That voice seemed like a boy's, yet also like a girl's — even Chu Feng couldn't quite tell.
But… it was very childish, fierce yet adorable in that way little kids are.
When the sword spoke, Chu Feng was overjoyed.
This was the Asura Sword. Given the power it had displayed, even if it was a replica, it would absolutely prove invaluable in the future.
But Chu Feng didn't let his joy show on his face. Instead he asked, "What, you can read it too?"
"What a joke — what hasn't this king seen? You think I can't understand some little formation?" The Asura Sword was dismissive, and impatient to boot.
"Cut the chatter. Open the second layer right now. If you can't do it, I'll eat you."
"And what if I open the second layer?" Chu Feng asked.
"Are you going to open it or not?"
"If not, I'll eat you right now."
The moment those words left the Asura Sword, its body trembled faintly. The black flames barely surfaced, yet Chu Feng felt a force that could obliterate him without a trace.
"Opening it."
Chu Feng didn't dare waste a moment. He immediately channeled the Mental Power within his body into the formation on that gate.
Before long, the formation on the gate began to shimmer with light, its power noticeably stronger than before. Even the entire gate was enveloped in radiance.
The second layer was successfully opened.
But even so, Chu Feng still hadn't opened the gate. He looked toward the Asura Sword.
"What do you mean?" Chu Feng asked.
"If you've got it in you, open another layer," the Asura Sword said.
"What's in it for me? You just won't eat me?" Chu Feng asked.
"If you can do it, I won't devour your Mental Power anymore."
"But if you can't, this king will eat you all the same," the Asura Sword said.
Chu Feng smiled faintly. "Deal."
With that, Chu Feng resumed changing hand seals, sending the vast torrent of his Mental Power crashing against the gate once more.
But before long, his expression turned grim. Although his Mental Power was extraordinary and far more abundant than most, it was ultimately not infinite.
If it were, he wouldn't have feared the Asura Sword devouring it earlier.
Chu Feng had hit his limit, yet he pressed on.
To anyone else, this would be no different from dancing on the edge of a blade.
It was either a feat that would stun the world, or a death sentence.
But to Chu Feng, he wasn't gambling with his life — he was playing a calculated game.
"HAAA!!!"
Suddenly, Chu Feng let out a thunderous shout. A final, enormously powerful burst of Mental Power erupted from his body, and then — nothing more. The reserves within him had been completely spent.
In that instant, Chu Feng was utterly spent. He dropped to one knee, yet his gaze never wavered from the gate and from that last wisp of Mental Power.
Though sweat cascaded down his face like rain and his body shook uncontrollably, the hand forming the seal remained rock-steady.
Under Chu Feng's command, that final wisp of Mental Power surged forward like a dragon plunging into the sea.
The moment it merged completely with the gate, the entire structure erupted.
A blinding radiance and overwhelming force burst forth from the formation, illuminating everything in all directions.
Chu Feng had done it.
A grin spread across his face as he turned to look at the Asura Sword.
"It seems I can finally return to my Spirit Palace whenever I please."
"Your performance was acceptable. But only just acceptable," the Asura Sword replied.
"Even 'just acceptable' means not bad, right? Can I ask you something?" Chu Feng asked.
"Speak," the Asura Sword said.
"Since you come from the Asura Spirit World, you must be exceedingly well-read."
"Do you know how to heal my close friend?" Chu Feng asked.
What he was referring to was naturally Eggy.
Although he roughly knew the method to cure Eggy, Chu Feng still had no real confidence in his heart.
This Asura Sword gave him the impression of being unfathomably powerful — perhaps it knew the exact answer.
"Can you not see what I am?"
"I am nothing more than a sword."
"What is a sword for? A sword kills!"
"You actually expect a sword to help you save someone?"
"Was your brain kicked by a donkey?" the Asura Sword suddenly erupted.
But Chu Feng didn't take offense. Instead he said, "But Eggy told me you are no ordinary sword. You are the strongest sword of the Asura Spirit World."
"Save the flattery. Save your own woman — don't count on this king," the Asura Sword shot back.
"You're absolutely right. I should figure it out on my own."
"And as you yourself said — you're a sword. A sword isn't meant for saving people. It's meant for killing."