"Are you the spirit of this Zhenyu?" Li Xuan asked, momentarily stunned by the address.
The prison spirit nodded. "Your servant is, Master."
Li Xuan frowned slightly and looked at the spirit. "I have had the Zhenyu for so many years, why are you only appearing now?"
As if anticipating Li Xuan's question, the spirit quickly replied, "Master, I can only appear when the entrance to the third level is opened. This was also a condition set by the previous master for me."
Li Xuan finally understood. It turned out to be a requirement left by his master.
"Prison spirit, tell me about the Zhenyu. Also, you mentioned the previous master. He must have been my master. Can you tell me anything about him?" Li Xuan asked after some thought.
The prison spirit nodded. "Master, I only know about the situation within the Zhenyu. I cannot speak about the previous master."
Li Xuan sighed in resignation. "In that case, tell me about the Zhenyu."
The prison spirit nodded and proceeded to explain the basic situation of the Zhenyu to Li Xuan.
"Master, you can now utilize the power of the Zhenyu to suppress. Furthermore, within the Zhenyu, you are the sole master. However, if your opponent's strength far surpasses yours, it could result in a severe backlash or even grave injury to you."
"The Zhenyu is divided into nine levels. The four individuals in the second level have now been suppressed and sealed by you, Master. Without your release, they cannot escape. The third level contains three powerful individuals suppressed by the previous master."
"Further up, the fourth level suppresses two individuals. From the fifth level upwards, each level suppresses one individual. Currently, Master, you need to be aware that the suppression golden sword in the third level has lost nearly seventy percent of its power. Master, it would be best to reinforce it soon."
After hearing the prison spirit's explanation, Li Xuan felt a wave of exasperation.
He had just re-sealed the four individuals on the second level, and the newly opened third level was already on the verge of collapse? What if the fourth level entrance also presented issues?
Li Xuan voiced his thoughts. The prison spirit shook his head slightly. "Master, under the current circumstances, the seal on the third level can hold for another five years. Beyond that, the power left by the previous master is still quite formidable. Therefore, I estimate they can last for another hundred years."
Li Xuan finally breathed a sigh of relief. While the time wasn't long, it at least provided him with a reprieve. If every new level presented problems, the Zhenyu would truly be a bottomless pit.
"Right, prison spirit, you mentioned calling upon the Zhenyu's power to suppress. What kind of divine ability is that?" Li Xuan asked thoughtfully.
The prison spirit immediately replied, "Master, I do not entirely recommend you do that. A significant portion of the Zhenyu's power is currently dedicated to maintaining the seals. If you were to use this power to suppress external enemies, it could potentially weaken those seals. The consequences are something you cannot currently bear."
Li Xuan sighed helplessly. All that talk of power was for naught. He had abilities, he had means, but he couldn't use them.
"Master, you need not be discouraged. Once you have reinforced the seals on the first five levels, you will be able to utilize the Zhenyu's power. Furthermore, the Zhenyu's power is immense. If you become reliant on it, it may not be beneficial for you," the prison spirit said.
"Young Master, I believe he is correct. While the Zhenyu's power is great, do not forget that you are a sword cultivator. Relying on external forces could damage your sword heart," the Heavenly Dao Pen chimed in.
"I understand," Li Xuan nodded slightly, no longer dwelling on the matter. The Heavenly Dao Pen was right; he was a sword cultivator, why should he rely on external forces?
With that thought, Li Xuan's aura instantly intensified. The prison spirit looked at Li Xuan with some surprise and then asked, "Master, shall we proceed to the third level?"
Li Xuan nodded and walked directly towards the entrance.
Soon, with a flash of white light, Li Xuan found himself on the third level.
Looking at the third level, which resembled a world of its own, Li Xuan's eyes flickered with surprise. His gaze then shifted to the distance, where three massive iron chains stretched out. At the ends of these chains floated three stone coffins.
"To what level has their strength reached?" Li Xuan asked with some astonishment. The stone coffins on the first and second levels only had a golden sword inserted into them. Here, on the third level, not only was there a golden sword, but Li Xuan could also feel a terrifying power coursing through the iron chains.
The prison spirit pondered for a moment. "Master, if they were to emerge, they could destroy this three-dimensional space with a mere wave of their hand."
Li Xuan shivered. That terrifying, huh?
"Right, prison spirit, can I use my immortal sword to reinforce the seals?" Li Xuan asked, looking at the golden sword on the stone coffin.
The prison spirit immediately shook his head. "Master, that is possible for the first two levels. For the third level, no."
Li Xuan looked at the golden sword with some confusion. "If my senses are correct, this golden sword is only at the level of a King Sword. Why can't my immortal sword reinforce its seal?"
The prison spirit glanced at Li Xuan somewhat awkwardly and stammered, "Master, although I do not wish to discourage you, I must tell you the truth. The previous master's strength far surpassed yours. Even an ordinary sword in the previous master's hands could unleash power beyond that of a Holy Sword."
Li Xuan's expression darkened. This wasn't discouraging him? It was utterly crushing him.
"Why aren't they speaking to me?" Li Xuan changed the subject.
The prison spirit thought for a moment. "Perhaps it is because I am here."
Li Xuan: "..."
"Damn it! Young Master, the time flow on this third level is twenty times that of the outside world!" the Heavenly Dao Pen exclaimed.
Li Xuan was taken aback. After glancing at the Heavenly Dao Pen and the Cang Ling Pagoda, he focused his thoughts and sensed.
The next moment, Li Xuan was stunned.
The time flow was indeed twice that of the second level. This meant twenty years inside equated to one year outside!
The prison spirit smiled. "Master, if you can fully reinforce the Zhenyu's seals, the time flow can increase further."
"Brother Prison Spirit, to what extent can it increase?" the Heavenly Dao Pen asked obsequiously.
The prison spirit chuckled. "Ten years here is one day outside."