Chaotic Sword God Chapter 3942: Slipping Away with a Decoy

The Ancestor of the Clear and Cloudy had been disintegrated into nothingness, yet the gloom covering this territory did not vanish immediately. However, as the sword Qi from the Divine Sword of the Heavenly Star radiated outward, a significant portion of the oppressive darkness was cleansed away.

Rather than departing, the Divine Sword of the Heavenly Star rotated mid-air. It pulsed with a blinding starlight, appearing as though it wielded the collective power of a myriad of stars. Once more, it tore through the shadows.

The intensity unleashed by the Divine Sword of the Heavenly Star this time surpassed even the strike that ended the Ancestor of the Clear and Cloudy. Space shattered into fragments in its wake, and even the very laws of the world seemed to be severed by its edge.

In a flash, the domain darkened by the Ancestor of the Clear and Cloudy’s secret technique was completely demolished by the Divine Sword of the Heavenly Star’s strike. Every bit of matter and energy within that space was annihilated before the sword's might.

Without lingering any further, the Divine Sword of the Heavenly Star streaked across the sky, flying back into the grasp of Xing Caijian.

By the time it reached her, the artifact had retracted its radiance and pressure. It now resembled a perfectly ordinary weapon.

Xing Caijian used the rough fabric to wrap the Divine Sword of the Heavenly Star once more, cradling it in her arms as she had done before. With an indifferent tone, she remarked, “The Seventh Heavenly Layer expert is dead. Seniors, there is no longer a need for you to follow me.”

Behind her, the assembled Immortal Exalts stared at the sovereign god artifact in her arms, their hearts trembling with fear.

“Princess Caijian, has that Seventh Heavenly Layer expert t-t-truly perished?” A Third Heavenly Layer Immortal Exalt stuttered, forcing himself to speak.

Even now, some harbored doubts, finding it difficult to accept that a Seventh Heavenly Layer Immortal Exalt had actually manifested within the Skyscraping World.

To these early-stage Immortal Exalts, the Seventh Heavenly Layer was a realm far beyond their reach. Such figures were supreme beings who dictated the destiny of entire organizations, regardless of where they resided.

Had such a legendary figure truly fallen without them even catching a glimpse of his face?

The situation felt entirely surreal to them all.

Xing Caijian ignored their presence. Clutching the Divine Sword of the Heavenly Star and holding the seed of ways, she walked away without a second glance. Her figure soon faded from their sight.

No one dared to pursue her. Even as she walked away with the seed of ways, not a single person spoke up to stop her. The terrifying power displayed by the Divine Sword of the Heavenly Star had left them thoroughly intimidated.

In fact, they couldn't help but remember how protective Xing Caijian had been toward Yang Yutian since they entered the Skyscraping World.

Initially, many had looked down on her behavior, doubting she possessed the strength to fulfill her promises. But now that the secret of the Divine Sword of the Heavenly Star was out, who would dare challenge her if she used that sovereign god artifact to shield Yang Yutian?

......

…

At that moment, near the base of the mountain, an Immortal Monarch sat beneath a stone tablet etched with the Way of the Sword. He appeared to be deep in meditation, contemplating the mysteries of the blade.

Slowly, he opened his eyes, revealing a gaze as profound and vast as the firmament. Anyone looking into them would feel as though their soul was being pulled into an abyss.

“The Divine Sword of the Heavenly Star possesses terrifying power, just as the legends suggest. It is, after all, a complete sovereign god artifact. Even at my peak, I would likely have no choice but to retreat before such an invincible, destructive force…”

“Fortunately, my Divine Sect of Ancient Souls possesses an extraordinary heritage. Anyone else in that situation would have certainly met their end,” the Immortal Monarch murmured to himself.

A moment later, he looked around at his surroundings, a trace of exhaustion hidden deep within his eyes.

“The daughter of the Chaotic Star Heavenly Emperor can utilize the formations here to scan the Skyscraping World. Among those who entered, few could hope to hide from such high-level arrays. However, I have already assumed a new identity. So long as I do not reveal myself, she will view me as a mere Immortal Monarch, even if she searches the world again…”

The Immortal Monarch stood up. Eschewing the use of laws, he moved using only his cultivation base, walking away at a steady, measured pace.

This man was the Ancestor of the Clear and Cloudy from the Divine Sect of Ancient Souls.

While the Divine Sword of the Heavenly Star had pulverized his physical form, he had utilized a supreme secret technique at the final moment to let his soul escape. He had possessed an Immortal Monarch, leaving his original body behind as a sacrificial decoy to facilitate his disappearance.

“A recovery sovereign god artifact is simply too valuable. A small sacrifice is a fair price to pay for it. I cannot match the Divine Sword of the Heavenly Star in a direct clash, but it is a weapon of war meant for combat. I simply need to stay out of its way for now…”

Meanwhile, on the mountain slope, Jian Chen remained concealed, wearing the Divine Armour of Heavenflight and the mask of the Illusionary Daemon race. He sat on the ground, leaning against a tree, his mind filled with heavy thoughts.

Though he had escaped the unknown expert, he had lost the white jade lamp—a vital trump card—and the seed of ways.

His pursuit of the seed of ways had cost him far more than he had gained.

Inside him, the Source of Life was complaining. It had endured the combined might of dozens of Immortal Exalts and then faced the relentless assault of a Seventh Heavenly Layer expert. These trials had severely drained its power.

He could eventually find a way to restore the Source of Life. As for the lost seed of ways, he felt confident he could eventually seize it back.

The real issue was the Seventh Heavenly Layer expert lurking in the shadows, which forced Jian Chen to remain in hiding.

The Skyscraping World was a confined space. If that expert found him again, Jian Chen had no certainty that he could escape a second time.

“” Jian Chen reached a difficult conclusion.

But just as he made his decision, his eyes narrowed. He stared intently toward the end of the mountain trail.

A powerful sword intent was approaching. Jian Chen recognized it instantly; it was the distinct aura of the seed of ways.

Moments later, a familiar silhouette emerged from the dense fog.

It was Xing Caijian.

She carried the Divine Sword of the Heavenly Star and held the seed of ways in her left hand. Stopping near where Jian Chen was hidden, she scanned the area. “Show yourself. I know you are here.”

Jian Chen deactivated the Divine Armour of Heavenflight and stepped into view. His wounds had already healed, and he had changed into fresh blue robes, looking as if he had never been injured at all.

“It seems the concealment of the Divine Armour of Heavenflight is useless against your eyes,” Jian Chen said with a soft sigh.

“At least you’re alive. I was worried for nothing.” Seeing him standing there healthy, Xing Caijian let out a sigh of relief. Her concern wasn't for Jian Chen as an individual, but for the significance of his identity.

“Take the seed of ways. Refine it right here. I will personally stand guard for you.” Without hesitation, Xing Caijian tossed the seed of ways toward him.

Jian Chen was stunned as the seed of ways flew back into his hands. Despite regaining the item, he felt no joy. Instead, a complex mix of emotions stirred within him.

There was a vast difference between seizing an opportunity through one's own efforts and having it handed over by someone else.

To obtain this, he had paid a massive price and even risked exposing a sovereign god artifact.

And yet, Xing Caijian was simply giving it back to him without asking for anything in return?

“The Seventh Heavenly Layer expert who chased you has been eliminated by Senior Heavenly Star. You have nothing left to fear. Quickly, refine the seed of ways,” Xing Caijian prompted him.