The crushing silence of the white room gave way once more as Zhen Huan was flung back into the murky depths of the lake. Faint beams of light pierced the deep blue gloom, illuminating the forgotten altar nestled in the trench.
Hovering above it, shimmering with a pale azure glow, was a sword.
His sword.
Zhen Huan's eyes widened. "That's it… my fifth sword."
He surged forward, spiritual energy flaring, but just as his hand neared the blade—
White light consumed him.
He groaned. "Again with this damn room?!"
The sterile chamber reformed around him. The air cracked.
A monstrous presence surged into being.
A colossal crab beast, its body layered with thick spiritual armor, clamped its claws with a thunderous snap. The pressure it exuded was no less than that of a 6th Rank High-Tier Beast—a peak among monsters.
Zhen Huan's eyes narrowed. "So… you're the final guardian. Then I'll show you no mercy."
They clashed with a deafening roar.
Sword met claw.
Blade met shell.
Each strike shook the ground. Power exploded like waves, and blood soon painted the room—his and the beast's alike.
"I can take down a Void Refinement cultivator now," he growled, wiping blood from his lip. "But this damned thing… won't go down."
Drawing deep from within, he summoned his flame once more.
"Inferno Slash – Second Form!"
A streak of fire slashed through the air, catching the crab across its thick leg. It screeched, smoke curling from the wound—but it didn't fall.
Zhen Huan narrowed his eyes.
"Wind Steps!"
He vanished and reappeared by the beast's side, blade flashing toward its vulnerable eyes.
SCHLK!
The sword pierced deep.
The crab thrashed, shrieking in agony. But he didn't let up.
He ripped the blade free and plunged it straight down—into its skull.
Silence fell.
Ding
You killed one 6th Rank High-Tier Beast.
XP Gained: 15,000
Current XP: 153,700
Zhen Huan stumbled backward, panting.
"Eight hours… just for one."
He wiped sweat from his brow.
"That's two years and five months across these cursed five trials…"
White light shimmered.
He was back in the lake.
This time, nothing stopped him.
He swam toward the altar. The sword pulsed gently, as if awaiting his return.
He reached out.
ZAP!
A barrier flared up—unseen until now.
He growled. "Formation…"
He drew his blade and slashed.
Not even a scratch.
"Tch. System, help me."
Ding
Host must pay 58,000 XP to remove the formation.
Zhen Huan scowled. "You rob your own host!?"
Ding
Host, this is not robbery… just a very fair transaction. Hehehe.
"…Take it, bastard."
Ding
58,000 XP deducted.
Current XP: 95,700
The formation cracked and dissolved.
Zhen Huan reached out once more.
This time, his fingers touched the hilt.
The moment he did, the sword soared into the air—and from his storage ring, his own current sword followed suit.
Both hovered side by side, then merged into one, brilliant light flashing across the depths.
Ding
Scenario Mission Completed.
Rewards:
• 10,000 XP
• Unknown Token
Current XP: 105,700
Zhen Huan grinned, eyes blazing.
"My fifth sword… finally mine."
A grinding sound echoed behind him.
From the altar, a hidden stone pillar rose into the water. As he touched it—
Flash!
The lake faded.
He reappeared at the surface of Aqua Valley, standing on solid ground.
Feng Xuan rushed forward.
"Brother Zhen! What happened!?"
Zhen Huan looked around. Everyone was here—unfrozen. Alive.
He sighed. "So… you all unfreezed."
Mu Lingyao tilted her head. "Unfreezed? What are you talking about?"
Zhen Huan stared up at the sky. "I've completed the Aqua Valley trial… and it took two years and five months."
Everyone froze.
The elder staggered. "T-two years!?"
Zhen Huan turned to him. "Elder… I don't recall giving you permission to speak."
He stepped past him, kneeling gently by Yun Sha.
"You okay, Yun'er?"
She nodded with a soft smile. "Mm. I'm fine."
"And that girl?"
"She's stable too."
Zhen Huan exhaled.
Then looked back toward the lake.
Only one thought burned in his mind—
"Five swords… two left."