Chapter 845: Advanced stage level 2 sword concept

Max then took out the Sword Energy Snow Lotus from his storage ring. Since he was already in a secluded cave, safely hidden and shielded by Eternal Bulwark, he figured he might as well continue pushing his strength even further. There was no point in wasting such a rare opportunity for uninterrupted cultivation.

He looked at the lotus in his hand—a stunning white-blue flower that shimmered with a faint sword glow. The petals were translucent like ice crystals, yet sharp like blades, radiating a cold sword intent that made even the surrounding air feel like it could slice skin.

Without any hesitation, Max brought the Sword Energy Snow Lotus to his lips and swallowed it down.

The effect was immediate and brutal.

A bone-chilling wave of energy exploded inside him, coursing through his meridians like a glacier crashing through a valley. His whole body froze from the inside. Max clenched his jaw as he felt his internal organs stiffen, his blood slow, and even his thoughts began to lag as if his very mind had been sealed in frost.

But within that deadly cold, a pure and wild sword concept surged like a raging blizzard, crashing against the walls of his consciousness with every pulse of his heart. His body had become a beacon of sword energy and frost—one that cut into him with every breath.

’This cold is the worst...’ Max gritted his teeth. His limbs felt like blocks of ice, his chest burned with each attempt to circulate energy, and even his six senses—sight, hearing, smell—had dulled, frozen in time.

But he knew he couldn’t use his flame concept to dispel the cold. That would also drive out the sword concept hiding within the frosty torment. The Sword Energy Snow Lotus worked by embedding the sword concept in the chilling energy. To keep the sword intent, he had to endure the pain.

So Max endured.

Fortunately, his body wasn’t like before. With 700 Draconic Essences flowing through his blood and the Dragon Scales Transformation enhancing his physique, his regenerative power had reached monstrous levels.

While the frost continued freezing him from within, his body healed slowly but steadily—repairing itself in real-time even as it was injured. Using this resilience as his anchor, Max closed his eyes and began meditating, diving deep into the core of the sword concept that roared within his body like an arctic storm.

Time passed.

An hour. Two. Then ten. He spent a full day in that ice-and-sword storm, silently comprehending, his mind sharpened like a blade, his soul carving through the understanding of the path of the sword.

When he finally opened his eyes, his skin was pale and lightly steaming, but the frost had melted away. Warmth returned to his limbs and clarity to his gaze.

"Advanced stage level 2 sword concept..." Max whispered, a hint of excitement and joy mixing in his voice. He clenched his fists, feeling the refined sharpness in every movement of his body. "Just one more step... and I’ll reach level 3."

His breathing steadied, but the hunger in his eyes flared again.

"Now if only I could break through to Champion Rank," Max muttered, his voice firm with determination as he looked out of the cave into the scarlet sky of the volcanic realm. "This place is filled with treasures, herbs, and opportunities. I refuse to believe I can’t find a way to break through in here." His eyes glinted. He had come too far to stop now.

With the blazing volcanic region behind him, Max soared through the skies without a clear destination in mind, letting his instincts guide him. The oppressive heat gave way to fresher winds, and a day later, he arrived at a sprawling jungle.

The moment he stepped into its territory, he noticed how dense and alive the forest was—thick shrubs tangled together, vines coiling like snakes around massive trunks, and the air was thick with moisture, making every breath feel like inhaling mist.

Despite the chaotic growth, there was an odd tranquility, broken only by the distant calls of birds and the occasional rustle of small creatures skittering through the underbrush.

Deeper into the jungle, the trees gradually gave way to a clearing that opened up to reveal a stunning sight. A massive lake stretched from east to west, easily spanning dozens of miles in length.

It was shaped like a crescent moon, and its surface gleamed under the soft light filtering through the canopy above, hence the name—Mirror Moon Lake. The water shimmered like polished silver, disturbed only by the gentle breeze that sent ripples across its surface.

On the shores, wild grass swayed and birds chirped cheerfully. Overhead, ospreys glided in lazy arcs before diving with grace to pluck fish from the lake below. The scene was calm, almost surreal, a quiet sanctuary untouched by the violent chaos of the secret domain.

Max cautiously surveyed the area. Finding no immediate threats, he released a faint breath and activated his green soul. His aura vanished instantly, cloaking him in a veil of near-perfect concealment.

With cautious eyes, he slipped into the lake silently, disappearing beneath the surface like a shadow.

Unbeknownst to him, a pair of eyes had been watching from the opposite side of the lake. Deep within the thick reeds, two figures crouched, hidden from view.

One of them, an ugly young man with a low forehead, bulbous nose, and beady eyes, clenched his fists in frustration. His rough voice broke the stillness. "Brother, why did you stop me from killing that guy just now?"

Beside him stood a stark contrast—an elegant young man clad in a silver shirt. His face was like it had been sculpted from jade—snowy skin, narrow fox-like eyes, and a perpetual smile resting on his lips. Calm and calculating, he replied without turning his head. "Don’t be rash, Junior Brother Nico. He may appear to be only at the peak of Master Rank, but use your brain. To survive this long and reach a place like Mirror Moon Lake? He’s not as simple as he looks."

Nico blinked, then frowned, realization creeping across his ugly face. "You mean... he’s hiding his real strength?"

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay