Chương 215: War God’s — Chapter 216 - Old Opponent from a Previous Life

Below the vehicle stretched an endless sea. Ahead, a massive platform sat scattered across the water's surface. Beyond that, on the horizon, a towering mountain loomed in suspended state, floating impossibly above the waves. The great mountain flickered in and out of existence, faintly revealing glimpses of ancient architectural ruins within. Just the outer edge alone gave an unfathomable feeling. The entire mountain didn't actually look that large. But Wang Xian knew the truth.

Inside this phantom city, the space was immense beyond measure. Layer upon layer of folded dimensions, with hidden pocket realms tucked within. A mobile sky fortress in every sense. Later researchers had theorized this mountain city might itself be a 'martial artifact' beyond imagination. Similar to the old aerospace starships, only perhaps even larger than vessels capable of traversing the cosmos. Wang Xian stared at this Zhe Lou Cloud City. In his previous life, he'd never had the chance to enter this relic.

By the time he returned from the Alien Star Battlefield, Zhe Lou Phantom City had long since been destroyed. Even the Eastern Frontier tsunami had passed over a decade prior. He'd only learned about it while studying Blue Star's history from those years, digging deeper into events that caught his interest. Now this relic had only just appeared. This time might only be an initial probe. But soon, once he grew stronger, there would be plenty more chances.

After stepping onto the platform, they saw martial artists disembarking from flight vehicles in steady streams. Even vehicles bearing the Bahai University insignia sat on the platform. The Bahai squad they'd encountered at the research institute had already gone inside. After completing the entry procedures, the group walked to the mountain's base.

"Strange. I can't sense any Malevolent Qi leaking from this relic." Bai Xingyun looked up, genuinely puzzled.

"Because the relic itself is seamless. No energy escapes." Wang Xian paused.

"But inside is a different story." The three exchanged uneasy glances.

"No energy leakage..." Yan Zhaoxue said quietly.

"That means the Malevolent Qi concentration inside will be extremely high." The four checked their gear, met each other's eyes, and stepped into the cloud-wreathed mountain. The moment they entered the relic, they froze. What met their eyes wasn't ruin at all. Between mountain ridges and through gaps in the clouds lay scenery as faint as an immortal realm. Broad stone steps, though cracked, ascended in orderly rows.

Pavilions and towers materialized faintly among distant peaks, their flying eaves cascading like waterfalls, too numerous to count.

"Holy shit, if you didn't tell me this was a relic, I'd think we walked into some kind of paradise." Bai Xingyun clicked his tongue.

"But the Malevolent Qi concentration is definitely high. This is just the entrance and it already feels like a B-rank zone."

"Looks like paradise, feels like a tomb."

"Gravity's elevated too." Social Security Sis pulled out the rough military map.

"The high-danger zone isn't far. Does match what junior said. First danger zone should be visible once we cross this hill." Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

"Looking at the terrain, might really be that sword tomb." She tucked the map away and charged ahead eagerly. After only a few steps, she stopped. A squad of martial artists stumbled down the path, supporting each other. Their bodies bore countless sword wounds. Two were missing limbs entirely. Even from a distance, Bai Xingyun felt the intense sword intent radiating from their injuries. A devouring presence that never ceased.

"Divine Sword Club squad," Bai Xingyun said quietly.

"Peak fourth-realm like us. Looks like they took a beating." The wounded squad passed in silence. The oppressive atmosphere instantly killed Social Security Sis's enthusiasm. They continued forward. More squads descended. Dispatched by major corporations, famous martial families, clubs from across the country. Too many to count. University squads were numerous as well. Just none from the Dragon Country Big Five.

"Haven't seen any Big Five teams yet..." Bai Xingyun took a deep breath. The moment he spoke, another squad hurried down. Yan Zhaoxue's sharp eyes caught the leader.

"A Lie? That you?" The lead martial artist was tall and broad-shouldered, dressed in red combat gear. Blood covered him head to toe, though most wounds looked superficial.

"Sis Yan?" The youth rushed over.

"What are you doing here? Listen, be careful. The first high-danger zone past this mountain is brutal. Multiple squads have fallen there."

"We need to get out and call for backup."

"Backup?" Yan Zhaoxue frowned, scanning the group.

"Your captain..."

"Captain got trapped in the danger zone saving us." A red-haired woman stepped forward, expression grim.

"Sis Yan, seriously be careful. This relic is wrong in every way."

"They call it B-rank, but it's way beyond that."

"No time. We need to move." The group rushed down the mountain. Yan Zhaoxue watched them go, voice heavy.

"They're elite aces from Northern Frontier Tianchi University. One of the Big Five."

"I met them studying in the Northern Frontier."

"Their captain is Su Li. Number one at Tianchi."

"Very strong. Mixed blood from multiple nations..."

"I've heard of him." Bai Xingyun nodded.

"Northern Bear and Dragon Country mix. Carries ancient Northern Bear bloodline but grew up here. Dragon Country martial artist through and through. Extremely talented."

"Leads Tianchi by a wide margin. Hot contender for this year's Youth Martial Arts Tournament."

"One of our main rivals." Wang Xian listened. I know this guy too. Isn't this the Barbarian Blood War Maniac 'Su Jiuli' who crossed blades with me several times in my past life? Another future eighth-realm powerhouse. Fused two nations' martial systems into something entirely new. After all this time, finally ran into an old opponent from my previous life.

"Familiar" just meant they'd fought a few times. Wang Xian didn't actually know him that well.

"Seems like many have already hit a wall up ahead." Social Security Sis's expression turned serious. The four pressed on. Soon they crested the small hill. The moment they reached the top, a massive sunken pit spread before them at extremely low elevation. Strange energy permeated the depression. Broken ancient implements drifted through the air alongside humanoid skeletons with hollow eyes. Only a few skeletons retained rotting flesh. Deeply unsettling.

But every single one gripped a sword, forming a tight network with the floating implements. As if determined to prevent anyone from passing. Eerie mist shrouded everything deeper inside. Nothing beyond was visible. The feeling of layered danger was thick.

"Really is a sword tomb." Bai Xingyun stared at the vast graveyard. Cold sweat beaded inexplicably in his chest. Seems like everything junior said might actually be true.

"Hey, look, it's Li Zhan's group!" Social Security Sis pointed across the way.

"They're here too! Came in a day before us but looks like they're also stuck here." The three looked over. Several martial artists in mecha-biological suits crouched on a raised platform, gazing down at the pit below. Battle damage marked their armor. They'd clearly made multiple attempts already. And failed to break through.

"Not just them. Feng Qingge from Tiannan University is there too." Bai Xingyun squinted, spotting a graceful figure.

"This Li Zhan, thought you were so strong. Turns out you still need to team up." At that moment, Bai Xingyun spotted Li Zhan's group. Naturally, they spotted him too. They looked momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting them to show up.

"Captain, looks like they really brought that first-year student," a team member said.

"Interesting." Li Zhan nodded.

"This first-year either has real ability, or..."

"A first-year..." The long-haired woman in cyan combat gear turned to look, recognition dawning.

"Master Luo's disciple actually came here with Bai Xingyun's group."

"Only, this relic is seriously troublesome. We can't even get past this first danger zone..."

"Captain, should we share intel with them?" a team member asked.

"We've been fighting a full day already. We know more. We're all Big Five..." Li Zhan thought for a long moment before sighing and nodding.

"Go ahead. At minimum we should warn them."

"If they try going down with a first-year in tow, the three of them can't cover him. Going in blind, they'll suffer badly."

"Forget it, I'll go myself."

"Captain, better not. If you go, they probably won't listen." The team member said helplessly.

"Let Sister Feng go instead. Sister Feng, you know Yan Zhaoxue from Jingnan, right?"

"Of course. Very well, actually. We've crossed hands several times." The long-haired woman stood, casually adding to nearby teammates, "You all keep watch. Don't go down recklessly." She walked toward Bai Xingyun's side. Meanwhile, Social Security Sis suddenly turned to Wang Xian.

"Junior, I remember you said we could avoid fighting these sword-corpse ghosts. Is there some method to bypass them?" The other two immediately looked at Wang Xian. ➤ Next: Prepare for Rescue