Daoling clenched his fists, scanning the surroundings. It seemed there was no danger here.
He licked his lips and took stiff steps forward, eyes fixed on the golden pool. The pool was astonishing, shrouded in swirling green mist, its depths hiding countless drops of treasure liquid. The liquid was golden, entirely different from the ninth floor's essence, yet it emanated the purest primal波动 (waves).
"Is this also Life Essence Liquid, but more advanced?" Daoling marveled. Rumors claimed no one had ever entered the tenth floor—were they true? If so, this pool of essence would spark bloody wars if its existence became known.
Approaching the pool, he felt each golden drop exude a sacred aura. He had no idea how valuable they were or how many there were. Rubbing his hands, he produced a green bamboo. As soon as it appeared, its roots began absorbing the surrounding energy.
"There's so much here. Let the bamboo absorb some—maybe it will transform." He dipped the roots into the pool. The bamboo instantly erupted with dazzling divine light, its entire form trembling with... joy? It was transforming drastically: its green husk split, revealing a pure white shaft that radiated holy waves. The bamboo grew from three segments to six in an instant.
"Incredible." Daoling gaped. The golden energy barely diminished, testament to its potency. As the bamboo greedily absorbed more, another segment sprouted. Then golden runes wrapped around it, and it stopped growing, seemingly satiated.
When Daoling withdrew the bamboo, it emitted no energy, as if asleep. "The energy evolved it. Now it's hibernating—it will be terrifying when it wakes." He excitedly stowed the bamboo in his void bracelet.
He took out a jar and collected all the golden essence—a massive haul, perfect for breaking through realms. With that done, he surveyed the area. His gaze fell on a stone with a small pagoda atop it. As he approached, the single-story pagoda vanished with a tremble.
"Where'd it go?" Daoling's face darkened. He scanned the small space—had it flown away? Reaching the portal, he realized the golden passage's pressure had vanished.
"Not good!" He stomped the ground and dashed out. In the passage, he roared, golden runes covering his arms like a god. With a thunderous pull, he wrenched free an ancient sword—broken into three segments, yet impossibly heavy.
Clutching the broken sword, he raced out. The ninth floor's rules and pressure were also fading. *The pagoda's pressure is dissipating!* he realized. "Retreat!" he shouted. If the pressure vanished, powerhouses outside would notice. Rumors said no one had entered the tenth floor—if the treasure was missing, they'd search everyone. He had to escape.
At the ninth floor's entrance, a woman in golden armor sat cross-legged, a greatsword across her knees. Her eyes snapped open at the sound, two sword qi wisps surging. Seeing Daoling, she frowned, drew her sword, and slashed.
Daoling's face fell. He swung the broken sword, unleashing terrifying sword light that clashed with hers. Jian Xiaoxiao (Sword Whistling) was startled by the sword's power.
"Ah, this treasure is indeed strong." Daoling's eyes lit. The broken sword's value was incalculable. Jian Xiaoxiao attacked again, a golden war goddess, her sword weaving dao patterns. Daoling shattered her strike and bolted.
Jian Xiaoxiao wouldn't let him go. A month ago, he and the purple-haired youth had fled with the essence, leaving her empty-handed. She'd waited a month, stubbornly. Her palm became a blade, crushing the vacuum. Daoling's fist met it, making her hand tremble—she sensed his untapped power.
Then she noticed the passage's pressure had vanished. Watching Daoling flee, she chased—he must be behind this.
"Did a terrifying presence just leave?" A cultivator in seclusion on the eighth floor opened his eyes, puzzled by the overwhelming aura that had just rushed past.
Daoling's scalp prickled as eighth floor pressure faded.
"There he is! Little brat, where do you think you're going? We've waited long enough!"
At the fifth floor entrance, Wu Hongsheng stood flanked by men. Seeing Daoling, he grinned savagely: "Kneel and die! Offending the Martial Hall is suicide!"
"Submit now—no one can save you!" others jeered.
"Deploy the formation—capture him alive," Wu Hongsheng ordered. Nine war spears erupted, unleashing fierce killing intent.
"Terrifying! The Martial Hall brought a formation flag—near the pagoda's energy limit!" onlookers gasped.
Daoling's eyes chilled. He stomped the ground, golden energy surging like a tidal wave. The spears exploded with a hum. In the stunned silence, he punched, shaking the earth, sending a dozen men at the entrance flying, vomiting blood.