As I stepped onto the fourth level, the familiar chime of the system echoed in my mind.
Ding!
Scenario Mission Activated.
Mission: Find the Fourth Sword
Reward:
• 5000 XP
• Unknown Token
Hint: The Fourth Sword, Sword of Immortal Wood, lies within 100 meters.
My heart stirred with anticipation. "So… the fourth sword is here."
I stepped into the glowing formation at the center of the floor. In an instant, the world twisted.
Darkness swallowed everything. Again, an illusion.
But this one… was different. Deeper. Stronger.
Even with my sword spirit aiding me, it took one full day to shatter the illusion. I emerged breathless, sweat trailing down my brow.
"Hah… this is getting scarier by the floor."
Just as I steadied myself, the ground trembled. Seven enormous beast shadows leapt forth, snarling and drooling. Their pressure was suffocating—4th-rank low-tier beasts.
I activated Wind Steps, blurring my figure, and struck with Inferno Slash – First Form. Blazing flames carved the battlefield as I spun through them like a storm.
Ding!
You killed 4th-rank low-tier Beast – XP Gained: 3200
… (repeated 7 times)
Current XP: 70,510
I chuckled. "That's a lot of XP."
No time to rest—I pressed forward, ascending the spiral staircase. But as soon as I placed my foot on the first step—
BOOM!
An immense, invisible pressure slammed down on my body. My limbs locked. My breath caught.
I dropped to one knee. "W-What is this…?"
Ding!
Host, this is the pressure of the Sword. If you wish to surpass it, pay 20,000 XP.
I gritted my teeth. "Damned system… fine! Take it—I can't move another step like this!"
Ding!
20,000 XP deducted.
Current XP: 50,510
The crushing weight vanished, like a boulder had been lifted off my back. I staggered up the steps, panting.
"What the hell was that…"
Finally, I reached the fifth floor, but the moment I entered, the world around me shifted again.
Warm sunlight.
A wooden house.
A familiar smell.
"Where…?"
"Zhen Huan, come here!" a soft voice called behind me.
I turned. "M-Mom?"
There she stood—gentle eyes, warm smile. The breakfast table was set.
I sat down. The food smelled just like childhood.
But unease twisted in my gut.
"Mom… I don't know what's happening. This… this doesn't feel real."
Her smile turned strange. "What are you saying? Of course it's real, my son."
The air turned cold. Her voice—warped.
Suddenly, my sword appeared beside me, its voice echoing in my head.
"Master! This is an illusion! Break free!"
Pain exploded in my skull.
My mind tore between two worlds.
"I… I don't know what's real anymore—AAAHHHH!"
With a roar, I released a wave of fearful aura, energy lashing out wildly. The illusion shattered like glass. I collapsed to one knee.
"Dammit… this is getting worse."
From the corners of the now-ruined chamber, six massive beasts emerged, their eyes burning red.
4th-rank mid-tier.
"System—how long was I in that illusion?"
Ding!
Ten days.
I clenched my fists. "Ten days?! This is going to be harder than I thought."
No time to waste. I dashed forward with Wind Steps, then raised my blade.
"Inferno Slash—Second Form!"
A sweeping fire wave erupted from my sword, brighter and hotter than before. It carved across the battlefield like a divine judgment, tearing through even the chamber walls. The beasts didn't stand a chance.
Ding!
You killed 4th-rank mid-tier Beast – XP Gained: 3500
… (repeated 6 times)
Current XP: 71,519
"System," I said, "how many breakthroughs can I make?"
Ding!
Host, seven breakthroughs available.
"Just give me two for now."
Ding!
18,100 XP deducted.
*Current XP: 53,419
Breakthrough successful: Nascent Soul – 2nd Layer
A warm energy surged through me. My meridians widened, spirit energy surged, and power pulsed through every cell.
I stood tall, eyes glowing. "Good… I'll need this strength for what's next."