Starlit Path of the Mystic Forge

The chessboard phantom vanished from Blood Evil Heaven.

Lu’s mind returned.

Origin Lake, central island.

Atop White Jade Pavilion, Lu leaned in Thousand-Bladed Chair—slowly opened eyes.

“The Upper Realm cultivator with ‘Travel’ Array Word… once Qi Liujia’s disciple; now likely Upper Realm Sacred Clan member—or originally was.”

“Nine Character Array Words; other array words likely similarly controlled by Upper Realm Sacred Clans. After all… once ancient Great Emperor’s possessions; implications too vast.”

“This person returns Upper Realm—soon report Heavenly Gate opening; new ascension land emergence. Upper Realm surely react; then Nether Soil reincarnation matters likely exposed too.”

Lu pondered.

Upper Realm learning this—what actions?

But whatever—Lu cared little.

After all—Five Phoenixes and Upper Realm long torn faces.

“Hm…”

“Still prepare early.”

Lu’s gaze faintly flickered; mind reentered preaching platform; preparing for impending storm.

…

Upper Realm, vast land.

Silver-gray lights constantly surged.

White beams—carrying dreadful pressure—dropped.

Earth quaked; exploded massive craters.

Ye Bei wretchedly burst from spatial profound; slid far on ground; rolled before flipping up.

“Damn…”

“Why my ‘Travel’ Array Word—whenever encountering Lu Ping’an—fails?!”

Originally Sacred Ancestor confirmed; firmly believed his array word true—now shook again.

After all—others’ words useless; personal experience fundamental!

Practice yields truth!

Rose from ground; shook off dust.

Turned gaze Lower Three Heavens direction—heart shrouded heavy gloom.

Major event!

That mysterious Heavenly Gate; beyond gate vast surging immortal energies world.

Exactly where?

Besides Upper Realm—Lower Three Heavens how possibly another immortal energies place?!

Event’s severity—Ye Bei no mood continue pondering own array word true or fake.

Hand shook; silver gleams bloomed.

Mid-air—seemed projected dozen gates.

Passed through gates; instantly crossed vast distances.

Must spread this news.

That world beyond Heavenly Gate—he faintly glimpsed ancient Great Emperor “Hao” back—how terrifying.

Those vanished countless ages Great Emperors—reappearing world; what purpose?

Chilling thought!

Upper Realm Sacred Clan—Dao Clan.

This clan specialized mastering Dao intents; Dao Evolution Mirror produced by this clan artifact.

Ye Bei—Dao Clan member; quite talented among younger generation.

Returned Dao Clan; spread news.

Cloud Clan Sacred Ancestor personally ordered sever Lower Realms ascension path; Upper Realm cultivators naturally indifferent—after all Lower Three Heavens to them backward place.

Cloud Clan Sacred Ancestor spoke—they unwilling contradict; after all Sacred Ancestor level—words deeds carried immense terror pressure.

Dao Clan unnecessary offend Cloud Clan Sacred Ancestor over Lower Three Heavens.

But when Ye Bei returned news—Dao Clan shook.

“What? Lower Three Heavens cultivators found new ascension path?”

“Impossible… Lower Three Heavens cultivators besides ascending Upper Realm—where else ascend?”

“Low Yan high-martial—surely ascend higher Yan high-martial.”

Dao Clan many experts—all disbelieved.

Yet given Ye Bei mastered “Travel” Array Word—Dao Clan valued his words.

Dispatched several Immortal Ascension descend Lower Three Heavens.

Prove Ye Bei’s words true or false.

Boom boom boom!

Mighty primordial spirit power swept Lower Three Heavens.

Several loosely white-robed Immortal Ascension expressions slightly changed.

“Immortal Transformation and Ascension auras… indeed far fewer!”

“What happened? Hiding?”

“Search!”

These Immortal Ascension unleashed auras.

Soon—Upper Realm stationed envoys horrified!

Because—Pingyang Heaven, Blood Evil Heaven, Yuan Magnetic Heaven Immortal Ascension all vanished; Immortal Transformation mostly gone—only some newly entered; unstable realm remained.

They immediately returned Upper Realm; informed.

“Lower Three Heavens Immortal Transformation and Ascension truly mysteriously vanished; unfindable.”

Dao Clan experts focused; expressions grave.

Vanished—truly entered new ascension land?

Ye Bei spoke true?

New ascension land emergence—matter big or small.

But once tied ancient Great Emperors—absolutely no small matter!

Thus—Dao Clan dispatched expert traveled far to Cloud Clan.

“Impossible…”

“Besides Upper Realm—Lower Three Heavens impossible ascension land.”

Cloud Clan supreme spoke; denied all.

“Lower Three Heavens ascension path temporarily cannot open; cannot let divine herbs flow Lower Realms; let Gu Mangran recover battle power.”

“Supposed ascension land—surely Lower Realms cultivators’ conspiracy trick; wanting force us reopen ascension path.”

Cloud Clan supreme coldly smiling denied all; clever him—saw through everything.

Truly so?

News returned Dao Clan—Dao Clan experts silent.

Perhaps—for greater authority seen heard.

Dao Clan dispatched five energies toward origin expert; constantly monitor Lower Realms.

If truly someone ascend Heavenly Gate—immediately message Upper Realm.

…

Upper Realm so dawdling—Lu unaware.

Of course—if knew; only delighted—Upper Realm dawdle one more day; Five Phoenixes stronger one point; why not?

Time array shrouded Five Phoenixes.

Five Phoenixes ever more vast; gradually Yan Five even Yan Four high-martial momentum; overhead view—seemed mountains rivers; like living handsome dragons; constantly churning.

Dense spiritual energies filled every Five Phoenixes corner; mountains between—from time to time cultivators rapidly streaked; lights; sword-riding flight.

Of course—also battles erupted; causing terrifying rumbles.

Time most merciless; stops for none; always forward flowing; ceaseless.

Time origin what—even ancient Great Emperors unable probe.

With time passage—Five Phoenixes cultivation atmosphere ever denser.

Blink—third century arrived; “Southern Emperor Scripture” emerged; cultivating this scripture—awaken special constitutions.

Drove entire Five Phoenixes continent mad.

Special constitution aid—cultivation far easier.

When “Southern Emperor Scripture” emerged—entire Five Phoenixes like pot exploded.

Great Xuan Calendar year 200.

Beiluo City.

Nie Changqing wandered return; stood Beiluo Lake above; one blade opened Heavenly Gate.

Step by step ascended; entered Heavenly Gate.

Nie Shuang watched father departing back; clenched fists; cultivated ever diligently.

Same year.

Northern domain snow plains.

Someone witnessed—myriad ice snow melted; vast righteous qi pillar; seeming pierce earth.

Poetry recitation echoed northern domain land; one disheveled scholar; drinking wine; knocked open Heavenly Gate; laughing greatly; heroic unrestrained entered Heavenly Gate.

Great Xuan Calendar year 205.

Tianyuan domain.

Thunder from clear skies.

Wudi City Du Longyang black hair vigorous; atop Wudi City peak; sparred Absolute Blade Sect master Ye Shoudao; battle opened Heavenly Gate.

Two Five Phoenixes continent top cultivators displayed peerless grace.

Left world unforgettable backs.

Spear light world-shocking; skies full blade shadows.

Two battled while laughing greatly; together entered Heavenly Gate.

Another year—Tianxu Palace master Young Master Tianxu opened Heavenly Gate.

One after another Five Phoenixes cultivators; ascended through Heavenly Gate; Five Phoenixes cultivation wind—dense to extreme.

Yet puzzling world—once peer to Du Longyang, Ye Shoudao etc. Empress Ni Chunqiu—yet to ascend.

Many puzzled; in fact Empress Ni Chunqiu cultivation long transcended; entered Heavenly Human; easily traction Heavenly Gate.

Why Empress not ascend?

Some guessed—perhaps mortal lingering; unable sever red dust; ascend immortal realm.

As for Empress lingering what in red dust—world unknown.

Great Xuan Calendar year 210.

Human race alchemist used demon race demon crystals as lead; refined pill; allowed Infant Transformation cultivators breakthrough; cross to Yin God.

Instantly—human race cultivation world great storm.

Human-demon wars contradictions ignited.

Countless cultivation sects cultivators crossed Western Regions; hunted demons; battled demons!

Originally maintained decades balance—instantly shattered again; Western Regions land nearly dyed blood.

With human cultivators greed; step by step pressing demons.

Secluded Demon Monkey King reappeared.

Terrifying Demon Monkey King; eyes killing intent boiling; primordial spirit swept; suppressed all entered Western Regions human cultivators!

Greedy ones ultimately paid for greed.

This battle—shook entire Five Phoenixes.

Great Xuan dynasty originally unwilling intervene.

After all—all human cultivation sects greed caused.

Yet events development—always exceeded expectations.

Demon Monkey King cultivation too strong—already breakthrough Fortune Venerable; entered Heavenly Human.

To continually strengthen—must ascend Heavenly Gate.

Nearing ascension—yet worried entire demon race.

Feared after his ascension; demons unmanaged; face human cultivators encirclement slaughter; even Great Xuan dynasty iron cavalry annihilation.

After all—Human Emperor Dantai He past deeds made Demon Monkey King unable trust current Great Xuan dynasty.

Thus… Demon Monkey King hand held iron staff; step by step killed out from Western Regions.

Stepped endless desert; one staff collapsed Tianhan Pass walls.

Peerless Demon King killed into Great Xuan dynasty.

Those organizing demon slaughter sects—Demon Monkey King one by one stormed gates.

Sects all cultivators slaughtered clean; blood rivers.

Some sects—even gates blessed lands flattened.

Great Xuan dynasty shook; armies mobilized block Demon Monkey King—yet none his match.

Heavenly Human Demon Monkey King—too powerful.

Passed—released pressure countless cultivators knelt.

Demon Monkey King single hand held iron staff; staff other end dragged ground traces; from desert entered northern domain; crossed mountains; stepped vast marshes; appeared imperial capital outer.

Great Xuan dynasty—hundred thousand iron cavalry mobilized.

Yet unable block Heavenly Human Demon Monkey King; suppressed by one staff.

Boom!

Imperial capital gates exploded.

Demon Monkey King step by step; like peerless fierce demon; crossed into imperial capital.

Hum hum hum…

Dragon energies surged; dynasty dragon energies formed dreadful seal; oppressed down.

Even Heavenly Human Demon Monkey King—felt oppression.

Issued muffled grunt.

Fur-covered face; eyes bright as day; murderous aura torrential.

Imperial capital palace.

New Human Emperor; horrified gazing murderous aura surging Demon Monkey King killing into imperial capital.

Countless cultivators appeared; seeking block.

Demon Monkey King—god block kill god; Buddha block kill Buddha!

Under iron staff—none could match.

Blood—dyed dynasty imperial capital.

Demon Monkey King before Human Emperor smashed iron staff; smashed palace ground shattered!

He not kill Human Emperor; after all Human Emperor major; dynasty dragon energies oppression long immensely powerful; even Heavenly Human couldn’t withstand.

Fortunately—Tang Guo, Nie Shuang, Zhao Zixu and other special constitution cultivators appeared; blocked Demon Monkey King.

Killing mad Demon Monkey King—unknown what do.

Lest one rage—kill Human Emperor possible.

Thus Tang Guo, Nie Shuang and others appeared block.

Demon Monkey King blood energies torrential; swept crowd; Tang Guo and Nie Shuang quite wary; after all strong heirs—so gripped iron staff retreated.

Same year.

Demon Monkey King in Western Regions; established demon race royal court; capital in Demon Continent; named Demon Capital.

Demon race united; confronted Great Xuan dynasty.

Demon race royal court; assembled armies; pulled defense lines.

Any crossing into demon race royal court human cultivators—face dreadful slaughter!

Demon race as though awakened; under Demon Monkey King lead—like colossal beast.

When demon race royal court established day.

Faintly—seemed sky-obscuring demon energies surfaced.

Massive figure overlooked demon race.

“Demon Master!”

Five Phoenixes continent many top cultivators shocked!

Demon race had Demon Master existence; this matter now known few; only past top cultivators knew.

Tianji Pavilion messaged world.

Demon race unified; established royal court; gained Demon Master protection; world divided two.

Great Xuan dynasty shook.

Imperial capital Human Emperor; angrily slammed table!

Needed move cultivator capable counter Demon Monkey King.

Thus personally to Southern Commandery; seeking secluded Tang Yimo emerge.

Tang Yimo strength how strong?

Peer to long ascended Western Liang Overlord.

Mere Demon Monkey King—surely no match.

“Human Emperor no need worry; Demon Monkey King already Heavenly Human; ultimately ascend.”

Tang Yimo gave this news; then drifted away.

Human Emperor thoughtful.

Returned imperial capital; dispatched armies garrison borders; yet not send troops conquer demon court.

Great Xuan Calendar year 215.

Demon Monkey King ascended.

One staff opened Heavenly Gate; amid countless thunder; stepped beyond Heavenly Gate.

Heavenly Gate appeared; Demon Monkey King couldn’t block.

Thus all Five Phoenixes top cultivators learned all.

After Demon Monkey King ascended.

Human Emperor immediately ordered; Great Xuan iron cavalry expedition; conquer demon court.

Countless cultivators gathered; joined expedition army; under Qishi Mansion name.

Yet.

This battle result—beyond all expectations.

Demon court emerged top cavalry; riding ferocious demon beast wolves; even battle-hardened Great Xuan iron cavalry—routed shattered by wolf cavalry.

Qishi Mansion cultivators also faced demon race mighty experts slaughter.

Countless cultivators blood sprinkled battlefield!

Endless desert—became most terrifying burial ground!

Originally—Demon Monkey King early ascension; long foreseen self ascension surely draw human attack.

Thus fully prepared.

Demon race and human disputes—thoroughly white-hot.

Five Phoenixes continent; pattern set.

Demon court and dynasty coexisted.

…

Nine Prisons Nether Soil.

Expanded countless times Nether Soil; vast boundless; countless spirits wretchedly wailing in Yellow Springs.

Ten cities stood atop Nether Soil.

“Sigh—demon race and human contradictions; ultimately intensified.”

Dantai Xuan感慨.

Though long foreseen this day; when arrived—still couldn’t help感慨.

Fortunately—now Nine Prisons Nether Soil; reincarnation formed; these deceased cultivators human spirits and demon spirits could reassign reincarnation.

“Trouble Beigong Holy Lord lead team Dividing God realm yin envoys; drive escaped Yellow Springs spirits back; let them cross Sea of Suffering—avoid becoming lonely wild ghosts.”

Dantai Xuan looked nearby Beigong Holy Lord.

“Good.”

Beigong Holy Lord agreed; led team eerie yin envoys; holding cold chains; rapidly shot out.

Yellow Springs rushed; constant struggling spirits—but some stubborn spirits escaped.

Snap!

Beigong Holy Lord whipped chain; struck one spirit—drove back into Yellow Springs; surging toward Yellow Springs.

“Magnificent… too magnificent.”

“So many spirits flooding—Nether Soil future; how terrifying!”

Dantai Xuan immensely感慨.

Raised head—gazed Sea of Suffering end abyss.

Gazed abyss-embedded half Buddha statue; and that great terror back.

Body and mind quivered.

Primordial era supreme?

Dantai Xuan deep breath; heart ever more wary—unsure good or bad.

But more—excitement.

So many spirits—provided soul energy how vast…

This soul energy—for yin envoys and Nether Spirit City lords’ cultivation—immense boost.

…

Five Phoenixes passed decades; outside merely years.

These years Lower Three Heavens—no single Immortal Transformation born; no one tractioned Heavenly Gate.

Made Upper Realm five energies toward origin expert; begin doubting Ye Bei’s seen; whether false.

Yet…

Finally one day.

Yuan Magnetic Heaven Yan Five high-martial world; one cultivator ascended peak; stabilized Immortal Transformation cultivation; confident resist Heavenly Gate tribulation penalty; thus released golden body flower and primordial spirit flower; tractioned Heavenly Gate.

Thousand-zhang Heavenly Gate emerged!

Thunder rolled; etched rare beasts seemed alive!

This instant—Upper Realm toward origin expert horrified!

Immediately messaged Upper Realm.

Rip!

Dao Clan expert primordial spirit swept.

Boom!

Yuan Magnetic Heaven many minor worlds—all under this terrifying primordial spirit sweep; trembled; as though facing annihilation!

“Insolence!”

Boom!

This primordial spirit sweeping Upper Realm expert raged.

“Dare privately open ascension path! Courting death!”

Dreadful primordial spirit; formed giant palm; abruptly spanned.

Pfft!

Yuan Magnetic Heaven that tractioned Heavenly Gate Immortal Transformation abruptly terrified.

“Damn!”

“Upper Realm unrighteous; truly sever all?!”

“This old one unwilling; unwilling ah!”

This Immortal Transformation eyes cracked; gazed near Heavenly Gate; eyes only lingering and unwillingness.

Brewed years; finally confident enter Heavenly Gate.

Yet Upper Realm discovered!

“Upper Realm since severed ascension path; why block my ascension?”

“Bunch dog things!”

This Immortal Transformation furious eyes; sorrowful rage roared.

Finally—body and primordial spirit pinched exploded by this dreadful palm.

Body became blood mud exploded.

Blood dyed Yuan Magnetic Heaven void.

Blood sprayed into Heavenly Gate; splashed into Heavenly Gate vast land.

With this Immortal Transformation death—Heavenly Gate gradually closed vanished.

“Where false ascension land! Nine Heavens; only Upper Realm true ascension land!”

Upper Realm.

Booming voice transmitted.

Entire Yuan Magnetic Heaven all experts trembled.

Heaven-earth again quieted.

Upper Realm expert concealed vanished.

Dao Clan.

Expert coldly grave; personally acted; hurried to Cloud Clan; informed news.

Cloud Clan experts originally disbelieved; yet Dao Clan expert manifested Yuan Magnetic Heaven Heavenly Gate phenomenon.

Cloud Clan shook!

They believed; such expert impossible lie.

Moreover—beyond Heavenly Gate; truly vast ascension land; all saw dense escaping immortal energies; even some saw Great Emperor shadow!

“This ascension land; likely involves Nihility Heaven vanished primordial Great Emperors secrets!”

Upper Realm many experts heart horrified.

Then—two clans jointly discussed; wished seize Heavenly Gate.

Boom boom boom!

Dreadful void rifts at Yuan Magnetic Heaven end emerged.

Vast continuous Upper Realm continent reappeared.

This time—from Upper Realm continent; dense experts streaked out.

Yuan Magnetic Heaven crowds; terrified; trembled.

…

Origin Lake; central island.

Gentle breeze blew; whipped Lu’s flying hair.

Spiritual Pressure Chessboard—black white pieces constantly scattered; seeming no rule; yet hidden mysteries.

Furrowed brows; seeming deduce game.

Lu rolled sleeves; pinched white piece; placed in seeming roaring game great dragon interval.

Suddenly.

Seemed sense something.

Lu smiled; lips slightly curled.

From chess box; again pinched black piece.

Abruptly placed.

Killing intent soaring.

Tap!

Piece placed.

Game roaring great dragon; instantly seemed waist-severed.