Sword Sovereign of the Celestial Emperor

According to ancient texts, the Ancient Sword Emperor once forged three volumes of the "Sword Scripture," imbuing them with his lifelong understanding of the Sword Dao. It is said that whoever comprehends these three volumes can become the new generation's Sword Emperor.

Regrettably, during the ancient war between the Human Race and Demons that swept across the entire continent, the Ancient Sword Emperor, being a paramount figure among humans, could not remain uninvolved. Unfortunately, he perished in the war, and the three volumes of the "Sword Scripture" were naturally lost in the chaos.

"Is there a 'Sword Scripture' here?"

Chu Ming's expression brightened. The "Sword Scripture" was a treasure for any swordsman. If a Sword King in the Life and Death Realm knew of the presence of the "Sword Scripture" here, they would surely seize it, disregarding their reputation.

"There is a volume of the 'Sword Scripture' here, but you have to obtain it yourself."

The Ancient Sword Emperor said calmly.

"What must be done to qualify for the 'Sword Scripture'?"

Even if the Ancient Sword Emperor did not specify, Chu Ming would not naively think that anyone could just acquire the 'Sword Scripture.'

"To obtain the 'Sword Scripture,' you must pass my three trials. I now possess only a remnant of my soul, parasitic on the 'Sword Scripture' to survive, so I can only remain outside for a short time. The first trial is to find the True Sword hidden within the Stone Swords before you within one hour."

Speaking calmly, the Ancient Sword Emperor vanished into thin air as if he had never appeared.

Chu Ming quietly surveyed the multitude of Stone Swords around him, numbering at least tens of thousands. Searching one by one would be a massive undertaking, not to mention that it would take far longer than an hour, possibly even a whole day.

Buzz! Buzz!

In Chu Ming's mind, his Spiritual Sense spread like a tide throughout the entire stone chamber. With his sweeping Spiritual Sense, even ants on the ground could be observed clearly. In just an instant, the entire stone chamber's layout appeared in his mind.

However, to his disappointment, using Spiritual Sense did nothing to distinguish between the Stone Swords and the True Sword since they all looked identical from the outside, all stuck upright in the ground.

Swish!

A flash of inspiration shot through Chu Ming's mind. He placed his right hand on the hilt of the Conjugate Sword and pulled it out forcefully. A terrifying burst of white Sword Light erupted from the Conjugate Sword, tearing through the air.

Slaughter Sword Intent, erupt!

Void Sword Intent, erupt!

Ting ting ting...

Unexpectedly, when the Sword Light collided with the Stone Swords, sparks flew outward like rain, and the strong Sword Light dissipated into nothingness.

It was clear that brute force would not work to destroy the Stone Swords.

Chu Ming stood quietly for a full half-hour before slowly sitting cross-legged. With his mind immersed in the Sea of Souls and Dantian, it was apparent that searching directly was not an option if he was to find the True Sword within an hour.

Since both Spiritual Sense and forceful attacks had failed, the only option left was communication. All things have their own spirit, especially a sword. However, communicating with a sword was no simple task for any swordsman.

As Chu Ming's consciousness completely immersed into the Sea of Souls, everything around him disappeared, plunging him into boundless darkness. This darkness extended to the very end of life itself.

Swish!

As Chu Ming closed his eyes and attempted to communicate with the sword, the Ancient Sword Emperor's remnant soul appeared once again. Watching the cross-legged, closed-eyed Chu Ming, he couldn't help but nod in approval.

The Ancient Sword Emperor, born in the ancient era, had witnessed countless prodigies, including many in the Sword Dao. But Chu Ming's understanding of the Sword Dao could unquestionably rank him in the top three among all those prodigies.

In other words, Chu Ming stood a very good chance of obtaining the 'Sword Scripture' by passing the three trials.

In the dark world, Chu Ming's soul seemed like it was drifting, and he was not in a hurry. Communicating with a sword was a gradual and meticulous process.

Boom!

As the hour deadline approached, a faint light flickered fifty meters to Chu Ming's left, the only brightness in the dark world. This light gradually spread, instantly illuminating the entire world.

"Did I succeed?"

Outside, the Ancient Sword Emperor smiled faintly, his face filled with relief. He had waited here for over two millennia to see the 'Sword Scripture' not buried, and the wait had been excruciatingly long.

Swish!

Chu Ming moved, his body turning into a blur. When he next appeared, a Stone Sword was already in his hand. Furrowing his brows, he injected Spiritual Power into the Stone Sword.

Crack! Crack!

The surface of the Stone Sword gradually cracked, fragmenting as the stone pieces fell to the ground, making a soft rustling sound. Beneath the stone was a silver longsword, its hilt intricately carved with mesmerizing patterns.

"Good sword!"

Chu Ming couldn't help but secretly praise. The quality of this sword surpassed even the Conjugate Sword. It was an Earth Level High Tier Treasure Sword, and from its blade came faint howling sounds of Sword Force, indicating its spiritual nature.

"This sword is called the Star Trace. It was my companion sword in my youth. Since you passed the first trial, I will gift it to you."

At this moment, purple mist gathered, and the Ancient Sword Emperor's remnant soul appeared before Chu Ming, speaking calmly.

"Thank you, senior!"

Bowling with clasped hands, Chu Ming respectfully replied. As a senior in the Sword Dao, the Ancient Sword Emperor deserved his bow.

"As for the Second Layer trial, you must defeat yourself. You have one hour to adjust your state. After one hour, the trial will officially begin."

The Ancient Sword Emperor slowly said before taking a deep, significant look at Chu Ming.

"Understood!"

Chu Ming quietly sat cross-legged, taking out two Middle Grade Spirit Stones from his Storage Ring to recover. He did not think the Ancient Sword Emperor was exaggerating. To obtain the 'Sword Scripture,' one must go through numerous difficulties and dangers.

An hour quickly passed. When Chu Ming slowly opened his eyes, the Ancient Sword Emperor's remnant soul appeared again before him.

"In this trial, if you die, you will truly perish. Are you sure you want to continue?"

The Ancient Sword Emperor's remnant soul asked.

"Absolutely!"

Chu Ming nodded without hesitation. Obtaining the 'Sword Scripture' would greatly enhance his chances of reaching the Life and Death Realm. Without entering the Life and Death Realm, all efforts would ultimately turn into a handful of yellow earth after centuries.

"Good! Then let the Second Layer trial begin now!"

The Ancient Sword Emperor's remnant soul took a deep breath and spoke slowly. As his figure disappeared, the entire space turned into a terrifying darkness.

Swish!

Strands of white light wove in the air, magnificent and profound. To Chu Ming's astonished eyes, these strands slowly merged together, forming a brilliant, dazzling light figure.