Chapter 23: Mysterious Sword Light

Cheng Lingyu was shocked. Though his cultivation level wasn’t high, his Physical Body had surpassed its limits, granting him remarkable speed in Movement Techniques. Yet, he still struggled to keep up with the four others.

Strange, shrill sounds echoed through the dense forest. A sinister aura permeated the woods, plunging the island’s temperature and filling the air with chilling killing intent.

“Stay alert,” warned Qu Wei.

She slowed down, allowing Cheng Lingyu to catch up before grabbing his arm and dashing forward at a speed a third faster than his maximum.

Embarrassed, Cheng Lingyu quietly asked about her cultivation level.

“I’m at the late stage of the True Martial Fourth Realm’s River Stage. Jin Miaoyi is at the True Martial Fifth Level – Gathering Lake Stage, while the Fatty and the Thin one are both at the late stage of the True Martial Third Level – Wave Stage.”

Their cultivation levels stunned Cheng Lingyu, making him realize he was truly a burden to the group.

As the killing intent in the forest grew fiercer, the five sped onward. After half an hour of flight, they reached the central area.

“Here we are. This is the central area,” Qu Wei announced, releasing Cheng Lingyu and entering first.

Cheng Lingyu scanned his surroundings. The moment they entered, the oppressive killing intent vanished, replaced by serene tranquility that lifted his spirits.

“The central area isn’t large—just a one-mile radius around the Pardon Stone Tablet,” Qu Wei explained.

She walked alongside Jin Miaoyi, their closeness evident, heading straight for the towering Pardon Stone Tablet. The massive structure stood a hundred feet tall, etched with a radiant golden “赦” (Pardon) that exuded a mysterious aura.

Upon seeing it, Cheng Lingyu felt an odd sensation—a fleeting vision of a hazy figure standing atop the tablet, gazing across the heavens and earth. But the impression disappeared before he could grasp it.

The central area teemed with cultivators of all ages and backgrounds, coexisting peacefully without conflict.

“This place is sacred. Restrictions forbid fighting here. Even sworn enemies must settle scores outside,” Qu Wei explained, anticipating Cheng Lingyu’s curiosity.

Fang Zhuqing snorted. “Peace reigns here, but outside is dangerous and eerie. Don’t drop your guard.”

The group approached the Pardon Stone Tablet, where hundreds had gathered—mostly True Martial Realm cultivators, with a few Soul Martial Realm experts among them.

While Cheng Lingyu looked around curiously, Qu Wei sent Miao Sanxu and Fang Zhuqing to gather news. Nearby, a small market bustled with cultivators trading spiritual herbs, beast pills, monster cores, and even magical artifacts.

“Why are magical artifacts sold here?” Cheng Lingyu asked, puzzled.

Jin Miaoyi replied, “Most belonged to cultivators who died on the island. Others find these artifacts and trade them for resources like herbs or pills.”

Cheng Lingyu nodded, realizing his inexperience in such matters.

Soon, Miao Sanxu and Fang Zhuqing returned with news. “Yesterday, a Giant Bird of thunder and lightning clashed with an expert at sea. No one knows why.”

Cheng Lingyu knew this news because he had witnessed it himself.

“The ferocious beast region has been restless lately, posing great risks. Rumors say an extraordinary phenomenon appeared in the Soul-Luring Forest these past few days—likely a High-quality Spiritual Herb nearing maturity. Many have already rushed there.”

“The stone forest to the northwest remains quieter, though it’s said to have claimed many experts’ lives in recent years.”

After hearing this, Qu Wei pondered and said, “The Soul-Luring Forest stays the most sought-after spot. Its eerie unpredictability draws those seeking chances, but dangers run high. With only five of us and weak overall strength, we must unite and stay vigilant.”

Miao Sanxu and Fang Zhuqing glanced at Cheng Lingyu, hesitating briefly before nodding.

Cheng Lingyu forced a bitter smile. With his low cultivation level, silence seemed wisest.

Jin Miaoyi declared, “Let’s move out.”

The five departed the central area, trekking south toward the Soul-Luring Forest.

“Dangers here mainly come from three sources,” Jin Miaoyi explained upon entering. “First, phantom beasts that steal souls. Second, toxic gas from spiritual herbs and strange flowers. Third, cultivators killing each other.” They formed a tight formation, placing Cheng Lingyu—weakest in cultivation—at the center.

The forest outskirts felt tranquil, shaded by lush trees and carpeted with vibrant blooms. But as they advanced, the deepening silence bred growing unease.

Thick foliage choked the woods, dimming sunlight and obscuring vision. A sweet, dizzying fragrance hung heavy in the air.

Proceeding cautiously, the group entered a deathly quiet grove where everyone sensed something wrong.

“Stay sharp. Everyone take antidote pills now.” Qu Wei distributed three pills each from a vial.

Cheng Lingyu placed one under his tongue but noticed no effect—his mind stayed clear, unaffected.

Using grass-surfing techniques, the five sped through dense undergrowth until—

A sword light erupted from the ground, slamming into unprepared Fang Zhuqing. He flew backward, blood spraying from his mouth.

Miao Sanxu roared, palms whirling as mountain-shattering strikes obliterated surrounding plants. “Show yourself, coward!”

Jin Miaoyi scanned the area cold-eyed but found nothing.

“This feels off,” Qu Wei warned. “Extreme caution—”

Another sword light exploded upward, smashing Miao Sanxu dozens of feet away. He collapsed, gravely wounded.

In that moment, Cheng Lingyu—weakest cultivator present—detected faint vibrations from below.

“Retreat!” Jin Miaoyi barked urgently.

Cheng Lingyu surveyed the area, baffled. If ambushers scored two hits, why remain hidden? If no attackers lurked, what spawned these sword lights?

Channeling true energy into his eyes, he activated Magic Eyes, First Realm of Insight. Subtle shifts clarified—a faint pulse traveled underground, its target: Qu Wei.

“Watch out, dodge!”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Cheng Lingyu rushed to Qu Wei and shoved her aside.

A sword light suddenly blasted upward, slamming into Cheng Lingyu and hurling him backward as metallic clangs echoed from his body.

“Cheng Lingyu!”

Qu Wei gasped, sprinting toward him.

Jin Miaoyi grabbed the heavily wounded Miao Sanxu and Fang Zhuqing, dragging them away.

Cheng Lingyu’s entire body ached. The sword light had been terrifyingly sharp, almost piercing through him.

Luckily, his physical body – tempered beyond normal limits and merged with two active metal sources – had gained rudimentary resistance against weapons.

“Just hurts… not dead.”

Qu Wei pulled him backward, her lovely face pale with shock.

“How aren’t you injured?!”

He forced a grin. “Thick skin. Durable.”

Qu Wei glared but snorted laughter despite herself.

The group retreated from the silent woods. Though the sword light stopped attacking, none could explain its source.

With Miao Sanxu and Fang Zhuqing critically wounded, Qu Wei and Jin Miaoyi agreed to escort them to the central area.

“Go. I’ll wait here.”

Alone now, Cheng Lingyu immediately took out The Source Pearl. Before channeling true energy, he noticed its plant pattern glowing fiercely – something valuable nearby was activating it.

When he poured true energy into the pearl, their connection flared. Through its tracking power, he visualized five High-quality Spiritual Herbs, nine mid-grade ones, and sixteen low-grade specimens.

Most grew in the Soul-Luring Forest, but shockingly, some were in the eastern ferocious beast region.

The Source Pearl mapped each herb’s exact location, imprinting their appearances and scents into his mind. Finding them would be straightforward; claiming them was another matter.

All three patterns on the pearl now glowed – animals pointing east, minerals indicating the northern stone forest.

Cheng Lingyu ignored those clues. His priority was gathering herbs to boost his strength and break into the True Martial Realm.

Storing the pearl, he soon welcomed back Qu Wei and Jin Miaoyi.

“Danger ahead. Detour.”

Qu Wei insisted cautiously.

They took a long detour, yet sword light still ambushed them. Cheng Lingyu’s premonition in advance saved them this time.

“Strange. These attacks only happen in fixed zones,” Jin Miaoyi muttered, baffled despite his experience.

Cheng Lingyu suggested, “You two watch from outside. I’ll scout the cause.”

Qu Wei gripped his arm. “This place feels eerie. Don’t risk it.”