C1528 Great Earth Sacred Way

Yu Yuan felt no urgency to visit the Moonfall Sanctuary, nor did he have any desire to venture to the Serpent Spine Mountains to meet the parents of his current life. Their image in his mind was faint and indistinct.

Having assisted them upon his awakening, he believed he had fulfilled his filial duties.

With Youyu's emergence, Yu Yuan, who had been Yu Xi seven centuries prior, was naturally inclined to look after the Yu family.

He harbored no concerns for the safety of the Yu family in the Serpent Spine Mountains, confident that they would face no danger or trouble.

Moreover, in the Defiled World, another individual on the cusp of divinity also bore the Yu surname.

Youyu, formerly known as Yu Xi, this life's Yu Zhu, and himself as Yu Yuan... Considering this, hadn't the Yu family of Asvetaesi eclipsed the Chen family to become the preeminent family of the Everlands?

He lingered in the Rainbow Ocean, lost in thought.

Tian Zang, wary of Youyu, believed proximity to him offered greater security, and thus remained in the Rainbow Ocean.

Yan Qiling, present in the same location, was often on the move.

Mastering space magic, he would vanish from time to time, only to return after a while.

Jiang Miaojie, conversely, found Yu Yuan fascinating. Whenever he emerged from his contemplations, she would eagerly approach with a barrage of questions, seemingly captivated by each chapter of his storied life.

Time flowed like water, slipping away in the blink of an eye.

In this interval, the Ghost King Luo Yue, along with Razses, Taruer, and under the escort of Yuan Qingxi, decimated the Poison Cult, leading to the cult leader's immediate demise.

The new cult leader, once Luo Yue's junior, had sought Zhu Zhenlin's backing in a bid for power, which had resulted in Luo Yue's death.

Upon Youyu's revival, Luo Yue came to terms with her identity and exacted her revenge.

She felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Youyu for not striking her down, but rather, intentionally leaving her adversary to her.

Simultaneously, Lianjing from Xuanli's faction visited the Binders of Shadows, convincing their leader to rejoin the ranks of the Poison Cult.

With Yuan Qingxi's assistance and the backing of several Ghost Kings, they unified the Binders of Shadows, Poison Cult, and Skyblight Cult. Now, all that remained was to await Xuanli's return.

...

Nestled within the Skyreach Peak lay an inconspicuous, chilly ravine. A man of striking stature, clad in a snow-white cloak, descended from the heavens, holding Zhao Yafu's hand. As he touched down, the surrounding mountains and valleys quivered under his presence. His silver Demonic Eyes, unmistakably non-human, and the tiger stripes on his forehead marked his formidable nature. In human form, he exuded the commanding presence of a force capable of engulfing vast landscapes.

Standing at the mouth of the valley, he peered inside with a furrowed brow and murmured, "Origin Gate."

"Master, is that the legendary Origin Gate?" Zhao Yafei asked, her curiosity piqued as she leaned in for a closer look.

He swiftly pulled her back, giving Zhao Yafu a stern look. "Reckless!"

Meanwhile, Zu Ann's expression shifted subtly at Skyreach Peak.

"Hehe, Snow has arrived," chuckled the old Ape, who had been enjoying his pipe. He sprang from his perch on the rocks, visibly elated. "Zu Ann, no need for nerves. Snow is the only one from Shadow's Keep I truly respect. The Kylin may be old and lacking in spirit, but it's been Snow out there on the front lines all these years."

Untamed gave Zu Ann's shoulder a reassuring pat, signaling him to stay calm.

"I've been coming here often. White Bone—oh, now known as Youyu—has visited, and Taixu just left. Do you really think we all come here just to chat with you?" Ape exclaimed.

Zu Ann let out a disdainful snort.

"Isn't it because we're all concerned that something might go wrong with the Origin Gate you're guarding? Aren't we all on alert for the Origin Deity?" Ape ranted before adding, "Alright, alright. The upper sects of Shadow's Keep will be coming to check in sooner or later. Don't take it to heart."

With that, Ape leaped down from Skyreach Peak.

Boom!

His landing outside the valley caused an even more intense tremor across the nearby mountains and rivers.

"Snow, have you recovered from your injuries?" Ape greeted the Moonfang Tiger warmly, his eyes brimming with admiration.

The only being he truly couldn't stand was the Dark Phoenix, while the one he found most agreeable was the fierce tiger before him.

"Lord Untamed, I'm fine now."

The Astral Tiger approached with a hint of restraint, neither overly warm nor particularly distant. "I've been tasked to inspect the Origin Gate. The mountains trembled the moment I arrived, and I've already notified Zu Ann. Whether he consents or not, I intend to proceed with my investigation."

"Hahaha! What's there for him to disagree with?"

The Ape flashed a mischievous grin, "Rest assured, Zu Ann and I have an excellent rapport! Now that I'm here, he wouldn't dare deny me face. Feel free to look around as much as you like. Just one word of caution."

"Please, go on!" The Astral Tiger responded with solemn attention.

"Do not attempt to enter the Origin Gate with a demon soul!" The Ape's smile faded, and his demeanor turned serious. "Believe me, no one in the Everlands can currently traverse it freely. Unless the Seven-Colored Dragon ascends to the tenth level again, or Jihui the God-King is resurrected, I advise against any brash incursions."

"Understood."

The Moonfang Tiger instructed Zhao Yafu to wait outside and entrusted her to the care of the Untamed before he ventured into the canyon alone.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

As he advanced, pure white tigers sprang from within him, roaming the energy-laden areas deep within the valley.

"Young lady, you're quite fortunate to have him as your master at Shadow's Keep."

The Ape conversed with Zhao Yafu in a friendly manner, though his gaze remained fixed on the Astral Tiger, betraying his unease.

...

At the Sword Sect.

A squat, robust mountain stood firmly planted in the earth, exuding a sense of weight and depth.

This mountain served as the training ground for Gu Xingkui, the Sword of Gaia.

Of late, the mountain had been quaking violently, with stones tumbling down its slopes—an extraordinary occurrence.

Many disciples of the Sword Sect believed that Gu Xingkui was deep in sword contemplation, perhaps having penetrated the secrets of a new sword spell, hence the unusual disturbances.

Little did they know...

Beneath the mountain, a hundred feet underground in a vast yet spartan stone hall, sword energies intersected wildly. The profound truths of swordsmanship, swift as lightning, were being shattered incessantly.

The walls of the stone sanctuary, where Gu Xingkui sat in silent contemplation, were beginning to fracture.

Within the Mindscape of Gu Xingkui, his divine seat took the shape of a towering stone column, etched with the Cosmic Order of swordsmanship.

Yet, this divine seat, resembling a towering stone column, was riddled with cracks.

It was on the verge of collapse.

With a whoosh, Lin Daoke, bearing only a sword on his back, was the first to materialize there.

Upon his arrival, he cleared his throat, and Ji Ningshuang, looking utterly perplexed, found herself suddenly at Gu Xingkui's place of meditation.

Witnessing Gu Xingkui's current predicament, Ji Ningshuang had a moment of clarity and hurriedly said, "Gu, Master Gu..."

"You explain it; I'm at a loss for words."

Lin Daoke released his grip, allowing the significantly shrunken Banner of Duality to unfurl.

"Xingkui, do everything you can to endure a bit longer. Ningshuang here needs more time. The longer you can withstand, the better her chances of succeeding you," Han Miaoyuan's ethereal silhouette within the Banner of Duality spoke gently.

Ji Ningshuang, enveloped in an array of icy sword lights, with the sword's will within her seeming to crystallize into numerous Ice Shards, shuddered at these words.

"Xingkui is hailed as the Sword of Gaia, his sword spell deeply intertwined with the earth. Yet Taishi has broken free from the Moonfall Sanctuary and, with the aid of Boulderdawn, has reclaimed his place among the exalted in the extraterrestrial realm. Taishi's ascension to godhood did not depend on the vast fortunes of the Everlands, but once he achieves divinity..."

Han Miaoyuan, gazing from within the Banner of Duality, looked upon Gu Xingkui, who hung his head in a forlorn manner.

"Taishi's retreat in Ionodios is to amass the cosmic order that resonates with him. Xingkui, on the other hand, is inherently overpowered by him and stands no chance of resistance. The fragmentation of Xingkui's divine seat, in my view, is inevitable."

Han Miaoyuan spoke of the situation with a sense of resignation. "The spiritual energy I resonated with was that of the Everlands. Taishi, on the other hand, was akin to the very earth of the Everlands. That's why we only dared to suppress him; we didn't dare to destroy him completely. If he were to truly perish, given his temperament, he might bring the Everlands down with him, tearing the land apart into countless pieces."

"We simply couldn't risk such a catastrophe. So, we shattered his divine seat, but we refrained from extinguishing his soul."

"I had assumed that once Xingkui became a god through this sacred way, even if he escaped the Moonfall Sanctuary, he would never regain his divine status in the Everlands. As long as he wasn't a god, and as long as Xingkui held the divine seat, he would be powerless."

"Who could have predicted that Boulderdawn, from beyond our world, would find a way to elevate him to godhood without relying on the fortunes of the Everlands?"

Inside the Banner of Duality, Han Miaoyuan couldn't help but feel disheartened. "Now that he's returned, how can Xingkui possibly stand against him? The cosmic order that Xingkui has mastered is merely a fragment of his sacred way, yet even that fragment rightfully belongs to him. He's gone into seclusion to reclaim what Xingkui has taken, and it's inevitable that Xingkui's divine seat will fracture."

Ji Ningshuang expressed her astonishment. Lin Daoke then chimed in, "With Xingkui's Way of Heaven on the brink, you should prepare to assume this divine seat."

"But..." Ji Ningshuang hesitated, her words trailing off as she considered the multitude of contenders for the divine seat and her own uncertainties.

Lin Daoke offered a solution, extending a crystal bottle. "Take this with you. Go to the Rainbow Ocean and find Yu Yuan. Exchange it for the one that's been fully restored."

He reached into the Banner of Duality and produced a crystal bottle containing a visibly cracked "Wintermaw." Handing it to her, he continued, "Yu Yuan has successfully mended the Wintermaw, which will be given to Tan Xiaotian. Tan Xiaotian has discovered a hidden sector within the Frostfell suitable for the Wintermaw's placement. The damaged one will need Yu Yuan's skills for further repairs."

After a moment's reflection, Han Miaoyuan spoke again, "Just tell Yu Yuan that this will secure you a divine seat."

Lin Daoke's brow furrowed. "Shuangshuang, whether you do this or not, the divine seat is yours. I'm not Han Miaoyuan; this isn't a transaction between us. It's simply that the Wintermaw in Yu Yuan's possession could help stabilize the Everlands."

Ji Ningshuang bowed her head, pondering for a moment before responding, "I will meet with him."

"Make it quick. I can't hold out much longer." Gu Xingkui finally lifted his head, revealing an expression tinged with unspeakable anguish and resignation. "Besides, he should be able to hear you through me."

"If he hears, he hears," Lin Daoke said nonchalantly.

He then patted Gu Xingkui on the head, offering words of comfort, "The Sword Sect's foremost rule is to face death without fear."

"For tens of thousands of years, our Sword Sect has seen the rise of many primordial spirits, and we've also suffered the most losses. Yet, it is often those who come after who surpass their predecessors. Following the Boulderdawn, our sect has made the most significant contributions to the forging of the Everlands."

"The lifespan of our sect's primordial spirits rarely exceeds ten thousand years. This is our destiny, and it is also what makes us powerful."

"Xingkui, don't let me down."

It was unusual for Lin Daoke to say so much.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xingkui, the Sword of Gaia, looked up with a bemused expression. Gazing at the sect master, known for his less-than-sharp wits, he couldn't help but ask with a mix of laughter and disbelief, "Sect Master, are you suggesting I should meet my end sooner rather than later?"

"Hold off on dying; buy Shuangshuang some time," Lin Daoke stated earnestly.

"But you just said we die quickly. To avoid disappointing you, should I... perhaps seek death sooner?" Gu Xingkui asked gravely.

"That... well, I didn't articulate that well!" Lin Daoke slapped the Banner of Duality, frustrated with himself. "Just understand what I'm trying to say, alright?"

Gu Xingkui's smile faded to a somber expression as he nodded in acknowledgment. "Understood."

Ji Ningshuang offered him a deep, respectful bow, her heart heavy with sorrow for him.

In the past, Ji Ningshuang harbored considerable resentment toward Gu Xingkui. It was due to his interference that her romantic relationship with Hong Qi faced numerous obstacles.

During their time in the Glimmerdrift Nebula, Gu Xingkui's sword strike set off a chain of events that led to significant upheaval.

However, now that she was aware of the imminent fracturing of Gu Xingkui's divine position, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for him as he desperately tried to secure more time for her.

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