Even the Abyss has to expend effort to corrupt such a Cultivator; it cannot happen all at once, and Chen Hua is not one to simply stand there dumbly.
Realizing he was used as bait to lure Chen Hua into the trap, Gu Chengan was furious, his broad longsword in hand as if containing countless volcanoes, its power so immense and terrifying that even Chen Hua was somewhat inferior.
Although the rules etched in his Divine Soul, flesh, and bloodline prevent Gu Chengan from making any move against the Abyss.
But Gu Chengan was also a brilliant outlier, after all, not all individuals are built the same, and in his extreme anger, he still kept his focus towards the Abyss, but instead started a faux combat, becoming an actor outright!
In some sense, this was the Abyss capturing Gu Chengan's spirit, but not his body.
Even though on the surface, Gu Chengan appeared to be a minion of the Abyss, every sword strike was aimed full force at Chen Hua. Yet, each strike disrupted the rhythm of the Abyss, completely thwarting its meticulous plan to corrupt Chen Hua, and even shifted the battlefield further and further towards the Desert Border.
The Abyss Will, which possesses high spiritual wisdom and acts solely based on self-interest but lacks any emotion, chose to corrupt Chen Hua rather than kill him at this prime opportunity.
Fortunately, the Abyss Will has no emotions, otherwise Gu Chengan's actions would have probably driven it to blow its top and explode in anger.
Chen Hua naturally understood Gu Chengan's actions and was fully cooperative in this performance.
To outsiders, the two seemed to be in a fierce battle, with Sword Intent and sharpness flying together, where just the residual effects could easily destroy the entire Desert North.
However, this place was under the influence of the Abyss Will; in order to preserve this outpost to better invade the Mystical Mechanism Continent, the Abyss Will had to divert some attention to protect the area.
Thus, attempting to seize and corrupt Chen Hua was nearly a fantastical dream.
Hence, the Abyss decisively switched strategies; if corruption didn't work, then annihilation was the next step!
The Abyss no longer considering Chen Hua's life, directly utilized the power of Heavenly Dao, pressing down on Chen Hua with the laws of the entire Abyss world.
The entire Abyss moved in unison, countless laws that ordinary Cultivators could only sense but never see, revealing their true form now as a colorful light shining across the sky, converging into a roaring river potent enough to destroy the entire world, fiercely rushing towards Chen Hua!
All Abyss Cultivators seemed to resonate at that moment, a faint sensing connecting them with the Abyss Will, enhancing the power of this river of laws!
Chen Hua, mighty as he was, faced with the Tenth Realm and the world power of the Abyss Will, could only spurt blood and retreat in defeat.
Even Chen Hua himself couldn't remember how long it had been since he last sustained such severe injuries; unexpectedly, his return to injury would be this harsh.
If other Cultivators used laws to suppress Chen Hua, he could easily shatter them with a single sword strike.
However, unfortunately, it was the Abyss Will in action this time, commanding countless laws, each with mysteries that Chen Hua could not understand.
Every strike bypassed the Daoist Collection in his hand, precisely suppressing his Divine Soul, leaving behind indelible wounds of the Great Dao.
Even with Gu Chengan doing his utmost in the staged fight, Chen Hua had no way to resist because the difference in Realm made it incomprehensible, let alone resist it.
It was like a paper Swordsman, now attempting to use his paper longsword to fend off the flames from outside the paper.
But at the critical moment, another small figure on the paper forced Chen Hua away, placing itself in front of him!
It looked like a coincidence, merely Gu Chengan trying to push Chen Hua back but accidentally exposing himself to the attack of the Abyss Will, yet the truth was clear to anyone.
Gu Chengan believed that it was due to him that Chen Hua was in such peril, so it should be he who ensures Chen Hua's safe departure.
And most importantly, this was his first time rebelling against the Abyss in such a manner.
If he couldn't even do this, how could he talk about breaking free from the constraints of the Abyss and step into the Tenth Realm?
"This is where my Sword Dao Intent lies!! Even if you are the Abyss Will, don't think you can stop me!"
Gu Chengan laughed heartily, his heroic shouts even making Chen Hua a bit stunned.
But the Abyss, always prioritizing its benefits, wouldn't simply give up its strongest weapon without successfully corrupting Chen Hua; hence, at the last moment, it instinctively pulled back, reducing the power of the strike to its minimum.
It was precisely the self-sacrifice of Gu Chengan for Chen Hua that gave the Mystic Mechanism Heavenly Dao the opportunity to tear through the barrier set by the Abyss Will, confronting it directly.
Eventually, realizing the futility of the situation, the Abyss could only leave silently with the severely wounded Gu Chengan.
"Is this what a Sword Cultivator is?"
Upon listening intently to everything his master had narrated, Liang Yi muttered to himself after calming his awe-struck heart.
He finally understood why after much deliberation, his master chose to trust that Abyss Sword Cultivator; if Liang Yi encountered such an adversary in a foreign land, he would make the same choice as his master.
Perhaps it was a case of mutual recognition, or possibly a recognition of his opponent.
"If we could really get Gu Chengan to turn his coat, it would be much easier for Mystical Mechanism to win this war."
Chen Hua ruffled his hair, his voice tinged with helplessness.
Without Gu Chengan in the way and with the coordination of the Mystic Mechanism Heavenly Dao, blowing the horn for a counterattack against the Abyss would not be difficult!
Regrettably, this idea had perished before it could even be implemented.
"Then Gu Chengan truly is a man of honor, and indeed lives up to your trust."
Fang Zhi took a deep breath, his tone appreciative of Gu Chengan.
"If I chance upon him on the battlefield again, I actually look forward to meeting him."
Zhou Yuzhi's eyes gleamed with a fighting spirit, his entire being surged with Sword Intent, showing great interest in this opponent.
"But now that Gu Chengan is in this state, would the Abyss still feel secure sending him out on the battlefield next time?"
Grand Saint of Nine Spirits displayed its immense form, propping its head with a claw and casually flicking its tail as it spoke doubtfully.
Although the Grand Saint of Nine Spirits was not explicit, everyone understood he was referring to the issue of Gu Chengan's loyalty.
"Would the Abyss not fear that Gu Chengan, when obstructing you on the battlefield next time, might intentionally or unintentionally go easy again?"
Zhou Ruanxian clutched Chen Hua's arm tightly, worried that Chen Hua might suddenly leave again.
"No, he wouldn't go easy on the battlefield, Gu Chengan treats every battle with all his effort, unless the circumstances are exceptional."
Chen Hua turned and offered Zhou Ruanxian a gentle smile, tightening his grip on her hand.
"Perhaps my words have led you to misunderstand the character and image of Gu Chengan. But you must remember, he is an Abyss Cultivator, a native born Abyss Cultivator!"
Chen Hua's expression turned grave as he scanned the crowd.
Liang Yi raised an eyebrow; could there be other situations involved?
Su Youyi also felt a chill, because, based on her master's previous words, she indeed viewed Gu Chengan as an Abyss Cultivator inclined toward Mystical Mechanism.
However, upon reflection, it seemed that Gu Chengan's actions aimed solely at breaking through to the Tenth Realm, merely fulfilling his personal pursuit of the Dao.
In certain aspects, Gu Chengan exhibited what they perceived as an "honest" character, but could a cultivator raised from the Abyss truly possess "honesty" in his heart? Could he genuinely devote himself to aiding Mystical Mechanism?
"No."
As if seeing through Su Youyi's thoughts, Chen Hua slowly shook his head.
"A person is extremely complex; any single aspect cannot truly encapsulate a person. The fundamental goal of Gu Chengan is merely to escape the Abyss, thereby breaking through to the Tenth Realm. Part of the reason he saved me was indeed because I truly trusted him and fell into a trap, which made him feel somewhat guilty. The other part is also because he trusts me, believing that I might help him escape the Abyss."
Chen Hua's words left everyone somewhat astonished.
"Gu Chengan only seeks an opportunity for breakthrough; once he reaches the Tenth Realm, whether Mystical Mechanism or the Abyss wins or loses is utterly irrelevant to him. My previous talk of turning him was merely a casual remark; my original hope was merely to keep Gu Chengan out from this battle."
Chen Hua particularly directed these words at Liang Yi and Su Youyi, hoping they could glean some insights.