Duan Ling Tian was well aware of why his strength was comparable to a Seven Tribulation Bodiless Celestial at this moment. It was all thanks to the Supreme Sword Dao Mental Cultivation Method Sovereign Heart Sword, the assist-type Divine Ability, the Elementary Devouring Tactic, that was extraordinary even in Devata Realms, and the Celestial Sword.
Although the Sovereign Heart Sword was extraordinarily powerful, it was a martial tactic, not an offensive Divine Ability. Therefore, if Duan Ling Tian managed to obtain an offensive Divine Ability from a Devata Realm, he could master it without worrying that it would conflict with the Sovereign Heart Sword. However, the offensive Divine Ability would still have to somewhat complement the Sovereign Heart Sword. Otherwise, it's strength would be greatly reduced or it might even fail to raise Duan Ling Tian's strength.
Duan Ling Tian thought to himself excitedly, 'If I'm able to obtain a sword-type offensive Divine Ability, it'll definitely complement the Sovereign Heart Sword. My strength will definitely rise if I can master it!'
Currently, his strength was comparable to a Seven Tribulation Bodiless Celestial when he unleashed all his strength and techniques in his arsenal. However, if he managed to master a sword-type offensive Divine Ability from the Devata Realms, his strength would probably rise to a level comparable to an Eight Tribulation Bodiless Celestial!
Duan Ling Tian continued to think to himself excitedly, 'If I can also successfully master the Heart Sword Amalgamation, the fifth stage of the Sovereign Heart Sword, then my strength would be equivalent to a Nine Tribulation Bodiless Celestial!' However, he calmed down after he thought to himself again, 'However, I don't think I'll be able to completely master the Heart Sword Amalgamation before ascending to a Devata Realm.' He had tried comprehending the Heart Sword Amalgamation, the fifth stage of the Sovereign Heart Sword, but there was something missing that caused him to be unable to comprehend it.
Shortly after, Duan Ling Tian shifted his attention to the underground palace. 'Anyway, it would be great if I'm able to obtain a sword-type offensive Divine Ability from the heaven-rank treasure vault that Li Bai, the Green Lotus Sword Celestial, left behind!'
On the other hand, upon hearing Zhang Yi's words, Liu Xia's expression had remained calm while joy filled Han Xue Nai's face. Han Xue Nai did not expect the heaven-rank treasure vault would also contain Divine Abilities from the Devata Realms and Celestial Supreme Treasures.
"Let's enter!" Duan Ling Tian promptly spoke as three pairs of eyes turned to look at him. Then, he took the lead and entered the underground palace. Han Xue Nai and the others followed closely behind him.
Duan Ling Tian was the pillar of the group. If Duan Ling Tian did not take the lead, they would not have dared to recklessly enter the heaven-rank treasure vault.
As soon as Duan Ling Tian and his companion passed through the doors of the palace, the entire place flashed and changed completely. They did not even have a chance to take a clear look at their surroundings before it changed.
"Hm?" Duan Ling Tian raised an eyebrow. It seemed like he was no longer in the palace. They were outdoors and a swamp could be seen. The entire place was eerie and gloomy.
"Did we activate an Illusory Formation when we entered this place?" Han Xue Nai asked after she recovered from her shock. She moved closer to Duan Ling Tian. Although she was powerful as well, she was still unsettled by the dark and eerie swamp. Moreover, this was a heaven-rank treasure vault left behind by a Great Overarching Golden Celestial. She did not dare to underestimate the danger that lurked in here.
All four of their expressions were solemn when a familiar voice rang in the air again.
"There are a total of nine challenges in this heaven-rank treasure vault that I left behind… You will gain something of mine every time you make it through three challenges..."
Liu Xia cried out, "That's the Green Lotus Sword Celestial's voice!" She looked around warily, as though searching for a fifth person.
Li Bai's voice rang in the air again. "After the third challenge, the reward would be a Celestial Supreme Treasure. After passing the sixth challenge, the reward is a Divine Ability. And, when you pass all nine challenges, you'll be rewarded with a jade token that contains the recording of my comprehension on the Sword Dao in the past 1,000 years."
Everyone's eyes, Duan Ling Tian, in particular, lit up when they heard Li Bai's words.
Divine Ability! There's Divine Ability in this heaven-rank treasure vault! Li Bai was a Sword Celestial. There was a high possibility that the Divine Ability he left behind was a sword-type Divine Ability! Duan Ling Tian's heart thumped in his chest wildly. It took him a long time before he managed to calm down. He thought to himself, "The Green Lotus Sword Celestial said he also left behind his comprehension of the Sword Dao. This should count as his inheritance or legacy as well, right?' Li Bai's comprehension of the Sword Dao should be his legacy just like how the Sovereign Heart Sword was Feng Qing Yang's legacy.
After a while, Duan Ling Tian turned to Zhang Yi and asked, "Do you know anything about this?"
"I forgot to mention it earlier. In a heaven-rank treasure vault, apart from Celestial Supreme Treasures and Divine Abilities, there was also another thing. It's a minor legacy or inheritance from a Great Overarching Golden Celestial," Zhang Yi quickly responded to Duan Ling Tian's question.
"A minor legacy or inheritance? Didn't you say this place wouldn't contain the inheritance of Li Bai, the Green Lotus Sword Celestial?" Duan Ling Tian was puzzled.
"The minor legacy or inheritance is left for those who have fate with the Great Overarching Golden Celestial. If they managed to meet the Celestial after ascending to a Devata Realm, they would only be considered as a nominal disciple. Only those who comprehended and mastered the true inheritance from a Great Overarching Golden Celestial would be acknowledged as a true disciple," Zhang Yi explained patiently, "However, that's not to say it's useless. It would still be slightly useful."
With Zhang Yi's explanation, Duan Ling Tian had a clearer understanding of the situation now. He thought the minor legacy of a Great Overarching Golden Celestial was negligible. Knowing this, he completely lost interest in Li Bai's comprehension of the Sword Dao.
Currently, Duan Ling Tian had focused all his attention on passing the sixth challenge since the reward would be a Divine Ability from a Devata Realm. Moreover, there was a high possibility that it was a sword-type offensive Divine Ability.
Suddenly, Zhang Yi cried out in alarm, "It is coming!"
Duan Ling Tian returned to his senses immediately and heard the soft sound of something bubbling. After a look around his surroundings, he and companions discovered the swamp was bubbling like lava.
"The energy waves are really powerful…" The energy from the swamp caused Han Xue Nai, Zhang Yi, and Liu Xia to feel depressed.
Duan Ling Tian was the only one who seemed unaffected by the energy waves.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The sound of wind whistling in the air suddenly sounded from all directions. Then, water from the swamp began to boil over as numerous giant swords appeared. The swords looked dull as though they were made of stone. They moved fairly slowly as they left the swamp. However, as soon as they completely got out of the swamp, they were no longer slow nor did they look clunky. They seemed as light as a feather and as fast as lightning!
At this moment, tens of thousands of giant swords flew out of the swamp, all aimed at Duan Ling Tian and his companions.
Xiu! Xiu! Xiu! Xiu! Xiu!
Numerous swords' cries rang in the air as they flew toward Duan Ling Tian and his companions, ready to kill them.