Volume One: The Misty Immortal Palace Chapter 128: The Sword in the Stone

Chapter 128: The Sword Within the Stone

The speaker was none other than the Purple-Gold Vermilion Fruit Tree. It had been observing Zhou Hao from the very beginning and had noticed that the pitch-black stone sword in his hand was peculiar, emanating a subtle, insidious power that slowly encroached upon the human spirit.

"Senior, the origins of my sword are indeed mysterious. Can you discern anything about it?" Zhou Hao asked humbly.

"The material of your stone sword is unique. It is of the same origin as the 'Subjugation Matter' feared by the Night Palace, but... your sword seems to far exceed the properties of ordinary Subjugation Matter. Even with my experience, I know nothing of it," the Purple-Gold Vermilion Fruit Tree replied.

"Subjugation Matter again. I have consulted various ancient records and texts, but I could never find any clarity on what this substance truly is. Could you enlighten me, Senior?" Zhou Hao asked, frowning.

"Subjugation Matter is indeed profound. I do not fully understand its nature, but I can tell you this: it is not merely the bane of the Night Palace; it is the bane of all Immortals. There is even a more obscure, yet accurate, claim: it is the bane of the Supremes!" the tree said.

"The bane of the Supremes? Do you mean—those beyond the Immortal Lords, those who are 'Enthroned and Titled Supreme'?" Zhou Hao was stunned.

Since ancient times, everyone knew that the cultivation of the Immortals in the Immortal Realm was divided into six realms: Lesser Immortal, Golden Immortal, High Immortal, Great Immortal, Immortal King, and Immortal Lord. But what lay beyond the Immortal Lord? Many were ignorant, often subconsciously assuming that the Immortal Lord was the peak. This misconception was a lingering consequence of the shifting eras.

The Immortals often recited the mantra: "The Supreme is Peerless!" This title itself pointed to the ultimate realm: the Supreme.

Legend has it that the Immortal Realm went through several eras of rise and fall before reaching its current prosperity. In the very first era, beings of the Supreme realm appeared; it was they who established the framework of the Immortal Realm. The mantra of the "Supreme's Peerlessness" had been passed down from that time.

"Enthroned and Titled Supreme"—this was an ancient proverb preserved in some rare, secret manuscripts of the Yunmiao Immortal Palace. Though called a proverb, it was an undisputed fact among the great figures of the Immortal Realm. While the shifting of eras might cause much to be forgotten, the powerful remembered it all too well.

The super-powerful figures who ruled domains sought exactly those words—or rather, the latter four: "Enthroned and Titled Supreme." This meant there were two realms beyond the Immortal Lord: to be "Titled Supreme" and to be "Enthroned." To be "Enthroned" meant to be invested as a Supreme. Since the very first era, no other Supreme had appeared. To be "Titled Supreme" referred to the state of the Supreme itself, also known as the "Supreme of an Age" or "Era Supreme." Before this current era, every era inevitably produced one Supreme to rule over the Immortal Realm and command all under heaven.

Given that the Purple-Gold Vermilion Fruit Tree had mentioned the Supremes, Zhou Hao’s shock was understandable. He had never imagined that the Subjugation Matter involved such an exalted level of existence.

"Subjugation Matter, as the name implies, is a force of restraint. You only know that it can suppress the spells of the Night Envoys, but to my knowledge, it can suppress the spells of all Immortal houses, though not as significantly as it does against the Night Envoys," the tree whispered.

"As for the theory of it being the 'Supreme's bane,' even I do not know the precise meaning. I only know it is not as simple as the literal words suggest. Furthermore, the terror of Supreme-level power is beyond what you or I can imagine. No matter how mysterious the Subjugation Matter is, I doubt it could affect the Supremes themselves. It is simply that all mysteries in this world exist only because you are not strong enough. Once you reach that level, all doubts will cease to exist!"

Zhou Hao nodded, suddenly realizing they had strayed from the topic. He hurriedly asked, "Cough, Senior, we have wandered off. Didn't you say earlier that my sword is largely to blame for fueling my inner demons and malice? How does that work?"

The Purple-Gold Vermilion Fruit Tree was silent for a moment before saying, "If I am not mistaken, your sword itself is not made of Subjugation Matter. This material acts merely as a sheath—but a sheath unlike any other, for it completely encases the blade."

"What? You mean this isn't a stone sword? The stone is just a sheath, and the real sword is sealed inside?" Zhou Hao was dumbfounded.

"I was once a treasured tree in the inner courtyard of the Qingyun Immortal King and was much favored by him. Whenever the King discussed the Dao with friends, he did so in the courtyard, and I overheard many secrets. Much Subjugation Matter seems to attach itself to other objects. Your stone sword is likely Subjugation Matter wrapped around a true blade. Because Subjugation Matter does not actively release energy, it is not the sheath that is harmful to you; it is the sword within that ignites your malice," the tree explained.

"Is there any way to extract the true sword from the stone sheath?" Zhou Hao asked.

"It is difficult. By my conservative estimate, even an Immortal King could not destroy this stone sheath. Without a miracle, this sword within the stone will likely remain trapped forever, never to see the light of day," the tree replied.

"If this sword is fueling my malice, what is the point of me meditating under this tree? Should I just discard it?" Zhou Hao sighed.

"Not at all. The Immortal Dao encompasses all things. While the sword within the stone accelerates your inner demons, it also tempers your fighting spirit, which is essential on the battlefield. However, everything requires balance—too much is as bad as too little! My advice is to practice the method of 'Sheathing the Sword to Cultivate the Intent.' Stop using the sword, and instead focus on cultivating your sword intent. Achieve a state where, without drawing the blade, your sword aura fills the heavens and earth, and every gesture and movement is imbued with sword intent," the tree advised.

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior. I understand." With that, Zhou Hao entered deep meditation. He decided to stop using the stone sword in combat, opting instead to use it to nurture his intent.

Previously, within the "Slaying Void Gourd," Zhou Hao had realized an unstoppable sword intent. He saw the infinite possibilities of the sword path and yearned for that invincible posture where a single sword could command the world. But in the Immortal Realm, so many pursued the sword; finding a new path was the ideal of every swordsman.

Some focused on technique, hoping to create new forms and break through conventions. Others focused on intent, where grass, wood, bamboo, or stone could all serve as swords. They valued intent over form, believing that all things possessed sword intent, and only by reaching an enlightened state could one command the world as a blade. Others pursued the sword-body itself, crafting divine weapons to sweep across the world...

In short, sword cultivation was one of the most popular paths in the Immortal Realm—if not the most popular.

A gentle breeze blew, and the lush, purple-cloud-like canopy of the Purple-Gold Vermilion Fruit Tree shed crystalline leaves that shimmered with spiritual light. Yu Nan, Xiao Shanshan, and the others were already covered in leaves, looking from afar like monks in deep, motionless meditation.

This was their opportunity. Successfully meditating under the Purple-Gold Vermilion Fruit Tree would greatly benefit their future cultivation. Meditation could awaken wisdom, clarify the self, and reveal the mysteries of heaven and earth. In such a state, one might even break through their cultivation realm without realizing it!

Zhou Hao sat beneath the tree, his sword laid across his lap. The black stone sword appeared unremarkable, naturally formed, and it was impossible to tell that a true blade was hidden within.

Zhou Hao opened his eyes, scanning the stone sword repeatedly. Finally, his eyes flashed with golden light, transforming into the "Golden Heavy Pupils," as he attempted to see the blade within.

But it proved futile. Even with his Golden Heavy Pupils, he could not see through this black stone Subjugation Matter. It was as plain as it was mysterious, leaving him helpless.

"To think our bond runs so deep. How many secrets do you still hold? Are you sentient? Have you chosen me as your master in this life?"

"Sigh, never mind. You haven't killed me yet. As long as I live, I will one day uncover all your secrets and find the source of this bond!"

Zhou Hao muttered to himself, shaking his head with a bitter smile. Outsiders could hardly understand his frustration, but he was truly at a loss regarding the sword. Whether in the mortal world or the heavens, he had never grasped its origins. Now, after the tree's explanation, he felt he had even more questions.

For him, becoming stronger was the only way to uncover the secrets of the Sword Within the Stone!

*Boom!*

A tremendous noise erupted. Outside the Purple-Gold Vermilion Fruit Tree, an invisible barrier expanded, flashing with dazzling purple light. Someone was attacking the location with force enough to destroy stars, but the barrier held firm.

"Who goes there?" Zhou Hao’s eyes glowed with golden light as he glared beyond the barrier, intent on seeing the attacker.

Outside the barrier, a dozen savage beasts stood in the void, their presence imposing. A single low growl shattered the clouds in the distance. Seated upon the beasts were figures radiating powerful Immortal energy, the leader clutching a blue orb.