When Lin Xuan entered the Underground Palace, he saw not only the Dragon Pearl but also a peculiar formation of statues. In the center of the palace, nine giant dragon statues were gathered together with a single Dragon Pearl resting atop their heads. The sight was truly extraordinary.

These nine dragon statues might not seem that formidable individually, Lin Xuan mused, but gathered together, they seem to form an extremely terrifying and mysterious power.

Just as Lin Xuan was observing them curiously, the big black dog’s voice rang out, full of disdain. "A measly Dragon Pearl dares to arrange a ’Nine Dragons Guarding One Pearl’ terrain? It truly doesn’t know its own limits."

"Nine Dragons Guarding One Pearl? What’s that? Are you talking about these nine dragon statues?" Lin Xuan asked.

"That’s right. What you see is actually an array called Nine Dragons Guarding One Pearl," the dog explained. "This is an exceedingly powerful array, a Heaven and Earth Grand Array formed by condensing Dragon Dao Power. It possesses incredible might. It can be used for both cultivation and combat; it’s a true Heaven and Earth Array. This array was personally created by the Dragon Emperor himself. How is a mere Dragon Pearl worthy of using it?"

Lin Xuan was utterly shocked. He never expected the ’Nine Dragons Guarding One Pearl’ to have such an extraordinary origin, much less that it would be connected to him. It was an array created by his own ancestor!

While Lin Xuan was conversing with the big black dog, the Earth Dragon Pearl up ahead began to glow with a chaotic light. A deep voice sounded from within it.

"Kid, your luck is truly heaven-defying. To think you managed to acquire the Linglong Jiuxiao Sword is incredible. You used it to break the Vajra Body, didn’t you? I assume that’s the source of your confidence for coming here!

"Kid, I’ll give you one chance to live. Obediently hand over this Divine Sword, and I will let you leave alive. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being impolite."

Lin Xuan stared at the Earth Dragon Pearl and said coldly, "So, you can speak. You must be the Artifact Spirit of the Earth Dragon Pearl."

"It’s not easy to form an Artifact Spirit with wisdom and life, so I’ll show you some leniency," Lin Xuan continued. "Submit to me now. After I’ve absorbed the power of the Earth Dragon Pearl, I’ll set you free. If you dare to resist, don’t blame me when I erase you."

"Hahaha!" the Earth Dragon Pearl’s voice boomed with laughter. "Erase me? You? Kid, do you really think you’re invincible just because you have a Divine Sword? You’re far from it! The Linglong Jiuxiao Sword is indeed unparalleled in power, but unfortunately for you, you’re just a measly Nine-Star Martial General. You can only wield a tenth of its true power. That meager amount of strength is not enough to threaten me. I gave you a way out, but you didn’t cherish it. Don’t blame me for what comes next."

Light burst from the Earth Dragon Pearl, and an Earth Dragon flew out. It was like a draconic mountain range, so immense and heavy that the very air in the chamber grew ponderous. With a wave of its claw, the ground cracked open, and a black mountain peak shot out, charging toward Lin Xuan.

Lin Xuan swung his Divine Sword to meet it.

With a tremendous bang, the Divine Sword struck the black mountain. The peak didn’t shatter. Instead, the Divine Sword became stuck to it.

What’s going on? Lin Xuan was taken aback.

At that moment, the Earth Dragon waved its claw again, and the black mountain flew back, taking the Divine Sword with it.

"Hahaha!" the Earth Dragon laughed triumphantly. "Kid, without your Divine Sword, you’re nothing but an ant. Killing you now would be effortless."

The Earth Dragon loomed over him, looking down from above.

Lin Xuan frowned. What just happened? How could the Linglong Jiuxiao Sword be captured by that black mountain? It’s unbelievable... What on earth is that thing?

"This is the Magnetic Mountain," the big black dog explained. "This type of mountain is formed from condensed Magnetic Stones and can attract any weapon. It’s similar to magnets in the mortal world, but far more powerful. A magnet can only attract iron, but a Magnetic Mountain can attract any kind of weapon."

So that’s what it is! Lin Xuan instantly understood. No wonder the Divine Sword was captured. But it doesn’t matter. I’ll just take it back after I defeat this Earth Dragon.

The Earth Dragon gazed at the Divine Sword with excitement. The legendary Divine Sword! Is it really about to be mine? If I refine it, I’ll be able to control the Linglong Jiuxiao Sword! My strength will soar to new heights!

"Hahaha. Kid, I really must thank you," the Earth Dragon gloated. "Thank you for delivering such a fine Divine Sword to me. In return, I’ll grant you a swift death."

With a wave of its Dragon Claw, the ground beneath Lin Xuan split open, and he fell into the chasm. The earth instantly sealed itself, burying him alive.

"Hahaha!" The Earth Dragon laughed. "Settled." He then prepared to refine the Divine Sword.

BOOM!

Suddenly, the ground shattered, and a figure soared into the sky. It was Lin Xuan. Floating in the void, he surveyed his surroundings and said coldly, "Settle me? It’s not that easy."

"You’re not dead? You’re still alive!" The Earth Dragon’s face was a mask of astonishment as he turned to look at Lin Xuan. "I really underestimated you. I didn’t expect your strength to be so remarkable even without the Divine Sword. It seems you’re a genius capable of fighting across cultivation levels, but so what? No matter how talented you are, how many realms can you possibly cross? I can still kill you with ease."

The Earth Dragon swung its Dragon Claw again. The ground cracked open and a massive hand made of rock erupted, lunging for Lin Xuan.

World-Ending Serpent Fist!

Lin Xuan threw a punch, shattering the rocky hand. Then, his body flickered like lightning as he charged toward the Earth Dragon.

"You’re seeking death!" the Earth Dragon roared in anger. The whelp dared to take the initiative against him. Such arrogance!

This time, instead of forming another rock hand, he attacked himself, his Dragon Claw slashing toward Lin Xuan. Die, kid. This attack was something only a Five-Star Grandmaster could possibly block. No matter how strong this kid is, he can’t possibly have the power of a Five-Star Grandmaster, can he? He definitely won’t be able to block this.

Lin Xuan unleashed his Serpent Fist, which carried a destructive aura, and he charged forward like an unstoppable Fierce Beast. In an instant, his fist collided with the Earth Dragon’s claw.

The impact was deafening, powerful enough to shake the heavens. As their fist and claw met, a thunderous boom erupted, and a destructive storm of energy exploded outward from the epicenter, causing the entire Underground Palace to tremble violently.

Lin Xuan’s figure came to a halt. The Earth Dragon’s claw, however, was thrown back.

How is this possible? The Earth Dragon was utterly shocked. He didn’t just survive, he actually blocked my attack! What a joke! Could this kid really possess the strength of a Five-Star Grandmaster? That’s impossible! Didn’t he only fight across levels before because he had the Divine Sword? Now that he doesn’t have it, how can he still fight across levels? And to jump seven whole realms at that!

"Who in the world are you?" the Earth Dragon asked, its face contorted in shock.

"Who I am is not for you to know. Are you going to submit or not?" Lin Xuan retorted coldly.

"Impudent brat! Don’t think you’re so great just because you can fight seven realms above your level! I am an existence beyond your comprehension!"

The Earth Dragon’s full body finally emerged from the Dragon Pearl. It coiled in the air like a living mountain range, radiating a dense, heavy aura as its icy eyes fixed on Lin Xuan.

"Boy, you have angered me. I will deal with you myself. No matter how strong you are, you are no match for me. Even the Vajra Body couldn’t withstand my attacks."

Although this Earth Dragon’s cultivation was only at the Five-Star Grandmaster level, as the Artifact Spirit of the Earth Dragon Pearl, he was considered among the absolute strongest of his rank. His Physique, in particular, was extremely formidable. Even someone with a Vajra Body, famed for its unparalleled defense, would be no match for him. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Hearing this, Lin Xuan gave a cold smile. "The Vajra Body? What’s so special about that? A defeated foe, not even worth mentioning."

The Earth Dragon snorted. "You only won by relying on the Divine Sword. Without it, how could you possibly defeat the Vajra Body?"

Lin Xuan stated proudly, "Even without the Divine Sword, I can still defeat the Vajra Body! My Physique far surpasses it!"

Lin Xuan cultivated the Ten Thousand Dragon Body, a technique considered a top-tier Divine Body even among the myriad realms of the heavens! A mere Vajra Body was unworthy of mention. In fact, at the Five-Star Grandmaster realm, no one’s Physique could compare to Lin Xuan’s Ten Thousand Dragon Body. This Earth Dragon might be a Five-Star Grandmaster, but no matter how strong he was, he was no match for it.

The Earth Dragon snorted coldly. What nonsense. He refused to believe it. In a contest of Physiques, he thinks he can surpass the Vajra Body? This kid is just blowing hot air. No matter what kind of Physique you have, I can kill you in a single move!