Eternal Qiankun Great Emperor: Eternal Qiankun Great Emperor, #8

By Chen Xin Huan

Qin Yuxuan, a mediocre young man, is suddenly favored by the eldest daughter of the Yun family to become her stand-in fiancé. What secrets does this hold?

The arrival of Miss Yun Zhongxi of the Yun family, and her plan, involve him in a family feud beyond imagination.

However, what truly transforms Qin Yuxuan is a magical object he carries with him named the Qiankun Ring.

The Qiankun Ring conceals a mysterious space, not just a simple refuge. It contains ancient knowledge of cultivation, as well as various magical treasures that enhance physical strength and insight. More importantly, it hides Qin Yuxuan's innate foundation for cultivation, key to his journey from mediocrity to greatness.

Watch as an ordinary cultivation youth rises from the ordinary to the extraordinary, from obscurity to supreme being of the three realms, defeating all masters and dominating gods and demons in his ascension.
 

 

 

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 Qin Yuxuan looked closely and realized that they were standing on the summit of a mountain that soared into the clouds. Surrounding them was a sea of clouds, stretching thousands of miles into the distance, endless and boundless.

 Before them, the only path leading out from this mountain peak was a stone bridge suspended in the air. It was only three feet wide, entirely made of translucent jade, cylindrical in shape, and extended far into the distance, destination unknown.

 Whether on the mountain summit or the jade stone bridge, there were no Demonic Beasts or trees to be seen. Apart from the mountain, the bridge, and the sea of clouds, nothing else caught the eye.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zhou Yan
• Release date: Jun 4, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224717736

Book preview

Chapter 890 Jade Stone Bridge in the Sea of Clouds

Qin Yuxuan looked closely and realized that they were standing on the summit of a mountain that soared into the clouds. Surrounding them was a sea of clouds, stretching thousands of miles into the distance, endless and boundless.

Before them, the only path leading out from this mountain peak was a stone bridge suspended in the air. It was only three feet wide, entirely made of translucent jade, cylindrical in shape, and extended far into the distance, destination unknown.

Whether on the mountain summit or the jade stone bridge, there were no Demonic Beasts or trees to be seen. Apart from the mountain, the bridge, and the sea of clouds, nothing else caught the eye.

Is this the fourth floor? How strange!

I thought we’d have to engage in another fierce battle after entering. Looks like that won’t be necessary.

In my humble opinion, could this stone bridge be the entrance to the fifth floor? But it doesn’t seem dangerous at all!

Not dangerous? That’s impossible. Maybe as soon as you set foot on the bridge, Demonic Beasts will appear!

The cultivators present, upon seeing the situation before them, discussed amongst themselves.

At this moment, Wen Qian strode forward, his voice booming like a bell, I heard what everyone just said! Indeed, this fourth floor is very different from the previous three. The most obvious difference is that the entrance and exit of the fourth floor are very conspicuous! No need for everyone to search.

Saying this, he pointed to the stone bridge in front of them, Do you see that? That stone bridge is the only path on the fourth floor. As long as you walk to the end of the bridge, you’ll reach the entrance to the fifth floor.

Can we fly across? This stone bridge seems quite narrow! I’m afraid it won’t even allow two people to pass side by side! Chen Zhao couldn’t help but say.

That won’t work! The fourth floor has a powerful gravity restriction. As soon as we leave the mountain, we will feel a strong gravitational force, making our bodies dozens of times heavier than before. Being able to walk normally would be fortunate enough, let alone fly, Wen Qian shook his head upon hearing this.

Not only that, the restrictions here also greatly limit our Spiritual Sense, making it impossible to sense any movement nearby. We can only rely on our eyes and ears to perceive. As such, when facing enemies, we can only improvise on the spot without any prior preparation! Situ Lang suddenly spoke up at this point. As the top disciple among Qin Yuxuan’s class of new students, his words also attracted the attention of many.

Senior Brother Situ, will there be danger walking on this stone bridge? Someone immediately asked with concern.

Of course there will be danger. According to previous records, as soon as we step onto this stone bridge, a group of Demonic Beasts will fly out from the sea of clouds and attack us, Situ Lang said with a solemn expression.

Upon hearing this, the crowd exchanged glances, each seeing a hint of fear in the other’s eyes. After all, walking on such a narrow stone bridge without being able to fly, if one were to fall, it would likely be an irreversible situation. Not to mention, a large group of Demonic Beasts would attack along the way.

At that time, walking on the stone bridge, one would have to advance under heavy pressure while also dealing with Demonic Beasts attacking from all directions. Perhaps not many people would be able to safely reach the entrance of the fifth floor passage.

So, everyone stared at the stone bridge, yet for a long time, no one dared to step forward first.

Haha! Since no one dares to go first, let me be the first to take the plunge! Seeing that no one dared to be the first to step onto the stone bridge, Wen Qian laughed heartily.

He then strode to the edge of the stone bridge, raised his left hand, and dozens of circular flying shields flew out from his sleeve one after another, rapidly rotating around him.

Then, Wen Qian lifted his left foot and heavily stepped onto the stone bridge. At this moment, everyone felt the ground tremble slightly. The stone bridge also emitted a series of rumbling sounds, as if some mechanism had been activated.

Wen Qian took a deep breath and placed his right foot onto the stone bridge as well. At this point, the sea of clouds also changed, and the screeching sounds of birds quickly rang out.

In an instant, a large flock of black eagles flew out from the sea of clouds, swooping down from the sky towards Wen Qian. They all spread out the sharp claws on their feet, viciously swiping at Wen Qian.

The crowd let out a collective gasp. The level of these eagles was actually not high, only at the early stage of Crystal Formation. If they were outside, they could definitely kill one with a single move. For Wen Qian, whose strength was among the top of the cultivators present, it would certainly not be a difficult task.

However, Wen Qian was now standing alone on a stone bridge only three feet wide, with abysses on both sides. Falling would mean certain death. The bridge also had dozens of times the normal gravity, making his body dozens of times heavier than usual. Being able to walk normally was already quite remarkable; there was no way to dodge.

In this situation, dealing with these originally ordinary eagles became much more challenging.

However, as someone highly regarded by the upper echelons of the Righteous Alliance, Wen Qian had more intelligence about the situation inside the Undersea Temple than anyone else. Since he dared to be the first to step onto the stone bridge, how could he not have some leverage?

Wen Qian was seen flicking his right index finger, sending out a Spell Decree like a beam of white light, striking the circular shields surrounding him.

The Spell Decree then bounced rapidly among the dozens of shields, as if reflected by mirrors.

In an instant, these shields seemed to activate, emitting a dazzling white glow.

Go!

Wen Qian shouted, and the shields immediately spun towards the eagles pouncing at him, emitting sharp sounds as they sliced through the air.

Splat, splat, splat!

The crowd immediately heard the sounds of blades piercing flesh. The eagles let out miserable cries; some had their heads severed, some had their claws cut off, and one smaller eagle was even sliced in half at the waist by a shield. Feathers scattered and drifted in the air.

How are these shields so sharp? They can kill these eagles like chopping vegetables! Many people found it very strange.

Upon closer inspection, they suddenly realized that after Wen Qian unleashed his Spell Decree, the edges of these shields had extended a row of sharp blades. Spinning at high speed, they acted like shredders, slaughtering the eagles with ease.

After repelling the eagles, Wen Qian breathed a sigh of relief and continued striding forward.

Although the dozens of times greater gravity on the stone bridge slowed him down considerably, he was still slowly approaching the goal.

Let’s go! Everyone follow Big Brother Wen!

The cultivators from the Central Continent, seeing their leader had already set off and witnessing him display his prowess by defeating the first wave of attacking Demonic Beasts, and realizing the strength of this batch of eagles was not too intimidating, all breathed a sigh of relief.

So, they also stepped onto the stone bridge one by one. The moment they set foot on it, the sudden increase in gravity startled them. However, the cultivators who could reach this point were no ordinary people. They quickly adjusted and adapted, then slowly followed behind Wen Qian...

Chapter 891 - The Attack of the Ice Wind Snakes

Seeing the cultivators from the Central Continent stepping onto the stone bridge, disciples from other sects also grew restless. After all, having come this far, they had to press on no matter how great the danger. Giving up halfway was not an option; they didn’t want to retreat midway on the fourth floor and let their efforts go to waste.

Thus, Hui Ming clasped his hands in prayer and said, Amitabha! Fellow junior brothers of Thunder Sound Temple, crossing this stone bridge will take us to the fifth floor. And as long as we pass through the fifth floor, we can enter the sixth floor where Magic Weapons, Cultivation Methods, Talismans, and other items appear. The value of these things far surpasses the treasures of the first five floors... If you don’t enter the tiger’s den, how can you catch the tiger cub? Let’s set off too!

With that, he leaped onto the stone bridge with a big stride, then held his staff with both hands and advanced forward, panting heavily. Although some flying Demonic Beasts attacked him, they were all struck down by his staff.

The monks of Thunder Sound Temple also stepped onto the stone bridge one by one. Some wielded precept blades, some held wooden sticks, while others carried wooden fish or mallets, their expressions solemn as they marched forward.

Subsequently, disciples from five or six sects, including Spirit Beast Mountain, Manjushri Courtyard, and Tyrant Blade Sect, also stepped onto the stone bridge led by their respective senior brothers.

However, at this moment, an unexpected event occurred: after the flock of Grey Hawks retreated, another group of silvery-white long snakes flew out from the sea of clouds.

These long snakes had pure white bodies that appeared crystal-clear under the sunlight, emanating wisps of cold air. They circled above and below the stone bridge but did not launch an attack.

The cultivators who had already stepped onto the stone bridge sized up these long snakes and were suddenly startled. They discovered that the level of these snakes had increased by one minor realm compared to the previous Grey Hawks, all possessing mid-stage Crystal Formation cultivation.

Everyone be careful! These are Ice Wind Snakes, Demonic Beasts at the mid-stage of Crystal Formation. They are much more formidable than the previous Grey Hawks and can even use Magic Techniques to attack. Be sure to dodge! Hui Ming immediately called out loudly upon seeing this.

As soon as he finished speaking, the Ice Wind Snakes opened their mouths wide and spat out cold ice arrows, one after another. Dense and numerous, like a rain of arrows, they fell upon the cultivators slowly advancing on the stone bridge.

Wen Qian, who was walking at the very front, let out a loud shout and immediately swung his blade to block the ice arrows shooting towards him. At the same time, he swung his blade with a backhand strike towards the Ice Wind Snake that had just attacked him. The rotating blade energy shot towards the long snake that had launched the attack.

With a muffled groan, the Ice Wind Snake’s body stopped moving and curled up, clearly severely injured.

Pop!

Wen Qian flicked his sleeve, and three short swords flew towards the Ice Wind Snake in a triangular formation.

With three crisp splat, splat, splat sounds, under the slicing of these short swords, the Ice Wind Snake was instantly cut into four segments and fell from the sky.

These Ice Wind Snakes are truly formidable. Even Senior Brother Wen needs two moves to slay them, the cultivators from the Central Continent were also startled upon seeing this.

However, they were no weaklings either. Seeing the Demonic Beasts’ assault, they also unleashed their full arsenal of techniques, slashing down the Ice Wind Snakes one by one.

But there were still many who were hit by the ice arrows spat out by the Ice Wind Snakes, suffering frostbite on their arms, chests, and abdomens.

It was very apparent that after the previous attack by the Grey Hawks failed, the attacks launched from the sea of clouds had been raised by a level. Moreover, this time, the focus of the Ice Wind Snakes’ attack was not on the Central Continent cultivators at the very front who were stronger, but on the weaker teams in the middle of the formation, such as the Tyrant Blade Sect, Manjushri Courtyard, and Spirit Beast Mountain.

Ah!

Ouch!

Caught off guard, many people screamed miserably as they were hit by the ice arrows, their bodies shivering on the stone bridge.

Although these cultivators had been on high alert and prepared for battle, they had done so based on the strength of the previous Grey Hawks. They had not at all anticipated that the attacking enemies would be swapped out in an instant, and their strength would also be a level higher.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

The Ice Wind Snakes hovering in the air whistled as they launched a second round of attacks on them. The number of Demonic Beasts attacking the middle of the cultivator formation was much greater than those attacking the Central Continent cultivators at the very front, and the number of attacks had also increased to two rounds.

During the first round of attacks, many cultivators with lower strength had already been hit and injured. Their limbs were frozen by the cold air, or their bodies were pierced by ice arrows, bleeding profusely.

Under normal circumstances, they should have stopped to meditate and recuperate, then consume some healing elixirs to recover.

However, now that they were on the narrow stone bridge, if they stopped to rest, it would cause a traffic jam, and the team would no longer be able to advance. Therefore, under the urging of their respective sect’s senior brothers, they had no choice but to continue moving forward, thus losing the opportunity to heal their injuries. Only a small number of people consumed High-Level elixirs with better healing effects and recovered their full strength.

As a result, when the Ice Wind Snakes launched a second round of fierce attacks, many cultivators could no longer hold on. Those who were uninjured were still fine, barely holding on under the protection of their own defensive shields and defensive Magic Weapons.

But those injured cultivators were in a miserable state. They were already slightly weaker in strength, to begin with, otherwise they wouldn’t have been injured in the first round of attacks by the Ice Wind Snakes.

Now, with their injuries unhealed, the strength of their defensive shields was much weaker than before. The defensive Magic Weapons they wielded were also not as effective as before. Encountering the second round of Demonic Beasts with even stronger attacks, they were in a tragic situation.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

The ice arrows spat out by the Ice Wind Snakes poured down like a torrential rain, fiercely striking the cultivators’ shields. Before long, the shields of those previously injured cultivators began to show cracks under the onslaught of the ice arrows.

Then, these cracks gradually widened and lengthened, spreading out like a spider’s web. They quickly shattered with a boom, turning into nothingness.

With the protection of their shields lost, those injured cultivators’ entire bodies were exposed to the rampage of the Ice Wind Snakes.

The ice arrows immediately pierced through like raindrops, shooting into their bodies.

After a series of ouch sounds, several cultivators screamed miserably as they fell from the stone bridge, plunging into the sea of clouds, becoming the first batch of cultivators to die on the fourth floor.

The miserable deaths of these few cultivators also left their companions beside them shocked and frightened, their hands involuntarily slackening and their hearts filled with immense nervousness.

How could the Ice Wind Snakes miss such an opportunity? They immediately pounced fiercely from the air. With a coil of their snake bodies, two cultivators whose legs were trembling and bodies not very nimble were tightly wrapped by the Ice Wind Snakes’ bodies and carried into mid-air.

Crack!

These two unfortunate souls were immediately forcefully constricted by the Ice Wind Snakes, their bones shattering and their bodies instantly going limp.

The Ice Wind Snakes that had coiled around them then opened their mouths wide, swallowing their prey in one gulp, then shaking their heads in satisfaction.

Junior Brother!

Senior Brother!

Seeing their fellow disciples die miserably, the remaining cultivators were both shocked and enraged. They all slapped out Talismans or unleashed their ultimate techniques, slaying the few Ice Wind Snakes closest to them, taking revenge for their companions.

And at this moment, Qin Yuxuan made his move...

Chapter 892: Qin Yuxuan’s Might

Qin Yuxuan was seen flicking his sleeve, and eight Ghostfire Swords flew out from within. They were all enveloped in green Mystical Azure Ghostfire, burning fiercely under the sunlight. Like eight fire dragons, they assaulted those Ice Wind Snakes.

At this moment, the Ice Wind Snakes had all focused their attention on the panicked and helpless prey on the stone bridge, never expecting that an enemy would suddenly attack them from behind.

These eight Ghostfire Swords were originally High-Level Magic Weapons of the fire attribute. With the assistance of the Mystical Azure Ghostfire, a strange fire originating from the upper realm, their power naturally far surpassed ordinary attacks.

With a boom, the Mystical Azure Ghostfire leaped out from the sword bodies as they approached the Ice Wind Snakes, forming eight fireballs that enveloped eight of the Ice Wind Snakes and fiercely scorched their bodies.

Those eight Ice Wind Snakes immediately let out miserable and shrill screams, their bodies struggling desperately, stirring up gusts of wind in the air.

However, ice and fire were inherently opposing attributes, and the Mystical Azure Ghostfire was an exceptionally powerful strange fire. Although the Ice Wind Snakes were resisting with all their might, they were still burned until their skin split and flesh ruptured, their wails unceasing.

At the same time, Qin Yuxuan made a sword seal with his left hand, then waved his right hand, and eight beams of white light shot out with a whoosh, striking the eight Ghostfire Swords hovering in the air.

Swiftly!

Qin Yuxuan then let out a loud shout.

As if receiving a command, the eight Ghostfire Swords shot out like lightning, their momentum extremely fierce and powerful.

Thud, thud, thud...

Eight crisp sounds rang out, and the heads of eight Ice Wind Snakes were sliced off by the Ghostfire Swords, falling into the abyss of the sea of clouds.

Their snake bodies only wriggled for a moment before plummeting down as well, meeting an untimely demise.

Qin Yuxuan’s move this time left the cultivators present utterly astonished.

Ah! What technique is this? Its power is truly formidable! It instantly slaughtered eight Ice Wind Snakes!

The red sword bodies are even carrying green flames, looking quite eerie!

Heavens! The one who made a move to save people is actually Qin Yuxuan of the Shu Mountain Sect, not Senior Brother Wen Qian. This is truly surprising! I didn’t expect him to possess such powerful strength as well!

Hmph! What do you know? Daoist Qin had already made a move to save people back on the first floor. If it weren’t for him discovering the weakness of the Azure Dragon, I’m afraid we would have been stuck on the first floor...

These cultivators all let out exclamations of surprise. Qin Yuxuan had finally shown his face in front of all the male disciples, displaying his strength.

For those few sects in the middle of the team, whose situation was originally precarious, the pressure instantly lessened.

Let’s go! We should also head up to the stone bridge! Waiting here isn’t a solution. Who knows if the Demonic Beasts later on will be even more formidable! At this moment, seeing the situation, Situ Lang also took a deep breath and stepped onto the stone bridge with his feather duster in hand.

While slaying the Ice Wind Snakes assaulting him, he called out to the disciples of the Jade Void Temple to set up a sword formation, advancing forward as a unified whole.

The disciples of the Heavenly Workshop, Tyrant Blade Sect, Tang Sect, and several other sects also stepped onto the stone bridge one after another under the leadership of their respective senior brothers, joining the team advancing towards the entrance of the fifth floor.

When Wen Qian also took action, he chanted a string of obscure and esoteric Curses. Two tornadoes descended from the sky, sweeping towards the area with the densest concentration of Ice Wind Snakes.

Amidst a series of shrill cries, the Ice Wind Snakes in the middle of the stone bridge were scattered like autumn leaves in the wind, dispersing to the far corners of the sky. The pressure faced by the entire cultivator team instantly lightened.

As for Mo Lingfeng, after witnessing Qin Yuxuan’s move, he also took a deep breath, a hint of fear flashing in his eyes.

He had originally believed that Qin Yuxuan’s strength was merely on par with his own. He thought that the reason this junior brother had previously achieved such impressive battle results was due to having better luck than him.

However, now that he had seen Qin Yuxuan slay eight mid-stage crystallized Ice Wind Snakes within just two moves, he abandoned the thought of competing with Qin Yuxuan.

He understood in his heart that if it were him making a move, although he would certainly be able to defeat the Demonic Beasts, it wouldn’t be this effortless. He would definitely have to engage in a fierce battle before achieving victory, requiring at least several dozen moves. It would be impossible for him to kill these eight Ice Wind Snakes as easily as Qin Yuxuan did, as if chopping melons and vegetables.

Moreover, Qin Yuxuan seemed to have not even exerted his full strength, indicating that his abilities were definitely far above Mo Lingfeng’s own.

Perhaps only Wen Qian has a chance of surpassing him, Mo Lingfeng mused inwardly.

At this moment, Qin Yuxuan said solemnly, Senior Brother Mo, we disciples of the Shu Mountain Sect should also set off! We’ve already reached the fourth floor, and it’s impossible to give up halfway. I can take the lead at the front!

Alright! Mo Lingfeng naturally wouldn’t object. In fact, he had long wanted to get moving. However, seeing that his junior brothers seemed to have a hint of fear on their faces, he wanted to observe the situation behind them before making a decision.

Now that Qin Yuxuan had demonstrated strength surpassing ordinary cultivators and expressed his willingness to take the lead, it was the best possible outcome.

Thus, Mo Lingfeng closely followed Qin Yuxuan onto the stone bridge. With their two leading figures advancing, the other disciples of the Shu Mountain Sect, fearing being left behind, hurriedly followed them, slowly moving forward.

I didn’t expect Qin Yuxuan to actually make a move! Although I knew his strength was extraordinary, I didn’t think he would stand out on the fourth floor already. I originally thought he would continue playing the pig to eat the tiger for a while, Wen Qian remarked with a faint smile after glancing back. He then turned around and continued striding forward.

As Qin Yuxuan walked slowly, a subtle smile appeared on his face. His sudden display of power just now wasn’t to show off, but rather to establish an image of himself as someone not to be trifled with in front of these cultivators.

After all, the path here was too narrow, and with flying Demonic Beasts attacking, a moment of inattention could lead to falling off the cliff into the abyss.

Although with his strength, he was confident he wouldn’t fall off the stone bridge due to the Demonic Beasts’ attacks, it would be hard to say if other cultivators secretly made a move against him while he was fully engaged in battle. He was especially clear that just within the Shu Mountain Sect, there were a few people who didn’t get along with him and were looking for opportunities to deal with him, let alone people from other sects.

After establishing his might in front of everyone, even if there were people with ulterior motives wanting to scheme against him, they would have to hesitate and calculate their chances of success. If they failed, they would face his full retaliation, and their fate would undoubtedly be sealed.

It could be said that Qin Yuxuan’s actions had a considerable effect. Chen Zhao, who was five people behind him, originally had a flash of murderous intent in his eyes when he looked at Qin Yuxuan. However, it quickly vanished, replaced by an expression of walking honestly, no longer harboring any ill intentions.

The people from other sects who didn’t get along with Qin Yuxuan also dismissed their thoughts of causing trouble, deciding to wait until they had crossed the stone bridge.

Unknowingly, the cultivators had walked more than half the distance, and a towering mountain peak had appeared ahead. The stone bridge beneath their feet led directly into a cave halfway up the mountain.

Everyone, let’s put in some effort! As long as we reach the cave halfway up the mountain ahead, it will be the entrance to the fifth floor. By then, we will be safe! Wen Qian pointed to the mountain peak ahead and said in a loud voice.

Hearing this, everyone’s spirits were greatly boosted, and they all quickened their pace, preparing to charge across the stone bridge in one go.

However, Qin Yuxuan vaguely felt that something was amiss. He sensed that even if the fourth floor was simpler than the previous three, it wouldn’t be this easy to pass through.

Just as everyone was about thirty zhang away from the mountain peak, a sudden change occurred. A huge rumbling sound emanated from the mountain peak ahead...

Chapter 893 The Puppet Guardian

What’s happening? Everyone felt the stone bridge beneath their feet trembling, and the mountain peak in front of them also shook violently, with a large amount of gravel and dust falling from the mountain.

Could it be an earthquake? Many people covered their heads while dodging the falling rocks and shouting loudly.

At this moment, Hui Ming frowned and stared at the mountain peak ahead, feeling the earth-shattering tremors. He suddenly opened his mouth and let out a wild roar.

This single roar caused the scene in front of many people’s eyes to change abruptly.

They finally realized that a puppet figure wearing a white robe and golden armor, about two zhang tall, was standing at the end of the stone bridge.

This puppet held a giant sword about one zhang long, standing like a door panel at the end of the stone bridge. Behind it was the mountain peak.

The cave halfway up the mountain seemed to have an infinite allure, attracting everyone to forge ahead bravely.

Amidst their lingering shock, the cultivators hurriedly used their Spiritual Sense to examine this puppet. They discovered that this puppet was only at the Late Crystallization Phase, not the Core Formation Phase puppet they had imagined. With this realization, the cultivators gained a lot of confidence.

As long as we defeat the puppet, we’ll be able to enter the fifth floor!

Moreover, this puppet is only at the Great Perfection of the Crystallization Phase. I’m afraid most of us cultivators can defeat it. It seems that this fourth floor is indeed easier to pass through than the previous two.

Yes! It’s a pity that this stone bridge is too narrow, and we can’t attack it together. We can only go one by one. However, Brother Wen Qian is at the front. With his strength, defeating this puppet that’s merely at the Great Perfection of the Crystallization Phase shouldn’t be too much of a problem, right?

The cultivators were all discussing among themselves, and their voices were not soft. With Wen Qian and Qin Yuxuan’s powerful Spiritual Sense, they heard their words clearly. However, they were not as optimistic, and solemn expressions appeared on both of their faces.

Just then, the puppet suddenly spoke. Its voice had a metallic quality but without any buzzing or humming.

I am the guardian of the fourth floor. If you want to pass through here, you must come up and challenge me one by one. Only by defeating me can you enter the fifth floor! If you try to swarm me, don’t blame me for knocking you off the stone bridge! the puppet said word by word.

What? It’s the guardian of the fourth floor?

How come it’s only at the Great Perfection of the Crystallization Phase? Isn’t its level a bit too low?

Who cares? The lower its cultivation, the easier it will be for us to deal with it and pass through!

The cultivators were all eager to give it a try. However, Wen Qian was at the very front, and behind him were more than twenty cultivators from the Central Continent. They didn’t dare to steal Wen Qian’s limelight and could only watch silently as Wen Qian walked up to the puppet first.

But at this moment, the puppet suddenly waved its arm, and a black curtain wall emerged from the stone bridge, separating Wen Qian, the puppet, and the cultivators behind.

Everyone was startled. The cultivators from the Central Continent hurriedly stepped forward, using their magic treasures to chop and hack, trying to destroy the curtain wall, but to no avail.

They discovered that the curtain wall was incredibly sturdy. No matter if they used Magic Techniques or Talismans to bombard it, it remained unshakable. It was not something that Crystallization Phase cultivators could destroy.

The cultivators near the curtain wall also tried to release their Spiritual Sense, wanting to probe the situation behind the curtain wall and the battle between Wen Qian and the puppet.

However, they were very disappointed. As soon as their Spiritual Sense touched the curtain wall, it was repelled back. They couldn’t find out the situation behind the curtain wall at all, and they couldn’t even hear a sound.

Unknowingly, Wen Qian and the puppet had already been behind the curtain wall for a full half an hour.

By this time, the cultivators had almost all crowded near the curtain wall on the stone bridge. Seeing the situation, they started discussing among themselves.

I wonder how Brother Wen Qian is doing? Has he defeated that puppet?

With Brother Wen Qian’s strength, there shouldn’t be a problem! After all, that puppet is only at the Great Perfection of the Crystallization Phase, its cultivation is equivalent to his.

Yeah! If even Daoist Wen can’t defeat that puppet, I’m afraid no one else should even think about it!

Just as everyone was engaged in heated discussion, there was a clank sound, and the curtain wall suddenly rose into the air, revealing the scene on the other side.

The cultivators focused their eyes and saw that Wen Qian had already reached the entrance of the cave halfway up the mountain and was waving at them. The puppet, however, still stood on the stone bridge, motionless.

The first challenger has passed! Now, would the second challenger please come forward! the puppet said in an emotionless voice.

Great! I’ll go! A cultivator from the Central Continent who was right behind Wen Qian immediately rushed forward. This person’s surname was Zhang and his given name was Dajin. He was a disciple of a medium-sized Cultivator Family in the Central Continent and had a close relationship with Wen Qian.

Although his cultivation had not reached the Great Perfection of the Crystallization Phase, he was at the Peak of the Late Crystallization Phase. Moreover, he had a high level of attainment in mechanisms and formations, but his combat experience was slightly lacking.

However, in his view, he should still be able to defeat this puppet.

After Zhang Dajin took a few steps forward, the curtain wall immediately rose up again behind him, separating him from the other cultivators once more.

This time, the crowd didn’t have any unusual reactions. After all, they had witnessed it once before and knew that the curtain wall was indeed very difficult to break.

Before long, the curtain wall suddenly opened again, revealing the golden-armored puppet in front.

So fast? Could it be that Zhang Dajin is even more powerful than Brother Wen Qian? He defeated the puppet so quickly? Many people showed surprised expressions at this moment.

However, they quickly discovered that Zhang Dajin was nowhere to be seen on the cave platform on the opposite mountain peak.

The second challenger, Zhang Dajin, has failed the challenge and has been knocked into the abyss. Next one, come up! the puppet said expressionlessly.

What? Zhang Dajin just died like that? Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked.

Although Zhang Dajin was known for his mechanisms and formations, it didn’t mean he was completely useless in actual combat. In fact, his magic treasures, Talismans, and cultivation techniques were all top-notch. Although he was not as good as experts like Wen Qian and Qin Yuxuan, he could still surpass at least one-third of the cultivators present.

If even he couldn’t pass, didn’t that mean that out of the nearly a hundred cultivators present, more than thirty would be stuck at this fourth floor, unable to proceed?

Thinking of this, the Central Continent cultivator who was third in line involuntarily retreated.

His cultivation had only reached the Late Crystallization Phase, but because he came from a Talisman-making family, he had a large number of various Talismans on him. In battle, he mainly used Talismans to fight the enemy, so his actual combat ability was not weak. However, when compared to Zhang Dajin, he still felt inferior.

Therefore, seeing that Zhang Dajin had been defeated and killed, he became a bit timid. Although he heard the puppet’s words, he still hesitated to step forward.

At this moment, the puppet spoke again, I will count to five. If the next challenger does not step forward, it will be considered as giving up the challenge, and they will be immediately knocked into the abyss!

Five, four, three... It immediately started counting.

I’ll go! I’ll go! Hearing that not stepping forward to challenge would have the same consequence as being defeated, the cultivator had no choice but to steel himself and step up.

Since I’m dead either way, I might as well take a chance!

So, after taking a deep breath, he strode forward, letting the curtain wall rise behind him...

Chapter 894 The Difficulty of the Challenge

Half an hour later, the curtain wall came down.

What surprised everyone was that the cultivator whose strength was far inferior to Zhang Dajin was standing safe and sound at the entrance of the cave on the opposite mountain peak, looking overjoyed. He had obviously passed the puppet’s assessment and could be considered victorious in the challenge, allowing him to pass through.

Huh? How is this possible? Little Acheng actually made it through?

He has fought Zhang Dajin several times before and lost every time. There’s no reason he could defeat the puppet while Zhang Dajin failed!

This is indeed too surprising!

The cultivators from other regions were fine, as they didn’t know the difference in strength between Zhang Dajin and Acheng. However, the cultivators from the Central Continent were all familiar with each other. Seeing Acheng cross the stone bridge while Zhang Dajin was defeated, they were all shocked.

Junior Brother Qin, this is a bit strange! Logically speaking, Zhang Dajin’s strength is superior to Acheng’s. There’s no reason for Zhang Dajin to fail while Acheng succeeds! Mo Lingfeng couldn’t help but ask at this moment. He had previously fought both Zhang Dajin and Acheng and was quite clear about their strengths.

Upon hearing this, Qin Yuxuan calmly said, It’s not strange. Although the cultivator named Acheng has slightly inferior strength, he carries a large number of high-grade Talismans. This allows him to cast several advanced Magic Techniques that Zhang Dajin cannot. Zhang Dajin, although skilled in formations and mechanisms, cannot deploy them on this narrow stone bridge. In this case, it’s not surprising that Acheng was able to pass in the end while Zhang Dajin ultimately failed.

I see. Mo Lingfeng suddenly realized. He asked with some concern, Junior Brother Qin, in your opinion, how many of our Shu Mountain Sect’s cultivators can pass the puppet’s assessment and successfully complete the challenge?

That’s hard to say! If I could fully observe the challenge process of Wen Qian and the other two, I might be able to discern the puppet’s strength and its assessment criteria... Qin Yuxuan said indifferently, But the guardian of this fourth floor has probably noticed this point, so it has isolated us with the curtain wall, not wanting us to see.

At this point, he paused for a moment, then smiled slightly and said, Anyway, now that not even all the cultivators from the Central Continent have undergone the challenge, it’s still a long way off for our Shu Mountain Sect disciples. We might as well sit down and meditate to restore our Spiritual Power and spirit to the best state before dealing with the puppet. Wouldn’t that increase our success rate a bit?

After hearing this, both Mo Lingfeng and Chen Zhao nodded repeatedly. So, they led the Shu Mountain Sect cultivators to immediately sit cross-legged, take out Spiritual Wine to drink, and then meditate to recuperate.

Their actions also attracted the attention of disciples from several nearby sects. Everyone also realized this and sat down one by one to start recovering their Spiritual Power and adjusting their state, striving to challenge the puppet with a spirited appearance.

Before long, the curtain wall opened again, and the fourth Central Continent cultivator also successfully passed through, entering the cave entrance of the fifth-floor passage. This situation also surprised many people.

Because this Central Continent cultivator’s strength was not too strong either, if they really started fighting, it was estimated that he would be about the same as Zhang Dajin. Therefore, previously, many people were not optimistic about him. However, the result was a bit unexpected. The time he took to pass the challenge was even shorter than Wen Qian, which was really quite unbelievable.

Senior Brother Mo, I know this kid. He seems to have the surname Wen and is a disciple of the Wen family, one of the eight great families in the Central Continent. His aptitude is not good, only at the level of Three Spirit Apertures. But his comprehension is extremely high, his mind is flexible, and he’s relatively good at dealing with people, so he has an extremely good reputation in the family. His talent in Magic Techniques is extremely strong, and he’s very smart, so he’s well-liked by the family head and elders. Therefore, he is one of the key candidates being cultivated by the Wen family to take over as the next family head, Chen Zhao said at this time, glancing at the lucky fellow who had already stood at the entrance of the fifth-floor passage, feeling somewhat reluctant in his heart.

Qin Yuxuan and Mo Lingfeng were slightly stunned upon hearing these words, secretly wondering how Chen Zhao could know the cultivators from the Central Continent. However, when they heard him say that this person also excelled in Magic Techniques, they immediately realized the reason. Because they were very clear that Chen Zhao himself had extremely high talent in the Five Elements Magic Techniques, so he naturally paid close attention to cultivators in the Cultivation World with the same talent. He might have even regarded them as competitors long ago. No wonder he knew about the situation of that cultivator surnamed Wen.

After pondering for a moment, Mo Lingfeng said with a solemn expression, It seems that the puppet’s assessment is not simply testing the cultivator’s strength, but also examining their Magic Treasures, Talismans, cultivation methods, talents, aptitudes, and potential...

Senior Brother Mo is absolutely right! Qin Yuxuan also nodded in agreement and said, From the situation we’ve passed through the first four floors, I feel that this Undersea Temple is more appropriately described as an ancient trial ground rather than an ancient secret realm. It seems to be assessing the cultivators who enter, selecting a group of outstanding ones and eliminating a group of unqualified people. As for what purpose it is doing this for, it’s not very clear. After all, the era when this Undersea Temple opened is already too ancient.

Hmm! We can only take it one step at a time! However, from the current situation, more than half of the cultivators can pass the assessment. I think we shouldn’t have too much of a problem either! Chen Zhao also regained a lot of confidence. In his opinion, with his high attainments in the Five Elements Magic Techniques, it shouldn’t be too difficult to successfully challenge the puppet.

At this time, the puppet’s assessment continued, with cultivators entering the curtain wall one after another to begin their challenge.

Their challenge times also varied, with the fastest ending in just the time it took to eat a meal, while the slowest took about half an hour.

More than half of the cultivators successfully passed the assessment and were allowed by the puppet to enter the entrance of the fifth-floor passage.

Of course, there were also nearly half of the unlucky ones who were eliminated and knocked into the abyss, dying without a proper burial.

However, Qin Yuxuan also discovered that the strongest few from each sect seemed to pass easily. And those disciples with higher comprehension and stronger talent also basically passed without exception. It seemed that the puppet also made adjustments according to the actual situation of the cultivators when dealing with the challenges, allowing those it deemed suitable to pass the stone bridge.

After more than ten days had passed, it was finally the turn of the Shu Mountain Sect disciples.

The first one up was Qin Yuxuan, who was now regarded as the top person in the Shu Mountain Sect.

Although he had previously discussed with Mo Lingfeng and Chen Zhao that based on their strength and talent, they should be able to pass the challenge. But when it truly came to this moment, he still felt a bit nervous.

After calming himself, Qin Yuxuan straightened his collar and then strode towards the puppet. Not long after he stepped forward, a curtain wall rose up behind him, completely separating him from the Shu Mountain Sect disciples behind.

Now, in front of his eyes, there was only a stone bridge and a golden-armored puppet wearing a white robe.

At this moment, the golden-armored puppet waved its hand, and two rows of transparent crystal floors immediately extended out from both sides of the stone bridge, turning the ground between Qin Yuxuan and the puppet into a transparent floor with a diameter of more than fifty zhang, becoming a place similar to an arena.

Then, the puppet said word by word, Qin Yuxuan, bring out your full strength! As long as you knock me to the ground within half an hour, you will pass!

Alright! After hearing this, Qin Yuxuan’s fighting spirit was also ignited. Having come to this point, he naturally calmed down as well.

He slowly drew out the Azure Dragon Saber from his waist, then let out a loud shout and immediately rushed towards the puppet at an extremely fast speed...

Chapter 895 Transforming into the Crimson Flame Tiger

At this moment, the puppet underwent a huge change.

It suddenly exploded, forming a mass of red flame waves, surging towards all directions with a plume of thick smoke, as if it had the momentum to sweep away everything.

Qin Yuxuan was also greatly startled and hurriedly activated his defensive shield, resisting the invasion of the flame waves with all his strength.

However, fortunately, this time the puppet’s flame wave attack was only imposing in its scale but weak in power. It looked a bit scary, but in fact, it did not pose much of a threat. Qin Yuxuan’s defensive shield easily withstood it.

When the thick smoke dissipated, Qin Yuxuan was surprised to find that in the place where the puppet originally stood, the golden-armored puppet was no longer there. Instead, it had turned into a crimson red tiger.

Huh? How did this puppet turn into a tiger? Qin Yuxuan was stunned.

Hehe, little boy, don’t think too much. This Crimson Flame Tiger is just one of my incarnations. My main body is above your head. If you defeat my incarnation, you will pass! At this time, the puppet’s voice came from above his head.

Qin Yuxuan looked up and saw that more than twenty zhang above his head, a golden-armored puppet was floating. It was the guardian of this fourth floor. Although it still displayed cultivation at the Crystallization Phase, Qin Yuxuan already understood that the strength of this guardian was unfathomable. At least he knew that Core Formation Phase cultivators did not have the ability to transform into an incarnation. It probably required at least a Nascent Soul Phase cultivator.

At this time, the crimson eyes of the Crimson Flame Tiger flickered with ferocity and cruelty. It flexed its claws and then heavily slapped the ground, with the sole intention of killing the enemy in front of it.

Boom! Boom!

The transparent ground emitted a huge rumbling sound, making Qin Yuxuan quickly sober up. Looking at the terrifying Crimson Flame Tiger, Qin Yuxuan’s heart suddenly rose. Because he discovered that this Crimson Flame Tiger was actually at the Great Perfection level of the Crystallization Phase, two minor realms higher than him in strength.

Qin Yuxuan held the Azure Dragon Saber in one hand, and the Bone Shield in the other. A powerful Spiritual Power surged out from the Sea of Consciousness in his Dantian at the same time.

His face was calm as he watched the beast’s shadow rapidly enlarging in his pupils, feeling the scorching hot Flame Waves accompanied by the piercing hot wind sweeping over.

However, when these Flame Waves were still more than a zhang away from Qin Yuxuan’s body, they exploded in mid-air and scattered. It was as if there was an invisible barrier around Qin Yuxuan protecting him.

Roar! Roar!

The Crimson Flame Tiger widened its pair of crimson beast eyes and let out two loud roars as it came crashing down.

Surrounding Qin Yuxuan, the defensive shield did not provide much obstruction when facing the impact of the Crimson Flame Tiger. Therefore, the massive body of the Crimson Flame Tiger didn’t even pause for a moment and directly crashed through the shield, then fiercely charged over.

In an instant, Qin Yuxuan felt a scorching Flame Wave pouncing towards his face.

Faced with such a fierce attack from the Crimson Flame Tiger, Qin Yuxuan not only did not retreat a single step, but instead suddenly stepped forward. Moreover, what was most shocking was that he did not intend to cast defensive Talismans, but instead drew out the Azure Dragon Saber and directly slashed out with one strike!

Raging Wind Slash!

This saber strike suddenly lashed out, directly bringing out a low sonic boom.

One could even vaguely see, on the blade, surging shadows of Azure Dragons.

If there were other cultivators present, they would definitely be astonished. Qin Yuxuan was actually wielding an ordinary saber-type magic treasure to directly confront the Crimson Flame Tiger, a Demonic Beast with innate divine power and fire attacks. That was simply an extremely foolish suicidal act!

At this moment, the veins on Qin Yuxuan’s entire arm were bulging, and Spiritual Power was rapidly circulating inside his body.

In this instant, the light on his saber blade flourished, flashing with a surging wave of Spiritual Power.

With a clang sound,

the Azure Dragon Saber, in that instant, heavily crashed onto the tiger claw that the Crimson Flame Tiger extended over. The space behind the curtain wall seemed to freeze at this moment.

Immediately following, a visible wave of Spiritual Power burst out from the point of contact between the saber blade and the tiger claw!

With a loud boom, airwaves and flames soared up from the ground, then exploded in mid-air, turning into sparks that poured down.

The sky was filled with swirling smoke, and then an angry tiger’s roar could be heard.

The massive Crimson Flame Tiger did not send Qin Yuxuan’s saber flying. Instead, it was forcibly pushed back dozens of zhang by the sudden strike of the Azure Dragon Saber. Its four tiger claws left four extremely deep marks on the ground.

Qin Yuxuan, on the other hand, only retreated a few steps before standing firm, clearly occupying a dominant position in the previous hard confrontation.

This situation caused the puppet watching the battle above his head to also stir up waves in its heart.

It silently pondered, such terrifying Spiritual Power fluctuations, such astonishing explosive power... was this kid really a Late Crystallization Phase cultivator as he appeared on the surface?

Qin Yuxuan also smiled faintly, then turned his head to look at the Crimson Flame Tiger with its crimson beast eyes, slowly tightening his grip on the Azure Dragon Saber. He inwardly thought: This beast was indeed thick-skinned and tough-fleshed, to actually not be injured by such an all-out saber strike.

Roar! Roar!

The Crimson Flame Tiger that had been sent flying back by Qin Yuxuan’s saber strike widened its beast eyes, ferociously staring at Qin Yuxuan.

Suddenly, faint red flames surged all over its body. Under these flames, from the protruding colorful hair pores on its body, bone spikes actually began to extend out, like sharp sword blades.

The current Crimson Flame Tiger was now a living killing machine!

After the bone spikes grew out, the Crimson Flame Tiger let out a swoosh and once again pounced towards Qin Yuxuan with an even more ferocious momentum, bringing a hot bloody wind that hit the face, giving a sense of great oppression.

Looking at the Crimson Flame Tiger charging again, Qin Yuxuan let out a cold snort. His toes tapped the ground and his figure immediately soared out, hovering in mid-air. Then the Azure Dragon Saber in his hand suddenly danced, bringing up majestic Spiritual Power fluctuations.

Clang! Clang!

Dazzling azure light burst out from the Azure Dragon Saber, then turned into sharp azure rays, heavily stabbing onto the iron-hard body of the Crimson Flame Tiger, colliding with sparks.

Roar! Roar!

The body of the Crimson Flame Tiger was extremely hard. Ordinary Late Crystallization Phase cultivators would probably find it difficult to break through its defense. But Qin Yuxuan with the Azure Dragon Saber was different. Relying on the power of this High-Level magic treasure and using the techniques of the Gale Knife Technique, those sharp saber rays actually directly cut out half-inch deep marks on the hard body of the Crimson Flame Tiger. Even from some wounds, scarlet blood flowed out.

Solar Slash!

Crescent Slash!

Shattered Star Slash!

Sharp saber rays charged down one after another, carrying fierce saber energy, ruthlessly smashing onto the body of the Crimson Flame Tiger, instantly causing more wounds to appear on its body. This Demonic Beast that was very powerful in the eyes of ordinary people appeared especially wretched in front of Qin Yuxuan.

Chapter 896 Passing the Assessment

Roar! Roar!

Having been beaten so miserably by Qin Yuxuan, the Crimson Flame Tiger was obviously furious. Its body suddenly shook violently, dark red light surging out. Dozens of bone spikes abruptly shot forth, the scorching gales as fierce as the might of the Azure Dragon Saber. Evidently, the Crimson Flame Tiger was beginning to retaliate desperately.

Slay!

However, facing the Crimson Flame Tiger’s counterattack, Qin Yuxuan sneered coldly. With a swing of the Azure Dragon Saber in his right hand, dazzling cyan light materialized out of thin air, directly smashing down, shattering the dozens of bone spikes. Then, with undiminished momentum, like a small mountain, it viciously crashed onto the Crimson Flame Tiger’s body.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The cyan saber light thundered down, the terrifying, unyielding force directly smashing half of the Crimson Flame Tiger’s massive body into the ground.

Faced with such a ferocious attack, the tough exterior of the Crimson Flame Tiger’s body cracked open in many places, blood flowing freely.

Roar! Roar!

The Crimson Flame Tiger, obviously dazed from being fiercely chopped on the head, struggled frantically, letting out piercing howls.

Let’s see how long you can last, you beast!

Qin Yuxuan roared, Gale Knife Technique, Sixth Layer! Knife Mountain, Fire Sea!

Saber qi flew out from the Azure Dragon Saber in his hand, one after another, reaching sixty-four in an instant.

The sky flashed with cyan light, and the Azure Dragon Saber in his hand continuously unleashed powerful energy. The sixty-four streaks of saber qi relentlessly pursued the Crimson Flame Tiger, bombarding it and forcing it to flee in all directions, extremely battered.

Roar! Roar!

After being fiercely smashed several more times by the Azure Dragon Saber’s qi, even the Crimson Flame Tiger’s formidable defense couldn’t withstand such an onslaught. It finally let out an angry yet helpless roar and turned tail to flee.

Hmph! You think you can escape? Qin Yuxuan snorted coldly, Combine!

He launched a Spell Decree from his hand, striking the saber qi in the sky.

In an instant, the sixty-four streaks of saber qi immediately merged into a cyan curved saber, about thirty feet long and two feet wide, emanating powerful fluctuations of Spiritual Power.

Kill!

Qin Yuxuan let out a shout, and the cyan