Tyrant Sky Martial Soul

Chapter 1287: Chapter 1287: The Calamity of the Jade Seal

Another seven days passed, and a monumental transformation occurred within Ling Xiao’s body.

The once rampant medicinal energy had been almost completely absorbed.

At the location of his Heavenly Pulse, an intensely radiant energy sphere had astonishingly taken shape.

This energy sphere was none other than the core essence of the Cave Realm.

Through the energy sphere, one could glimpse within the realm: besides torrents of sharp Sword Qi, there were also nine massive Bronze Cauldrons.

”The Nine Cauldron Sword Domain!”

Ling Xiao’s eyes snapped open, the energy sphere pulsing as a sword domain several meters wide instantly formed around him.

This sword domain, however, was markedly different from the one he wielded before.

The previous domain consisted solely of Sword Qi, purely offensive.

But now, with the infusion of Nine Tripod Fortune, it boasted formidable defensive capabilities and a unique suppressive power.

At that moment, he successfully shattered the shackles of his Ten Directions Heaven Cultivation, stepping into the fledgling phase of the Half-step Cave Sky Realm.

After advancing to the fledgling phase of the Half-step Cave Sky Realm, Ling Xiao spent nearly half a month consolidating his cultivation level.

When he reemerged, Crime City had undergone an upheaval.

Due to the Imperial Jade Seal, the place had become the focal point for the power struggles of various forces.

Ling Xiao couldn’t help but feel a bit fortunate for having planted a scapegoat and handed the fake Imperial Jade Seal to Tianhai Zhen Zhu.

Otherwise, today, even with Moon Lady and the others’ protection, they might have been utterly exhausted or heavily wounded to safeguard him.

That decision was truly wise.

When Ling Xiao came out of seclusion, Moon Lady was still meditating in retreat.

He called for Leng Mei and inquired about the recent state of Crime City.

”Master, Crime City is in utter chaos right now. Blue Wave Island, the Phoenix God Empire, the Black Crow Empire, and numerous smaller nations have all sent experts here.

The most shocking thing is that the Five Immortal Islands—Changle Immortal Island, Blackwater Immortal Island, Black Crystal Immortal Island, Immaculate Immortal Island, and Jade Immortal Island—have all dispatched experts as well.

Coupled with those who were already here, it’s complete pandemonium.”

Leng Mei added, ”And the most troubling thing now is that Crime City has been completely sealed off—people can enter, but no one can leave. Just a couple of days ago, it was reported that Tianhai Zhen Zhu and experts from the Water Temple were spotted, suggesting they’re also hiding and unable to escape.”

”Tsk tsk, I never imagined the Imperial Jade Seal would wield such immense influence. Thankfully, I made the decision early on, or else it would’ve been extraordinarily troublesome. I bet Tianhai Zhen Zhu already regrets it by now,” Ling Xiao remarked with a mocking smile.

”If she regrets it, she should’ve turned over the Imperial Jade Seal by now. The reason she’s still holding on to it is likely because of lingering hopes. After all, that item is too precious; whether for its symbolic significance or the Human King Notes hidden within, the allure is ultimately irresistible,” Princess Yun Ya said, appearing out of nowhere with a gentle smile.

”You didn’t go looking for it?”

Ling Xiao asked with a grin.

”I have no interest in that thing; it is something that leads to ruin,” Princess Yun Ya replied with a shake of her head.

To say she had no interest at all would be inaccurate, but this was a woman who was both clever and pragmatic.

Crime City was now a hotbed of turmoil, with countless experts converging upon it. Even the alchemy conference had never seen such grandeur.

To step into the fray now would be courting death.

”Haha, you’re indeed wise,” Ling Xiao said with a chuckle. Rising to his feet, he added, ”Leng Mei, let’s take a stroll outside and assess the situation. Since I’ve come out of seclusion, Sister Moon will likely do so before long. We can’t just stay cooped up here forever.”

”Understood, Master.”

The two bid farewell to Yun Ya and stepped out of the residence.

Meanwhile, in an abandoned temple at the edge of Crime City, Tianhai Zhen Zhu was gasping for breath.

Her body was riddled with wounds, her expression as dark as ink.

Beside her was a formidable expert—the Heavy Water Protector sent by the Water Temple to guard her.

This individual, a Yin-Yang Realm Martial Artist, was now reduced to hiding and dodging, covered in injuries as well.

The two remained holed up in this dilapidated sanctuary, living in constant fear.

”This can’t go on. We must either decipher the secret of the Imperial Jade Seal soon or find a way to escape Crime City. Otherwise, even I will be hunted to death,” the Heavy Water Protector said with a furrowed brow.

He was clearly in no good mood.

Back when Tianhai Zhen Zhu seized the Imperial Jade Seal from Ling Xiao, he had thought it was a major triumph. While they failed to kill Ling Xiao, obtaining the Seal alone should’ve been a great achievement, sure to earn rewards upon their return.

The events that followed, however, left both him and Tianhai Zhen Zhu fraught with frustration.

First, Moon Lady relentlessly pursued them, delaying their departure from Crime City significantly. Then, they became the proverbial rats, chased and maligned by everyone.

Crime City was completely surrounded by forces from every direction.

The influx of top experts drawn by the alchemy conference quickly formed an impenetrable blockade.

Among them were figures like Medicine King Sun Ran, Ji Qing, and Jackson Le Grandmaster—none of whom were to be trifled with.

To evade their relentless attacks, both he and Tianhai Zhen Zhu had sustained grievous injuries.

”Someone’s coming!”

While studying the Imperial Jade Seal, the sound of footsteps outside suddenly broke the silence, accompanied by faint voices. Over a dozen silhouettes seemed to be approaching.

”There’s an abandoned temple here, and a strong stench of blood. Could Tianhai Zhen Zhu be hiding inside? Let’s go in and check!”

The voice belonged to Corpse Granny of Blue Wave Island.

”But Deputy Island Master, Tianhai Zhen Zhu is guarded by the Heavy Water Protector. We might not be able to handle them. Should we wait for the Island Master to join us?” someone said, a hint of concern in their tone.

”Nonsense! That Heavy Water Protector is already gravely wounded. Yin-Yang Realm or not, with me here, what’s there to fear? Go inside!”

Corpse Granny was domineering and determined to claim the Imperial Jade Seal herself, unwilling to let it fall into the hands of Blue Wave Island’s Island Master. She had no intention of calling for reinforcements.

Besides, she had personally witnessed the Heavy Water Protector being injured.

A Yin-Yang Realm expert was indeed formidable, but wounded, they were vulnerable prey.

Inside the dilapidated temple, the Heavy Water Protector smirked coldly, signaling Tianhai Zhen Zhu to remain still.

Since these fools sought death, he might as well vent his frustrations.

Days of fleeing and hiding had pushed him to his limits; he desperately needed someone to unleash his fury upon.

Corpse Granny led over a dozen individuals from Blue Wave Island into the temple.

At that moment, the Heavy Water Protector feigned serious injury, glaring viciously at Corpse Granny as he growled, ”Even if I fall today, I’ll take you all down with me!”

Though he was indeed injured, he couldn’t directly overpower Corpse Granny, one of the elite experts in the Cave Heaven Realm.

Feigning weakness to lure Corpse Granny closer for a sneak attack was a far more efficient approach.