C96 Nine Palace Locking Sun Array(1)

Seeing the swordsman pull out a Heaven Shaking Thunder Bead, Woo Zhengyang's expression shifted slightly. In this land, where spiritual artifacts are scarce, the Heaven Shaking Thunder Bead is renowned. Much like the Hidden Heaven Bag, which, despite not being of high grade, is as valuable as a top-tier treasure. The Heaven Shaking Thunder Bead itself is a mid-grade treasure, with power comparable to a mid-grade spiritual artifact.

For a Martial Disciple to possess a Heaven Shaking Thunder Bead is akin to holding a life-saving charm, and even seasoned warriors would think twice before provoking them. Thus, the Heaven Shaking Thunder Bead is more precious than the Hidden Heaven Bag. Being a one-time attack artifact, very few make their way into this region, and even fewer remain, making them far rarer than the Hidden Heaven Bag.

It was unexpected for the swordsman to have a Heaven Shaking Thunder Bead. Woo Zhengyang, though physically robust, was still at the Martial Disciple level and couldn't withstand the explosive force of the bead. As the swordsman activated the Heaven Shaking Thunder Bead, the three from the Profound Heaven Sect and another sect were equally shocked, fleeing without a backward glance to avoid the blast.

Woo Zhengyang also dared not be careless. However, noticing the three leaving, an idea sparked in his mind. He pulled out nine blood-red triangular flags, which were the Array Flags from Gongyang Qiusheng's Hidden Heaven Bag.

Nine array flags positioned themselves around the swordsman.

"This..." The swordsman's expression shifted suddenly upon seeing the flags.

This guy's combat skills are already impressive. Could he also be a master of arrays? No way, it's probably just a basic array he stumbled upon.

"Nine Palaces Locking Array!" Woo Zhengyang murmured as the array activated.

Hearing the name, the swordsman's face turned grim. It definitely didn't sound like a basic array.

Soon, the swordsman confirmed his suspicions.

As the array began to operate, he felt a strange force immobilizing him, as if he were frozen.

At this moment, even moving a finger was a struggle, let alone throwing the Heaven Shaking Thunder Bead.

"Ah..."

Using all his strength, the swordsman could only let out a frustrated roar, unable to move, watching helplessly as the Heaven Shaking Thunder Bead exploded in his hand...

"Boom..."

With a thunderous explosion, the entire area was engulfed in a blinding white light, the energy of the world in turmoil, and the Nine Palaces Locking Array was shattered.

Woo Zhengyang had anticipated his own limitations; the array flags were ordinary items, unable to unleash the full potential of a powerful array.

So, after immobilizing the swordsman, Woo Zhengyang quickly retreated. Even so, he was caught by the residual force of the Heaven Shaking Thunder Bead, tumbling back several yards before coming to a stop.

In the center of the stone platform, there was nothing left but a pile of charred ashes.

"What happened..." A disciple from the Profound Heaven Sect, after confirming he was unharmed following the loud explosion, turned to assess the situation. To his surprise, Woo Zhengyang stood there unscathed, while the person who had used the Heaven Shaking Thunder Bead was nowhere to be seen.

"How did he do that... That's incredible!" The disciple next to Lee Yunsheng was equally stunned. It was hard to believe that Woo Zhengyang had managed to evade the Heaven Shaking Thunder Bead, something even those at the Martial Master Stage wouldn't dare to confront head-on, without a scratch.

Woo Zhengyang had no interest in answering their questions. He walked over to the spot where the Heaven Shaking Thunder Bead had exploded. The immense power had left no trace of the sword-wielder, and the Hidden Heaven Bag had also been destroyed—truly unfortunate.

As for the nine Array Flags, they were severely damaged and dimmed. Woo Zhengyang discreetly collected them, then checked the other two individuals, discovering they didn't have any Hidden Heaven Bags. It seemed everything had turned to dust with the sword-wielder.

After gathering the long knife and whip from the other two, Woo Zhengyang moved toward the front of the stone platform, where a stone tablet stood. It described several mystic realms, including the Ice Fire Mystic Realm.

With that, Woo Zhengyang left the stone platform and headed in the direction of the Ice Fire Mystic Realm.

Until Woo Zhengyang's figure vanished from sight, the three on the stone platform finally snapped out of their shock.

"He actually went out there. Is he heading to some secret realm? That's some serious confidence!" said the Profound Heaven Sect disciple next to Lee Yunsheng, swallowing hard. It was hard to tell if it was from shock or envy.

The secret realm is essentially the ultimate trial ground from ancient times. However, these days, the number of participants and their strength don't compare to the past. Most people stop after passing the inner realm and wait to be sent out when the Mystic Trace Realm closes.

Of course, some confident challengers venture into the secret realm. Those who do either become legends or never return. It's said that in the past decade or so, no one has achieved the former.