As Jared stood at the center of the intricate arcane array, a sense of realization washed over him. He could discern that the arcane array was in a weakened state, possibly due to being activated for an extended period, depleting its energy reserves. Another possibility was that the relentless assault from the sword marionettes had damaged the array.
Despite its weakened state, the arcane array still possessed the power to repel the approaching sword marionettes, serving as a formidable defense.
As Jared contemplated the situation, a glimmer of hope flickered in his eyes. If he could fully activate the arcane array, there was a chance to restore Dragonslayer Sword to its former glory. He wouldn’t even need Sworder’s help to achieve that.
Glancing at the huge arcane array, he pressed his palm softly on an iolite. As Jared channeled his spiritual energy into the iolite, the arcane array responded, causing: ripples to form and a faint glow to emanate from within.
Excitement filled Jared as he witnessed the appearance of a talisman within the array. Driven by determination, he continued to channel his spiritual energy into the remaining iolites.
The talismans within the arcane array responded eagerly, their collective radiance illuminating the surroundings. The depths of the nearby lake shimmered with a pure aura, and the sword energy that permeated the waters began to gather, drawn by the power of the fully activated arcane array.
The sword marionettes seemed to feel threatened, for they quickly retreated from the arcane array in fear. Meanwhile, Flaxseed and the rest seemed to realize the change in the sword-cleansing lake from above.
The initially clear lake filled with sword energy began to turn murky, and the sharp sword energies within the lake had disappeared.
“W-What is going on?”
Sworder frowned as he noticed the change in the sword-cleansing lake. He quickly made a series of hand seals to find. out what was going on. Alas, even after a few tries, he failed to see Jared underneath the lake. Thus, he couldn’t figure out what had happened down there.
Sensing the change in the lake, Flaxseed quickly approached it and dipped his hands into the water. This time, besides the chilling sensation from the lake water, nothing else happened. It meant that the lake was now a normal lake without any sword energy present and wouldn’t bring harm to human beings.
As though he had sensed something, Sworder disappeared instantly, making his way to the bottom of the lake. Flaxseed wanted to jump into the lake after him, but Hammerhead pulled him back. “Don’t join in the fun. With your abilities, entering the lake is risky for you.”
Meanwhile, a remarkable transformation unfolded beneath the surface of the once- serene lake. The waters grew restless, surging with newfound energy. Spirals of sword energy burst forth, drawn inexorably toward the pulsating power of the fully activated array.
Dragonslayer Sword detached itself from Jared’s grip, seemingly summoned by the immense energy of the arcane array. With unwavering precision, it plunged into the heart of the array.
As the sword connected with the array, the radiant glow surrounding the arcane symbols fused with the blade, establishing a connection. Simultaneously, the surging currents of sword energy converged upon Dragonslayer Sword.
Jared’s eyes widened in astonishment as he beheld the remarkable scene unfolding before him. With the insertion of Dragonslayer Sword into the arcane array, a profound transformation occurred, causing the array’s power to surge to unprecedented levels.
The escaping sword marionettes were swiftly converted into torrents of sword energy, their essence absorbed and harnessed by the awakened power of the array.
Rumble, rumble…
As an abundance of sword energy coalesced, the barrier separating the lake’s water from the bottom shattered, unleashing a torrent of water hurtling toward Jared.
Aware of the impending deluge, Jared remained steadfast, permitting the water to engulf him while the razor-sharp bursts of sword energy assailed him.
With fiery determination in his eyes, Jared recognized this as the ideal moment to refine his physique using the untainted sword energy and the forceful surge of lake water. Moreover, the bursts of sword energy sucked in: by the arcane array presented an exceptional opportunity for cultivation.
