"The oppressive pressure here is incredibly potent!"
Deep within the Xuan Feng Forbidden Zone, Li Xuan's bloodline surged at a high speed. Yet, the terrifying pressure left him with lingering fear. Fortunately, Shi Hongyi and Xi Chuyun had not followed, otherwise the pressure here would have instantly torn them asunder.
"Little Master, the power of that spirit sword is being suppressed by three other forces, and it seems the suppression has intensified," the Heavenly Dao Brush's voice echoed in Li Xuan's mind as soon as he spoke.
There was clearly a hint of urgency in its tone. After all, Li Xuan's objective was this sword, and any damage to it would be detrimental to him.
"I understand," Li Xuan nodded immediately. Then, his expression shifted, and his gaze landed on a mountain peak not far away.
This mountain peak was exceptionally majestic, its summit soaring into the clouds like a straight sword. The waves of sword intent emanated precisely from this peak.
Beyond that, Li Xuan also sensed three distinct, invisible forces suppressing this mountain. The strength of these forces surpassed anything Li Xuan had ever witnessed.
"Could the spirit sword be within this mountain?" Sensing this, Li Xuan's mind stirred, and a faint halo instantly enveloped his body.
As this halo appeared, Li Xuan felt the pressure significantly reduce. Had Xuan Yi Xian and others been present, they would have immediately recognized this halo as the manifestation of a perfected Sword Domain!
During his five years of secluded cultivation, though Li Xuan wasn't aware of the exact passage of time, his comprehension had grown daily. Furthermore, he had initially integrated the power of formations and laws into his own swordsmanship.
Combined with the Layered Sword Technique, Li Xuan's full-power strike now possessed an exceedingly terrifying might.
Feeling the benefits of the Sword Domain halo, Li Xuan also showed a hint of relief. If Xi Chuyun hadn't advised him to challenge the Purgatory, he might not have perceived the function of the power of laws.
Without this Sword Domain halo, it would have been very difficult for Li Xuan to enter the depths of the Xuan Feng Forbidden Zone relying solely on his own strength.
Li Xuan glanced around and then continued on foot towards the mountain peak. Since entering the Xuan Feng Forbidden Zone, Li Xuan had discovered that his divine sense was unable to perceive anything in the high altitudes.
Clearly, there was a restriction above, making it impossible to fly. Now, less than a mile from the mountain peak where the spirit sword's aura emanated, Li Xuan's speed increased once more.
A few minutes later, looking at the mountain peak before him, Li Xuan felt a hint of excitement. After such a long journey, he had finally found the location of the spirit sword.
At this moment, Li Xuan didn't need to meditate to sense the spirit sword's aura; he could feel the sense of joyous anticipation emanating from the mountain peak. It was like meeting an old companion after a long separation, a shared understanding with a single glance.
"This level of existence is indeed no less than a Dao Sword," Li Xuan muttered, then looked up towards the summit.
When he was far away, Li Xuan couldn't discern what those three invisible forces were. But now, standing at the foot of the mountain, the three forces revealed themselves upon contact with Li Xuan's Sword Domain halo.
Three beams of light, one black, one white, and one azure, coiled around the mountain peak, continuously releasing wisps of light towards it. The light formed a dense, spiderweb-like pattern, tightly entangling the mountain. Apart from the base, there wasn't a single empty space.
"Little Master, these three powers of rules seem to be the rule powers of this Saint Yuan Continent. It appears that the emergence of this sword has had a significant impact on the Saint Yuan Continent. Hence, these three rule powers have acted autonomously to confine the sword here."
"However, this sword's power is not to be underestimated. Currently, this sword and these three rule powers are in a stalemate. But this sword is, after all, a spirit weapon, and after so many years, its consumption is also extremely great."
"If another ten years pass, this sword will likely be erased by these three rule powers."
As soon as Li Xuan saw the three beams of light, the Heavenly Dao Brush's voice echoed in his mind.
With its vast experience, the Heavenly Dao Brush naturally recognized what these three rule powers were. Moreover, being a spiritual treasure itself, it had a clearer understanding of the sword's current predicament.
"Little Brush, what are these three rule powers? And what must I do to obtain this sword?" Li Xuan immediately asked upon hearing this.
The power of rule, it could be said, was the master of a realm. If one wasn't careful, they might even perish here.
"These three rule powers are the Rule of Time, the Rule of Night, and the Rule of Day. These three rules can collectively be referred to as the Rules of Order. Wherever a force emerges that threatens the world, these Rules of Order will suppress it to maintain the balance of the entire world."
As soon as Li Xuan finished speaking, the Heavenly Dao Brush's voice responded.
"Rules of Order… Little Brush, what is the difference between these Rules of Order and the Heavenly Dao?" Li Xuan nodded slightly and then asked curiously.
"The Rules of Order, to put it simply, are the rules that maintain the operation of this world and protect it from destruction by external factors. Every realm has its own Rules of Order. As long as a power that can influence the world appears, these Rules of Order will act."
"And the Heavenly Dao transcends these Rules of Order. Although the Rules of Order are powerful, before the Heavenly Dao, they are like mere bubbles."
Li Xuan was greatly shocked. He had initially thought that the Rules of Order were similar to the Heavenly Dao, but he never expected them to be so different.
At this moment, Li Xuan finally understood. The Heavenly Dao senior he encountered on the Hunyuan Continent must have possessed the power to suppress the Demon Lord. As for why he didn't do so, it was likely because the Demon Lord was an inherent part of the Hunyuan Continent.
Furthermore, there might have been limitations imposed by the Heavenly Dao itself.
"I originally thought mastering the Sword Domain halo was a great accomplishment, but I didn't expect these rule powers to be so formidable. Truly, cultivation knows no time; there are always people better than you and mountains beyond mountains," Li Xuan said with a wry smile, his gaze returning to the three rule powers atop the peak.
"Little Master, do not be discouraged. For the Young Master to have cultivated to this extent in such a short period is already extraordinary. Moreover, you have now comprehended the Sword Domain halo, and in time, you will surely reach the pinnacle."
The Heavenly Dao Brush paused and continued, "However, the current Rules of Order are locked in a stalemate with this sword, which is the opportune moment for you to enter the mountain. Once this sword is taken away, these Rules of Order will also disappear. If you delay, there may be unforeseen complications."
Listening to the Heavenly Dao Brush, Li Xuan's eyes cleared. He then nodded and, with a thought, punched the mountain peak before him. With a single punch, a crack spread rapidly. In an instant, a narrow, elongated fissure appeared in front of Li Xuan.
Li Xuan glanced at it, then strode into the fissure.