Chapter 77

*Snap!*

This time, the five swords emitted a sound like a cocoon breaking to reveal a butterfly.

Black mist emerged from the blades, filthy and foul, as if all the impurities accumulated over many years were being washed away, leaving them pure like crystal.

They flew up on their own and returned to the hands of Liu Yu and the others.

Holding them, Liu Yu and the others felt as if the swords were living things, drawing large amounts of spiritual energy from the void and channeling it into their bodies. Mysterious sword intentions and more advanced sword techniques were transmitted from the swords into their minds.

"Amazing!" Gu Chensha clapped his hands. "These five swords can actually absorb spiritual energy on their own, and the amount they absorb far exceeds that of a Dao Realm cultivator. It's a miracle; even the Law-breaking Immortal Sword doesn't have this ability."

"Your Highness, we feel the swords continuously absorbing spiritual energy and channeling it into our bodies, refining our entire being," Liu Yu and the others said, each describing their sensations.

"Master, this is likely something left behind by the ancient deities who controlled the five seasons," Yi Ming said after settling San Xiang and seeing the situation. "Spring, Summer, Flame, Autumn, and Winter—these five seasons were controlled by deities in ancient times, assisting the Son of Heaven and governing the Dao of Heaven, allowing life to flourish. I believe that Liu Yu and the others have the bloodline of the ancient deities of the five seasons in their bodies."

"Can I see the swords?" Gu Chensha asked thoughtfully.

Liu Yu handed him the swords. When he picked them up, the swords stopped absorbing spiritual energy, completely ignoring him, indicating that they had already recognized their masters.

"These five swords, after being infused with so much Heavenly Dew, have been purified and their spirits awakened. Even if these five people don't break through to the Dao Realm, the swords will continuously channel spiritual energy into their bodies," Yi Ming said, somewhat enviously. "The bloodline of the deities of the five seasons in your bodies might be awakened, and when that happens, you will likely surpass many geniuses."

"Is that true?" Liu Yu and the others looked at each other, each showing signs of joy. They felt a surge of energy in their bodies, a sense of being connected to the swords, and their strength had at least doubled. They also felt that the deeper their connection with the swords, the easier it would be to enter the Dao Realm.

If they had directly consumed the Heavenly Dew, there would be a limit to their improvement, and the medicinal power would gradually dissipate. However, the five swords seemed to have no such limit and could absorb more Heavenly Dew.

The idea that their swords could automatically absorb spiritual energy and feed it back into their bodies was something few people would believe.

Even the Law-breaking Immortal Sword required continuous input of spiritual energy and could not absorb it on its own. If the spiritual energy was depleted, it would fall into a dormant state.

"Master, now that the five swords have awakened their spirits, there's no need to infuse them with more Heavenly Dew," Yi Ming said. "The swords will absorb spiritual energy on their own and become stronger. Although infusing them with Heavenly Dew can make them even stronger, we shouldn't waste it. We need to conquer the wilderness, and the Heavenly Dew will have a significant role in the future."

"That's true," Gu Chensha said, taking out many battle plans and maps. "Yi Ming, you are familiar with the wilderness. Tell me about the specific situation."

He needed to know his route, the tribes he would pass through, and the experts they contained, and compare this information with Yi Ming's knowledge.

After all, Yi Ming was a high-ranking official in the tribes and knew countless secrets.

"Master, this is no small matter. The tribes along your route have populations ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands. The final temple you need to occupy is called the Demon Ape Temple. The main deity is the World-Chaotic Demon Ape. Dozens of large and small tribes around it worship this god, known as the Ape Tribe," Yi Ming explained, pointing at the map.

"Who are the experts there, and who is the strongest?" Gu Chensha asked. He knew that the tribes lived in the wilderness, with countless tribes worshipping different gods—some worshipped the Wolf God, some the Snake God, and some the Ape God. However, these evil gods all had a common god king, the Maha God.

"The Demon Ape Temple is very large and has existed for about five thousand years. Generation after generation, the surrounding tribes have worshipped it, and experts have emerged continuously. The current high priest of the temple is called 'Yuan Shasheng.' He is not a tribesman but a person from within the pass. Sixty years ago, he joined the tribes and worshipped the World-Chaotic Demon Ape, gaining favor and rising to become the high priest of the temple," Yi Ming said. "This person is very powerful, possibly even stronger than me. I don't know his exact cultivation level, but I know he has many skills. Using the Ape God's oracle, he has united the surrounding tribes, making them very prosperous and producing many experts. Not only that, he has gathered many experts who oppose the court, as well as evil spirits and demons, all of whom are gathered in the temple. His power is immeasurable, and Master must be cautious."

"There is also information about Yuan Shasheng here," Gu Chensha said, flipping through the information obtained from Lou Baiyue. "This person is indeed a hero, with ambitions to unify the tribes. He is not a native tribesman but has a long-term vision. This time, I will have to oppose him and occupy his temple, which seems almost impossible."

"By logic, it is indeed impossible," Yi Ming said, not optimistic. "Not only because of Yuan Shasheng's own martial arts, but also because of the many experts he has gathered. The Demon Ape Temple also has many strong tribesmen and various priests and high priests. In addition, each tribe has a tribal chief, and the alliance leader is the Tribal King. The Tribal King is called Luk, whose strength, though not as great as Karo, is probably on par with me, or even stronger. Moreover, the tribes that worship the World-Chaotic Demon Ape have a powerful technique: raising powerful demon apes."

"I already know this," Gu Chensha said, having read about it. The tribes' strength lies in their ability to raise beasts for battle. The Ape Tribe is the strongest, raising powerful demon apes that are naturally immensely strong, capable of tearing apart elephants, and skilled in martial arts and cultivation. The nobles in the tribes often raise them to hunt, kill, and build houses, with one powerful demon ape being worth a hundred human workers.

In ancient history, among the demons, the most powerful and intelligent were often apes.

A powerful demon ape raised from a young age to practice martial arts is terrifying as an adult, surpassing even martial arts grandmasters, and even Dao Realm cultivators might have to retreat.

"The most powerful in the temple Yuan Shasheng oversees might not be him but the temple's guardian beast, likely a powerful demon ape," Yi Ming said, his tone serious.

"Does that mean I'm going to my death?" Gu Chensha said, taken aback. "The Emperor truly wants to squeeze out all our potential to accomplish the impossible. Fortunately, this matter can be planned over time."

"Master, should we contact the Seventh Princess of Bao Yu Kingdom? She would be a great help," Yi Ming asked.

"No need, we'll do our own thing," Gu Chensha said. "She will contact me on her own. These days, I've been considering giving all my subordinates Tiger-Wolf Pills to enhance their strength. You'll go out with me shortly."

"Yes."

Immediately, Gu Chensha and Yi Ming left the pass in disguise. Beyond the pass was the wilderness, teeming with tigers and wolves. Yi Ming could fly, and within a few hours, they had ventured deep into the forest, obtaining over three hundred Tiger-Wolf Pills in just one day and night.

He then returned and had the remaining people take the Tiger-Wolf Pills. Instantly, all 243 of his subordinates became a "Tiger-Wolf Army," with strength comparable to martial arts grandmasters at the third level of the Mortal Realm, "Transcendent Mastery."

In terms of overall quality, this group had already surpassed the troops of the Tenth Prince, Gu Zhensha.

A martial arts grandmaster at the third level of the Mortal Realm could serve as a general in the army, commanding thousands of troops.

Five days later, while the group was practicing sword techniques in the hall, Long Yuyun and the Seventh Princess, Yu Hanlu, came to visit.

"Those who should come will come. Please have them enter," Gu Chensha said, waiting for them in the hall.

Long Yuyun and Yu Hanlu stepped into the hall and saw 243 young men wielding massive war swords. The swords, adorned with cloud patterns, faintly revealed white tigers. With each swing, a menacing aura spread, intimidating the heart, and the sword edges gleamed, seemingly causing blood to flow with a single glance.

"White Tiger Golden Essence War Swords," Yu Hanlu said, her expression serious. These swords were sharp and menacing but extremely heavy. Ordinary warriors would tire quickly, but these young men wielded them effortlessly, like wooden sticks, showing their immense strength.

Such warriors would not reach this level without twenty years of hard training and the cultivation of spirit medicines.

The young men were practicing the Giant Spirit Sword Technique, fierce and powerful, each move hiding a killing intent, clearly having received guidance from a high-level expert.

Yi Ming was indeed a high-level expert, and even princes did not have someone of his caliber, a Dao Realm cultivator at the seventh level of "Leaving the Earth and Ascending," to personally teach them martial arts.

"Truly impressive. In just a few months, you've trained such a Tiger-Wolf Army," Long Yuyun said admiringly. "I heard you received an imperial edict to take full responsibility for pacifying the Bao Yu Kingdom, so I came along. I've renovated your mansion, and the steward, Little Yi, is almost at the Grandmaster level under my training."

"Thank you," Gu Chensha said, bowing. "I knew you would come. Let's discuss this in the inner chamber."

They passed through the hall to a courtyard, and behind the screen wall was the inner chamber, quiet and peaceful. Gu Chensha sat down, and San Xiang served tea.

"Hmm?" Yu Hanlu's eyes showed surprise. She could tell that these three maids were not ordinary, and even a few of her subordinates who had advanced to the first level of the Dao Realm through lucky encounters might not be their match.

But she was a person with deep scheming and did not show any emotion. "I wonder if the Prince is ready for the expedition against the tribes. Relying solely on these soldiers might not be enough."

"I have my own preparations, but I need your help," Gu Chensha said, nodding without hiding his intentions. "This expedition will expand our territory, which will become my fiefdom. In my fiefdom, I will have full authority. If you want a share, this is the best opportunity."

"From what I know, the Prince's route is fraught with obstacles and carries the risk of death. The tribes are far more powerful than they appear on the surface," Yu Hanlu said, seemingly well-informed.

"I have the support of the entire court and the Heavenly Talisman Emperor," Gu Chensha said, bowing. "If the many evil and demonic gods of the tribes are slain, will the tribes still have the will to fight?"

"We can discuss cooperation," Long Yuyun said first. "If the terms are favorable, the Dragon Sword Island will fully support the expedition."