Chapter 139: Twists and Turns

Gu Xiaoyao realized he was likely trapped in an illusion. If he didn’t break free soon, he’d be swarmed and torn apart by those grotesque human-faced monsters.

He kept reassuring himself to stay calm and think through the situation.

With a fierce resolve, he bit down hard on his tongue. The sharp pain snapped him back to reality in an instant.

As clarity returned, he saw a dozen of those bloodthirsty human-faced monsters surrounding him. Their eyes glinted with greed and murderous intent before they lunged forward, eager for a feast.

“Damn abominations, get lost!” Gu Xiaoyao roared.

A surge of Demi-God Realm power erupted from him, an overwhelming pressure that sent the attacking monsters flying back with brutal force.

“Die, all of you!” With a swift twist of his arm, Gu Xiaoyao brandished both the Extinction Sword and the Skydome Sword.

A barrage of mighty sword energy sliced through the air, cutting down the stunned monsters. Before they could even react, they disintegrated into fine powder and vanished.

The ominous storm clouds above dissipated just as quickly, leaving the Divine Path bathed in clear blue skies and a sense of newfound openness.

Gu Xiaoyao now understood that these so-called human-faced monsters had little real combat strength. Their true danger lay in their ability to bewilder the mind and craft illusions.

They thrived on sowing chaos, striking only when their prey was vulnerable. Cold sweat trickled down his back as he realized how close he’d come to death.

“The higher I climb on this Divine Path, the more perilous it becomes. My spiritual energy is nearly depleted. I doubt I can keep ascending in this state.”

“Fine. I’ll rest for a moment to recover some strength before deciding my next move.”

With that, Gu Xiaoyao sat cross-legged. His two swords hovered beside him, rotating slowly as they stood guard.

………………

Meanwhile, in the Demon Domain.

Lin Mo grew suspicious when no word came from Kasa or the others. Had something gone wrong?

After much deliberation, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

Bringing Murong Qingxue along with the remaining forces of the Demon Race, he launched a massive assault toward the Human Race’s territory.

Seeing the desolate, lifeless expanse of human lands, Lin Mo couldn’t help but feel a rush of exhilaration. He turned to Murong Qingxue with a smug grin.

“Do you see this, Lady Murong? This is the might of my race. To oppose us is to court death!”

Murong Qingxue stared at the once-thriving land, now reduced to a scarred wasteland devoid of life. Rage and sorrow churned within her as she cursed loudly.

“Demons! You vile demons! You’ll pay for this! Let me go—I’ll kill every last one of you!”

Lin Mo sneered. “A young lady like you should be more demure. Besides, I am a supreme God! Who dares to kill me? Who even could?”

“Mmph…”

Lin Mo sealed Murong Qingxue’s mouth with a flick of his hand, leaving her unable to speak. She thrashed desperately, venting her fury through every twist of her body.

Stepping closer, Lin Mo flashed a faint smile. “I wouldn’t dare release your restraints. You’re far too fiery for that.”

“Your ruthlessness nearly turned my Demon Domain upside down. I prefer you like this—quiet and rather pretty, haha.”

“All forces, move out!” Lin Mo turned away, ignoring Murong Qingxue’s futile struggles as he waved his hand to signal the advance.

The Demon Race followed Lin Mo in a grand march, reveling in the scent of victory wherever they passed.

………………

Back on the Divine Path.

Gu Xiaoyao had restored his spiritual energy. With a burst of determination, he surged up to the two-thousandth level. Each step presented a new trial, and he now understood why only one Sword God existed in the world.

The difficulty was staggering. The moment you set foot on the Divine Path, your life no longer belonged to you. Every second demanded vigilance against unseen dangers.

A single lapse in focus could mean death.

If even these lower steps were so treacherous, how formidable must the alien creatures guarding the ten-thousandth level be?

And even if he surpassed those guardians, what lay beyond? He had no idea. All he could do was carve his way forward, though it might all be for naught—or worse, lead to an even greater trap.

After a long while, Gu Xiaoyao paused to steady his mind. Gazing at the steps above, he made a resolute decision.

No matter the dangers ahead, he would ascend and uncover the truth!

As he took a step forward, eerie shrieks echoed around him. The air rippled and trembled with a sudden, unsettling force.

Gripping his twin swords tightly, Gu Xiaoyao braced himself for battle. His eyes darted around, searching for the source of the sound before he bellowed, “Stop hiding and face your death!”

With a flick of his wrist, the Skydome Sword unleashed a wave of sword energy that exploded outward, shaking the very air around him.

Countless bizarre figures were forced into the open by the blast, sprawling across the ground in dense clusters. These were none other than Ghost Face Boars.

Ghost Face Boars, alien creatures resembling wild boars, emitted terrifying cries. They preyed on the weak, their cultivation levels low but their bodies laced with deadly poison. A single touch could be fatal.

Enraged by Gu Xiaoyao’s intrusion, they snarled, “Human, go no further! Become our meal as penance for underestimating us!”

“Filthy beasts, daring to spout such nonsense? It’s you who’ll die!” Gu Xiaoyao’s anger flared as he swung his twin swords with blinding speed.

A streak of sword energy slashed out, shredding a Ghost Face Boar into countless fragments. Strangely, purple blood oozed from the remains, instantly corroding the floor of the level.

Gu Xiaoyao’s heart jolted with shock. He hadn’t expected these creatures to possess such potent corrosive abilities, paired with their bizarre appearance.

His vast experience told him instantly that their poison was lethal. Direct contact could lead to unthinkable consequences.

Wary now, Gu Xiaoyao kept his distance, refusing to let the cursed Ghost Face Boars get even half a step closer. He bombarded them with relentless sword energy.

Unable to close the gap and dwindling in number, the Ghost Face Boars grew furious. “You wretched human, stop being so cowardly! Face us in a real fight if you dare!”

“What are you, insignificant vermin? Death is the only fate you deserve!” Gu Xiaoyao’s retort was sharp as he struck down yet another boar.

“Argh! We’ll kill you! We’ll tear you apart!” Losing all reason, the Ghost Face Boars charged recklessly toward him.

“Noisy pests!” Gu Xiaoyao’s expression darkened. His hands moved like lightning, cutting down the advancing boars one by one until none remained.

The purple liquid from their corpses spread rapidly, corroding the floor with alarming speed. Thick, acrid smoke rose, stinging the air with its toxic intensity.