expect to stumble upon a barrier entrance by accident, which saved me a lot of effort. Could this be the ninth floor of the Tower of Babel?"
The woman in the gray robe looked at the empty space before her, a hint of surprise appearing on her face.
Upon hearing this, her companion standing on the other side immediately raised her eyes and looked towards the empty space in front of her.
"There are quite a few Nascent Soul cultivators around here, so it must be the ninth level. Otherwise, they wouldn't all be gathered here."
"It's too open here. We need to be careful not to attract their attention prematurely."
"There are quite a few Nascent Soul cultivators coming in here. They're probably too busy guarding against the demon race to notice us."
Besides, given our strength, there aren't many people here capable of stopping us. Senior brother, you don't need to worry about that."
"Hmm! It's not that I'm worried anyone would dare to make a move against us. It's just that since this is our first time here, we should be careful not to reveal our strength yet."
When retrieving the treasure, it's best to wait until they start fighting first, then we can reap the benefits—that way, we're guaranteed to succeed!
"Hehe! Senior brother's consideration is indeed prudent. I'll wait and see!"
As the "crimson rift" in mid-air completely healed, the two gray-robed cultivators disappeared from the spot, and the surroundings returned to calm.
On the other side of the ninth floor of the "Tower of Babel", a thick white fog shrouded the surroundings, making it difficult to see what was hidden ahead.
In a clearing amidst the thick fog, Song Qingming, Bai Yuxian, and the others sat cross-legged, meditating and resting while using spirit stones to replenish their magical power.
Among the crowd, only Xia Mo, dressed in white, stood alone on the open ground, staring intently at the distant void.
There, the illusory image of a three-story pavilion was faintly visible, shrouded in thick fog.
Judging from the phantom image it transformed into, this pavilion was enormous, seemingly at least a hundred feet tall, far taller than any pavilion Xia Mo had ever seen before.
This left her quite amazed, as it was her first time seeing the "Tongtian Pavilion," and she seemed eager to go inside and take a look.
Just as Xia Mo's gaze was fixed on the "Tongtian Pavilion" in mid-air, a figure quietly walked slowly to her side.
"Seventh Brother said that it will be a while before the Tongtian Pavilion opens, so Sister Xia, don't be too anxious."
"I've heard that the Tongtian Pavilion holds many treasures. With so many of us working together, we certainly won't let my sister leave empty-handed."
"Okay! Then I'll take your good wishes!"
Faced with Song Qingyu's words of comfort, Xia Mo smiled and nodded gently, then looked away.
Located on the other side of the open space, Song Qingming, who had recovered his condition, looked at his senior sister Li Xuanyi, who was meditating and cultivating not far away. After hesitating for a moment, he took the initiative to walk over to her location.
"Senior Sister Li, we'll be going inside the Tongtian Pavilion once it opens. Are you going to stay here and wait for us to come out, or...?"
Previously, Song Qingming had already chosen people for the three Heavenly Tokens he possessed, and he had not considered taking his senior sister Li Xuanyi with him on the adventure.
Some time ago, Li Mufeng gave the "Tongtian Token" in his possession to Song Qingming, and now he also happens to have an extra token in his hand.
After careful consideration, Song Qingming decided to leave the choice to Li Xuanyi and see if she wanted to go in with him.
But when Li Xuanyi heard the other party ask this question, it seemed that she was prepared. Before he could finish speaking, she directly extended her right hand to Song Qingming.
"It's not easy to get in here, how can I miss such an opportunity? Junior Brother Song, I know you should still have a Heavenly Token on you, quickly take it out and give it to me!"
This Heavenly Pavilion only opens once every three hundred years. If I can't go inside and take a look, I won't be willing to have come all this way for nothing.
Seeing his senior sister Li Xuanyi looking at him with certainty, Song Qingming paused for a moment before reaching for his waist and taking out a black iron plaque, which he then handed to her.
Seeing Li Xuanyi in front of him, Song Qingming took the "Tongtian Token" with a joyful expression and began to examine it carefully. After thinking for a moment, Song Qingming took out a few spirit talismans from his body and placed them in front of her.
"Senior Sister Li, although there are many opportunities in this Tongtian Pavilion, there are also many Nascent Soul experts who come here to compete for them. Take these talismans with you for self-defense."
In case of any danger, remember not to take risks. As long as you remain alive, we will surely find opportunities in the future.
Seemingly sensing that Song Qingming was still somewhat worried, Li Xuanyi didn't stand on ceremony this time and accepted all the talismans.
"Junior brother, don't worry. Although my cultivation level is not as high as yours, I still prepared several life-saving measures before coming here."
"Once we go inside, even if I can't be of much help to everyone, I certainly won't cause you any trouble."
Seeing that Li Xuanyi was already prepared, Song Qingming nodded slightly, then suddenly asked:
"By the way, Senior Sister Li, how did you know I still had the Heavenly Token?"
"what!"
Upon hearing Song Qingming's question, Li Xuanyi was slightly taken aback at first, then smiled and replied, "I actually didn't know; I was just guessing!"
After saying that, Li Xuanyi seemed a little afraid that Song Qingming would go back on his word, so she quickly put away the "Tongtian Token" in her hand and then walked towards where Song Qingyu and Xia Mo were.
Looking in the direction where his senior sister Li Xuanyi had left, Song Qingming let out a soft breath and turned back to the place where he had just been meditating.
At this moment, Huang Siyuan and the others sitting on the ground had all recovered their magical powers.
Seeing that everyone was alright, Bai Yuxian gathered the many "Xiaoyao Sect" cultivators who had come to participate in the secret realm trial to one side.
He patiently instructed the many cultivators present on some trial experiences for their upcoming journey to the first level of the "Tongtian Pavilion" secret realm.
Apart from the elder Chen Xuanxin, everyone else who came to participate in the secret realm was participating in the "Tongtian Pavilion" trial for the first time.
Although the first level of the "Tongtian Pavilion" trial does not pose any danger to cultivators, passing it smoothly is not an easy task. When Bai Yuxian, Li Wutong, and Chen Xuanxin first came up, only Li Wutong and Chen Xuanxin successfully passed the secret realm.
The most powerful cultivator, Bai Yuxian, was trapped in the illusion and ultimately failed to gain what she deserved. Overcoming this challenge does not solely depend on one's own cultivation level.
In addition, after passing the trials, competing for the final reward is also a very dangerous matter, as one must face other Golden Core experts who will also appear.
Song Qingming also participated in the first level of the secret realm trial.
At that time, he not only successfully passed the illusion trial, but also managed to snatch the final reward for clearing the secret realm from Du Yucheng, who had switched to the demonic path, thus gaining a considerable reward from it.
However, when he first came here, he did so secretly with Fire Phoenix, and no one knew that he was participating in the secret realm trial.
To avoid being unable to explain the matter clearly, Song Qingming did not speak much throughout the process, but simply sat quietly to the side and listened to them share their experience.
Only when Bai Yuxian and the other person mentioned the illusion in the trial did he speak up and add a few words about his experience in dealing with this move, which could be considered as a reminder to everyone.
As for how to compete for the final reward after passing the trial of the secret realm, it goes without saying that it can only be determined by the cultivators' own abilities.
Song Qingming wasn't too worried about Huang Siyuan, since her cultivation had already reached the peak of the Golden Core stage, and she also had several excellent high-level magic treasures and talismans protecting her.
Before the secret realm opened, Song Qingming even handed over the "Blazing Heart Sword" that he had used before to Huang Siyuan for refining.
With this low-grade fourth-level magic weapon, Huang Siyuan's strength had already surpassed that of ordinary cultivators of the same level.
Even though there were many Golden Core experts who came to the ninth floor of the Tower of Babel, few of them could pose a significant threat to her, so Song Qingming wasn't too worried about that.
After waiting patiently for a while, the "Tongtian Pavilion" high in the sky finally began to move, and the surrounding clouds and mist began to roll and disperse in all directions.
Upon seeing this scene, countless streaks of light suddenly flew out from the previously empty surrounding void and converged below the "Tongtian Pavilion." Without exception, a hint of excitement flashed in everyone's eyes.
Seeing this, Huang Siyuan and the others immediately followed, disappearing into the crowd of Golden Core cultivators who had come to participate in the "Tongtian Pavilion" trial.
Song Qingming and Bai Yuxian exchanged glances, then each took out a black iron plaque and held it tightly in their hands.
Including the "Ice and Fire Dragon" that came with Song Qingming, which had been summoned by Song Qingming and was now standing beside him.
According to past records of cultivators entering and leaving the "Tongtian Pavilion," apart from inanimate objects like puppets, all other living beings needed to hold a "Tongtian Token" to enter smoothly.
Although the "Icefire Dragon" is a spirit beast that has signed a bloodline contract with Song Qingming, it is also a Nascent Soul cultivator.
As everyone waited patiently, the clouds and mist in the sky gradually dissipated, and then a golden light shone down from beneath the "Tongtian Pavilion," opening the gate leading inside.
"Finally opened!"
Almost simultaneously, the numerous Golden Core cultivators waiting below shot out and rushed towards the location of the golden gate.
Based on past experience, whoever passes the trial of the secret realm first will be the first to enter the final passage and win the reward.
This was an opportunity that the many Golden Core cultivators present were absolutely worth risking their lives for, and they couldn't afford to waste even half a quarter of an hour.
Just as Huang Siyuan and the others rushed into the first floor of the "Tongtian Pavilion" one after another, Song Qingming, Bai Yuxian and the others, who were far away, had also activated the "Tongtian Token" in their hands by casting spells.
As dazzling white lights appeared, everyone disappeared from their original positions, leaving behind only powerful fluctuations of spiritual energy.
Song Qingming, who was surrounded by white spiritual light, felt his body shake violently and soon felt as if he had been plunged into a vortex of spiritual energy.
Only when the white light around him slowly disappeared did he realize that he had appeared in a vast white sea of clouds.
Looking up, one could see a towering, enormous palace not far ahead.
Before Song Qingming could get a clear look at his surroundings, a white light suddenly appeared not far in front of him, and then a figure in white appeared before him.
"Fellow Daoist Xia!"
Seeing that it was Xia Mo who had just come in with him, Song Qingming was overjoyed and quickly moved closer to her. The two soon met up.
Although the location of cultivators teleported by the "Heavenly Decree" appears randomly, the final destinations for everyone are generally not far from the main hall, making it easy to find teammates.
Just as Song Qingming and Xia Mo successfully reunited, several more white lights appeared not far from them.
However, apart from Yang Fengyu, whom Song Qingming was familiar with, the others were all Nascent Soul cultivators from the demon race.
Upon seeing Song Qingming and Xia Mo, two mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, standing together from afar, these people immediately slipped away from the vicinity, while only Yang Fengyu took the initiative to approach them.
"Hehe! I'm really lucky. I was teleported to the same place as Fellow Daoist Song, which saves me the time of searching for you fellow Daoists."
I wonder which fellow Daoist this fairy is? I would be grateful if Fellow Daoist Song could introduce her.
Seeing Yang Fengyu's gaze lingering on Xia Mo, Song Qingming, already prepared, immediately cupped his hands and replied:
"This is Fellow Daoist Xia from the cultivation world of the East Sea. Previously, when we were on the eighth floor, we encountered the Ancient Cloud Demon Emperor. Fortunately, with the help of Fellow Daoist Xia and his companion, we were able to successfully repel the demon race."
Later, upon learning that Fellow Daoist Xia had also brought the Heavenly Token, I discussed with Senior Sister Bai inviting them to travel together. I apologize for not being able to inform Fellow Daoist Yang beforehand.
As soon as Song Qingming finished speaking, Xia Mo immediately smiled and raised her hand to Yang Fengyu.
"Fellow Daoist Yang, I greet you!"
To avoid misunderstandings from Yang Fengyu and the others, Song Qingming and Xia Mo had arranged in advance to meet on the eighth floor of the "Tower of Babel". This way, they could pretend that they met halfway through, rather than that they had intentionally acted together beforehand.
Although an old fox like Yang Fengyu might not necessarily believe his own words.
But now that we're here, even if the other party suspects that Xia Mo might be an accomplice that Song Qingming found from outside, Yang Fengyu is unlikely to raise any objections at this time.
Just as Song Qingming had predicted, after his explanation, Yang Fengyu quickly smiled and cupped his hands to Xia Mo, saying, "Oh! So you are Fellow Daoist Xia from the East Sea. I apologize for my rudeness."
"With so many powerful experts from the demon race arriving this time, I, Yang, am overjoyed to have Fellow Daoist Xia's help. How could I possibly dare to complain?"
After greeting Yang Fengyu, Bai Yuxian, Song Qingyu, Li Xuanyi, and the "Ice and Fire Dragon" who had entered with them soon arrived from a distance.
Li Xuanyi had originally entered the "Tower of Babel" with Xia Mo. After Xia Mo introduced her, Yang Fengyu didn't say much and immediately nodded to welcome her into the team.
Yang Fengyu was clearly surprised to see the "Ice and Fire Dragon" appear here.
As the patriarch of the Tianji Sect, who lived nearby and held some shares in "Chiyun Mountain," Yang Fengyu had long known of the existence of the "Ice and Fire Dragon."
However, he still hadn't expected that after Song Qingming brought Song Qingyu in, he would also have extra Heavenly Tokens to bring in the Nascent Soul spirit beast "Ice Fire Dragon".
After all six people had gathered, Song Qingming immediately put the "Ice-Fire Dragon" back into the spirit beast pouch at his waist.
Not long after, Zheng Zitong and several members of the "Star Gate" arrived at the scene along with Chen Yunxiao.
After everyone gathered, they immediately headed towards the second-floor main hall of the "Tongtian Pavilion" under Yang Fengyu's guidance.
This grand hall is the entrance to the final treasure-hunting site. To reach it, they will need to overcome numerous obstacles along the way.
Not long after entering the main hall, they unexpectedly saw a group of Nascent Soul cultivators walking from the side. They were the same group of demon cultivators led by "Ancient Cloud Demon Emperor" who had dealt with Song Qingming not long ago.
Having just been chased and forced to flee by Song Qingming, the "Ancient Cloud Demon Emperor" immediately showed anger upon seeing the group of people.
Seeing that Song Qingming and the others had gathered ten Nascent Soul cultivators, "Ancient Cloud Demon Emperor" was displeased, but still didn't dare to say anything and just stood far away to the side.
Song Qingming and the others were eager to get inside and retrieve the treasure, and they didn't want to get entangled with the other party any longer. They just glanced at the other party and walked directly into a cave entrance on the left side of the main hall.
After Song Qingming and the others disappeared, "Ancient Cloud Demon Emperor" stepped forward and went to another entrance next to them.
Just as he was about to lead his men inside, the "Mad Lion Demon Emperor" who was standing to the side stepped forward and stopped the "Ancient Cloud Demon Emperor".
"Brother Gu! This entrance is too close to the people from the Xiaoyao Sect. If we go in from here, we might run into them on the way."
Now that Song Qingming and his group outnumber us, we should find a way to avoid their attacks!
"What did you say? We should avoid his sharp edge!"
Upon hearing this, the "Ancient Cloud Demon Emperor," who had been feeling aggrieved for a long time, immediately lost his temper and shouted angrily.
Faced with his angry expression, the other demon kings, including the "Mad Lion Demon King," dared not respond and lowered their heads.
Just then, several more figures walked in from outside the main hall. Leading them was the "Flying Winged Demon Emperor," who had accompanied Long Feng. Looking ahead, he immediately smiled and said:
"Heh! We haven't even started retrieving the treasure yet, why are you so angry, Fellow Daoist Gu Yun?" (End of Chapter)