Chapter 16: Illusion Annihilation

A hundred miles southeast of the Heavenly Ultimate Hall, in a mountain hollow, Titus wielded a broken blade, executing one slash after another. The blade's shadows were continuous and unbroken, accompanied by the constant sound of the blade's song. Titus did not employ any strength, simply swinging the blade. As he moved with the blade's rhythm, his movements became increasingly fluid and synchronized with his weapon. After six hours of continuous swinging, Titus finally stopped, his arms numb, but this Blade Cultivation practice deepened his connection with the blade. Though it didn't directly enhance his strength, the deeper the connection, the more Titus felt the blade becoming one with him. "The formation of the Blade Vein and blade bone gives me an unparalleled advantage in blade cultivation. Previously, even a full day of practice might not have brought such insights," Titus mused. The combination of Blade Vein, blade bone, and blade spirit, a perfect foundation for Blade Cultivation, was the life's work of the Venerable Clowde. Although Titus had only completed the first two stages, even these alone significantly surpassed other Blade Cultivators. Talent was one thing. But without effort, it couldn't be fully unleashed. Thus, Titus had set a routine of practicing at least six hours daily. Putting away his broken blade, he entered the Ancient Wilderness. Suddenly, he noticed three new elements within the Ancient Wilderness. A two-foot-long armadillo-like armored beast, and an eight-foot-long Flame Serpent surrounded by flames. Weren't these Bryan Zhou's second-grade Turtle Beast Martial Spirit and Palmer's third-grade Flame Serpent Martial Spirit? How did they end up in the Ancient Wilderness? "Could it be that the Ancient Wilderness absorbs the Martial Spirits of those I kill and places them in this secret realm?" Titus pondered, stroking his chin. That seems to be the case, otherwise how can we explain the existence of these two Martial Spirits? According to the memories of the Venerable Clowde, the Ancient Wilderness is a supreme treasure that transcends the Divine Realm of the Nine Heavens and possesses the deepest secrets in the world. If the Venerable Clowde had more time to explore it, he might have already discovered all the mystical secrets that the Ancient Wilderness holds. "It seems that in addition to the ability to develop martial techniques, another ability of this Ancient Wilderness is to absorb the Martial Spirits of the Martial Cultivators it kills." Titus's gaze then fell on the third object, causing him to show a look of surprise. It was a blade covered in dense cracks, appearing utterly shattered. But this blade was unique, covered in mysterious and profound patterns, each emanating a powerful and intimidating force. "It's Illusion Annihilation..." Titus took a deep breath. This blade, known as Illusion Annihilation, was not an ordinary one but a Martial Spirit condensed by the Venerable Clowde. It was one of the six most powerful Martial Spirits in the Nine Heavens Divine Realm. Titus had thought that Illusion Annihilation vanished along with the Venerable Clowde. But here it was in the Ancient Wilderness. Why hadn't he seen it before? Was it hidden deep within the Ancient Wilderness? As he pondered, Illusion Annihilation suddenly shattered into fragments, trapping the Turtle Beast Martial Spirit and absorbing it. This absorption healed the smallest crack in Illusion Annihilation. After absorbing the Turtle Beast Martial Spirit, the smallest of the cracks in Illusion Annihilation's body healed ever so slightly. Then, Illusion Annihilation quietly retreated into the shadows, completely disappearing from Titus's sight. "It has been hiding in the depths of the Ancient Wilderness all along," Titus realized. It could hide itself. Focusing on the Ancient Wilderness's depths, Titus thought, "It can recover by absorbing other Martial Spirits. Once fully restored..." Illusion Annihilation, as one of the strongest Martial Spirits, would significantly enhance Titus's abilities. With a stronger Martial Spirit, the stronger the assistance. At its peak, Illusion Annihilation, alongside the Venerable Clowde, was equivalent to two the Venerable Clowdes fighting together. "The existence of the Ancient Wilderness allows me continuous access to Martial Spirits, which I can offer to Illusion Annihilation. It means it can fully recover. But now, I must capture it before it fully recovers, which would make it much harder." Titus eyed the Flame Serpent Martial Spirit. He had missed his chance before, but he couldn't afford to miss it again. Time passed by. After two hours, Illusion Annihilation reappeared behind the Flame Serpent Martial Spirit. Now! Titus rushed forward, reaching for Illusion Annihilation. Sensing his approach, Illusion Annihilation quickly absorbed the Flame Serpent and tried to escape into the Ancient Wilderness's depths. Ordinary people might struggle to catch Illusion Annihilation, but Titus, with some of the Venerable Clowde's memories, knew its temperament. "Illusion Annihilation, return to me, the Venerable!" Titus commanded in the Venerable Clowde's tone. Pausing mid-escape, Illusion Annihilation still held some consciousness from the Venerable Clowde. Titus seized this moment and caught it. Illusion Annihilation, realizing the situation, struggled fiercely. Its terrifying power assaulted Titus, who, being only in spirit form and not in physical body, was not harmed. Holding it firmly, Titus knew that letting go would mean possibly never catching it again. As Illusion Annihilation released its power, it further cracked, on the verge of completely shattering. "If you won't serve me, then shatter completely," Titus threatened, exasperated. Illusion Annihilation stopped its struggle. Titus sighed in relief, glad it had come to its senses. Suddenly, it unleashed a torrential force towards him, a bizarre power that could even impact consciousness. Titus, caught off-guard, nearly had his consciousness disperse. Titus's face turned ashen, but fortunately, he quickly managed to gather his consciousness. If his consciousness had completely disintegrated, even if his body was still alive, he would have been nothing more than a walking corpse. Seeing Illusion Annihilation attempt to hide again, Titus coldly said, "You think you can hide temporarily, but can you hide forever? Although I can't fully control this Ancient Wilderness now, once I do, even if you recover, you'll be trapped here for life." Illusion Annihilation halted, its blade quivering as if in anger and embarrassment. Its cracks widened. Titus wasn't afraid of it shattering. If it were so stubborn, it would have shattered long ago. "You have only one choice: become my Martial Spirit. I'll help you recover, lead you back to the Nine Heavens Divine Realm, and make you the supreme divine weapon. You know about the Ancient Wilderness and that I've completed the Blade Vein and blade bone. Only the blade spirit remains for my Foundation Building." Titus addressed Illusion Annihilation, "With the perfect path of the blade and the existence of the Ancient Wilderness, you know what future heights we can reach. I know you can't speak, but you can make a choice. Do you continue to hide here, waiting for me to take control of the Ancient Wilderness, or follow me to conquer and grow stronger?" Martial Spirits inherently have sentience, though higher-grade spirits have more. And Illusion Annihilation, once among the pinnacle of Nine Heavens Divine Realm's Martial Spirits, had sentience far surpassing those of higher grades. Illusion Annihilation stopped hiding, trembling violently as if on the brink of shattering. Titus watched cautiously, ready for another counterattack. Then, it ceased its violent shaking and transformed into a bolt of light, piercing into Titus... Titus's body shook, feeling a unique sensation as if something dormant within was about to emerge. This was the process of a Martial Spirit's transformation. However, Illusion Annihilation was already formed. Titus felt this because it was transforming into his Martial Spirit...