Jiang Zuo went inside and discovered a massive grotto. In the center of it was a shallow pool of Blood Water.
In the middle of the Blood Water sat a coffin, and beside it stood four guards that resembled stone statues.
These guards were not human. They had humanoid forms, but with turtle shells on their backs.
A little further ahead was an altar. On the altar rested a Spiritual Talisman, which was likely the Spiritual Position for the owner of the coffin.
"What a solemn burial," Jiang Zuo couldn’t help but comment.
He had never seen anything like this on the Ancient Battlefield.
’A mausoleum on a battlefield? Who could possibly command this much respect?’
’Even the Spiritual Position of a figure like King Qin Wu was casually snatched away by Nangong Sui, so who is this person?’
’Someone with a higher status than King Qin Wu?’
’Or perhaps this person wasn’t even a member of the Human Race?’
Just then, Swordsman Beitian finally struggled through the entrance.
The doorway wasn’t easy to get through. If it weren’t for the considerable experience that came with his Tier Six Cultivation, he might have been barred from entry just like the others.
Indeed, Daoist Crazy Python, Nangong Sui, and the rest were all stuck outside.
Nangong Sui was in disbelief. ’In the past, I could get into any place I wanted. No matter the Restriction, I could always *just* manage to break it, or I would *just* happen to have the right Magical Treasure for the job.’
’But today was different. There was nothing. Not a single thing worked.’
’Forget this door; it was the same for the Magical Treasure Restrictions outside.’
’Not a single lucky break. With so many items and so many Restrictions, there wasn’t a single coincidence.’
’Where was my luck?’
’Where had my good fortune gone?’
’I came here this time and got nothing at all. I’ve been a mere bystander the entire time.’
’This is completely different from all my past expeditions into Secret Realms.’
Daoist Crazy Python said, "We can’t get in. It seems Fellow Daoist Po Xiao never intended to let us inside. We might as well see if we can get our hands on a Magical Treasure or two.
This is our only chance. Once Fellow Daoist Po Xiao comes out, he won’t leave anything for us.
The Magical Treasures here are excellent. Don’t get greedy. Just pick one that suits you and focus all your energy on breaking its restriction.
Fellow Daoist Po Xiao was right. He’s taking everything here."
Daoist Crazy Python and the others were now starting to believe that, given Po Xiao’s mastery over Restrictions, the fact he hadn’t acted against them immediately was a great show of respect.
However, even with this opportunity, there was no guarantee they could actually obtain anything.
Nangong Sui asked, "Why did Fellow Daoist Po Xiao say he was taking everything? Isn’t it supposed to be ’to each their own,’ based on skill?"
Daoist Crazy Python replied, "It is. And by his ability, he gets to take it all. He’s giving us a chance right now, and we still can’t get anything.
What more is there to say?"
Nangong Sui froze.
’Why?’
’Just why?’
For a moment, he felt a colossal shadow looming over him, suppressing everything.
’Luck, strength... beneath this immense shadow, they were all meaningless.’
And that shadow was Po Xiao.
Finally, Nangong Sui raised his hands and stared at them, unable to accept the reality.
’Why? Why is my luck so useless before Po Xiao?’
He refused to believe it. He started searching all over again. ’I will definitely find something. I’ll get a treasure that no one else can!’
Daoist Crazy Python and the others paid no mind to Nangong Sui’s actions. Getting a Magical Treasure was the more pressing matter.
Getting rich in an instant was impossible. The only thing they could do was focus their efforts and steadily work on breaking a single Restriction.
*******
Jiang Zuo stood off to the side, feeling the deathly aura emanating from below.
But unlike at the Qin Celestial Burial Ground, the deathly aura here wasn’t the most dangerous element. The Evil Qi mixed within it was even more perilous, so dense it was almost tangible.
"Fellow Daoist, what is this place?" Swordsman Beitian asked.
Jiang Zuo shook his head. "I don’t know. But if you can fight your way through, you might just comprehend the Northern Celestial Seven Swords."
Swordsman Beitian was taken aback. "Fellow Daoist, what makes you say that?"
Jiang Zuo paid him no mind and started walking forward. "Believe it or not."
"Wait," Swordsman Beitian said, stepping forward ahead of him. "I’m willing to try."
Swordsman Beitian didn’t understand why Jiang Zuo had said such a thing, but he had to seize any hope he could find. Besides, Po Xiao’s insight was extraordinary; it was unlikely he was just toying with him.
As Swordsman Beitian reached the edge of the pool, he could feel the intermingling Evil Qi and deathly aura. Anyone with a slightly lower Cultivation would likely die on the spot.
Jiang Zuo said, "Just try to see what’s written on the Spiritual Position."
Swordsman Beitian felt helpless. He had a feeling Po Xiao was using him as a pawn.
But if he could truly comprehend the Seventh Sword of the North Celestial, then it would be worth it.
The moment Swordsman Beitian tried to move closer, the four guards instantly sprang into action.
Then, they spoke.
The first: "Tres-"
The second: "-pass-"
The third: "-ers"
The fourth: "Die!"
Of the four guards, one drew a saber, one drew a sword, one produced a long spear, and one raised a shield.
The next moment, they all surged toward Swordsman Beitian.
These four guards were also suppressed; all of them possessed only the strength of the Tier Three Peak.
Facing the four of them, Swordsman Beitian showed no fear. He drew his sword and slashed out.
However, the shield-bearer blocked his attack directly. Although the blow knocked the guard back, the other three had already closed in on him with their own attacks.
In that instant, his instinct was to make a tactical retreat.
But Jiang Zuo spoke up. "Once your sword is drawn, do not think of retreat. Retreat is acceptable under normal circumstances, but not during a stage of enlightenment. You cannot fall back a single step. It’s impossible to achieve significant comprehension without facing a desperate plight.
If you want to step into a higher Realm, you must be prepared for death.
Taking even one step back is the same as admitting defeat."
Swordsman Beitian watched the attacks coming at him. He was no fool; this ’no retreat’ mentality seemed like a bullheaded and pointless obsession.
But he also understood a fundamental principle of cultivation: if you do not advance, you fall behind.
’So, must I really face death head-on?’
"A single sword can sunder all things," Jiang Zuo stated.
Swordsman Beitian was instantly knocked back, but he immediately re-engaged the four guards. Any other Tier Three cultivator would have been defeated long ago.
Only Swordsman Beitian was capable of holding them off, even if just for a moment.
"Fellow Daoist Po Xiao, power is not absolute! A single sword cannot sunder all things. You are too naive!" Swordsman Beitian retorted amidst the clash.
Despite his words, he did not retreat an inch.
At most, he was forced back by their blows.
But it wasn’t long before he was struck by a blade. The cut was filled with Evil Qi and was nearly fatal.
If not for his Tier Six Cultivation, Swordsman Beitian would have already collapsed.
Jiang Zuo said, "You lack an invincible heart."
"Fellow Daoist Po Xiao, who decreed that one cannot advance their Realm without an invincible heart?" Swordsman Beitian retorted yet again.
Jiang Zuo: "...Rotten wood cannot be carved."
"Po Xiao! I am over thirteen hundred years old! In my youth, I was a top genius in the Sword Cultivation Lineage. You think *I* am rotten wood?"
"Thirteen hundred years old and only at Tier Six," Jiang Zuo said bluntly. "Are you sure you’re not rotten wood? Enough nonsense. What is your choice?"
"Fellow Daoist Po Xiao, you truly are a child. So naive," Swordsman Beitian said. "I do not have an invincible heart, nor do I have the audacity to sunder everything."
Jiang Zuo watched him in silence, waiting for him to continue.