Gates of the Myriad Realms Chapter 343

The phone rings.

It rings for too long.

He can’t sleep anymore, so he opens his eyes.

Silence all around.

The light is dim, as if dawn hasn’t broken yet.

The phone displays “6:50”.

Time to get up early… because there’s class today…

Shen Ye yawns and gets out of bed, only to find that Nangong Sirui has already brushed his teeth and washed his face, and is now putting on his shoes.

“I’m off, going for a workout. See you at the cafeteria later.”

Nangong Sirui pats his shoulder and walks out the door.

As if remembering something, Nangong Sirui pauses and gives Shen Ye a thumbs-up:

“Ah, right, you did a great job yesterday.”

He left after saying that.

The door closes.

Yesterday?

What did I do yesterday?

Shen Ye is a little confused.

Suddenly, a piercing pain shoots through the back of his head.

This pain surpasses his endurance limit, causing him to cry out and stumble to the ground.

Scene after scene flashes through his mind.

The Black King.

The one who challenged it.

The battle in the universe.

The Little Girl.

The fractured personalities.

The Mother.

Finally—

Purgatory.

The Purgatory world turns into a blank, and then he wakes up.

Woke up…

Could all that have been a dream?

Shen Ye lies on the ground, gasping for air, waiting for the pain to gradually subside.

For a moment.

He can’t distinguish between dream and reality.

His phone suddenly vibrates.

“Hello?”

“You’re awake?” Xiao Mengyu’s voice comes from the other end.

“Yes, it’s almost seven, and I have class today.” Shen Ye hears himself say this with such familiarity.

Another unfamiliar memory surfaces in his mind, causing his headache to intensify.

He can’t help but let out a painful groan, but then bites his hand to keep silent.

If—

This sudden memory is real, then Xiao Mengyu will say it immediately.

“Thank you yesterday—for helping me forge two swords with that mechanism when we entered the nightmare world, and then helping me fight the monsters. I comprehended a brand new swordsman skill!”

Xiao Mengyu said cheerfully.

…It’s real.

Those things did happen yesterday.

But…

The one who kissed me—

Was that just a long dream?

Shen Ye gets up, pulls open the curtains, and looks outside.

Xirang High School.

From the playground to the teaching building, everything is intact.

It indeed looks like it’s just after the beginning of the school year.

The Great Tomb reappears in the world.

After the teachers’ organization, all students and professionals worldwide are to begin exploring the Great Tomb.

There were no such things as in the dream.

“No.”

Shen Ye blurts out.

“No? No what?” Xiao Mengyu asks curiously.

“I’ll get back to you later.” Shen Ye hangs up the phone, gets up from the ground, stumbles into the bathroom, and turns on the faucet.

He cups some water, pats his face hard, takes a few deep breaths, and then looks into the mirror.

In the mirror is himself.

If…

His hand gently touches the mirror, but the mirror shows no reaction.

Right.

He is no longer the “Nirvana Lord”.

But the term “Nirvana Lord” also appeared in the dream. With the end of the dream, he realized it never appeared in reality.

Ridiculous.

Could all that have been a dream?

“Charlotte, you’re not like this, I’ll never admit it—”

Shen Ye murmurs, then suddenly remembers something.

Dharma Form!

His Dharma Form comes from the Great Tomb, which is the “Broad Cold Palace”, possessing the future-related term “Will meet at the Jasper Terrace under the moon.”

This, she can’t turn into a dream, can she!

“Dharma Form descends.”

Shen Ye shouts in a low voice, retreats backward, and directly activates the term’s power to enter the Broad Cold Palace.

The mountains are still mountains.

The sea is boundless.

The wilderness nests are still there.

The Great Tomb barracks are also there.

Wait—

Shen Ye walks closer, step by step, looking at the scattered bones on the ground.

All the bones form lines of small characters:

“I’ve taken the Hun Tian Skill, otherwise many people from high-dimensional universes would come down to snatch it, which would be disadvantageous to you.”

“—Left by Pe’a Suo.”

“Study hard, don’t fall in love too early.”

“—Nancy.”

“All the bugs have been crushed. You must make good use of the Great Tomb. Your Dharma Form has deep ties with it, and the nightmare world has also been arranged.”

“—Annie.”

“Grow stronger soon, and come find me.”

“—Charlotte.”

Shen Ye stares blankly at these messages, instinctively taking a deep breath, feeling the reality of it all.

He feels alive again.

It wasn’t a dream!

It’s because she used the Hun Tian Skill when she left.

But—

“Hey, are you still alive?”

Shen Ye asks.

The pile of words made of bones on the ground suddenly emits a dry sound:

“Heaven have mercy! You finally came in to talk!”

All the bones quickly gather, making a dense clattering sound as they piece together, reforming into the Big Skeleton.

The Big Skeleton squats on the ground, grimaces, and stretches its body.

“What was that just now?”

Shen Ye asks with a smile.

“You remember in Purgatory, when that woman told me to leave, right?” the Big Skeleton says.

“Ah, yes, I remember she was very polite then.” Shen Ye says.

“Polite!” the Big Skeleton shrieks, “I went back to my Dharma Form to make space for you guys, and as soon as I came back, I turned into the mess you just saw!”

“—Unless you speak, I can’t move.”

Shen Ye crosses his arms, lost in thought:

“Is that so? She wrote the message so early…”

“Using my body!” the Big Skeleton is filled with indignation.

“Sorry, I really didn’t know.” Shen Ye quickly says.

“Hmph, this woman is too scary—Shen Ye, think carefully, she has four personalities, tsk tsk, it won’t be easy to get along with her in the future. I’m telling you this as a friend, out of good intention.” the Big Skeleton babbles on.

“You suffered for your brother, tell me, how should I compensate you?” Shen Ye says.

The Big Skeleton is overjoyed: “I want to go back and see my old lady.”

Old lady…

Would the Underworld Lord Mictecatihua allow you to call her that?

Has this skeleton been with me for too long, losing touch with the customs and sentiments of the Undead Empire?

It seems I haven’t cared enough about you.

“Alright, once I get things sorted out, I’ll go back and see.” Shen Ye reflects while making a promise.

“Then I’ll wait for your news,” the Big Skeleton says cheerfully.

Shen Ye exits the Dharma Form.

There’s a knock on the door.

“Shen Ye!”

Guo Yunye shouts.

“Coming.” Shen Ye opens the door, and he sees both him and Zhang Xiaoyi standing there.

“Going to eat?”

“Let’s go.”

Shen Ye wipes the water droplets from his face with a towel, then changes his clothes, closes the door, and walks to the cafeteria with the two of them.

Along the way.

Zhang Xiaoyi and Guo Yunye are enthusiastically discussing the opening of the Great Tomb.

Shen Ye, however, notices a flashing light in the lower left corner of his vision.

…What is this?

As he wonders, the light expands, forming two lines of faint glowing text:

“After crossing too long a time and space to return to the present, all notification messages have been collapsed.”

“Would you like to view the first message now?”

“View.” Shen Ye says.

Lines of faint glowing text quickly appear:

“You have gained the love of Charlotte, the current strongest individual in the universe, and have fundamentally changed the outcome where all living beings would have been slaughtered by the Demon of Fear, Nine Aspects.”

“The name Baxter has transcended planetary limitations, gaining a temporarily unknown significant weight in the vast universe.”

“Brother’s term: Bloodsucking Baby has now been upgraded.”

“Special note: This term will, upon level advancement, receive the recognition and enhancement of a noble identity, thereby gaining exclusive high-level vocabulary to boost the power of the entire term name.”

Shen Ye is a little surprised.

Adding a word?

First time seeing this.

So, the term “Bloodsucking Baby” is going to change?

What new term will it become?

—It can’t be “Seven Bloodsucking Babies” or “King Kong Bloodsucking Baby,” can it?

After all, he hasn’t shown any “King Kong” traits or behaviors.

Could it be “Grandpa”?

Or perhaps “Pangolin”?

As he speculates, the faint glowing text disappears.

New small characters appear:

“Congratulations, you have obtained a brand new term:”

“Bloodsucking Child.”

“Dark Gold Rank (Unparalleled), Self-Growth Type Term.”

“Description: Allows terms, items, skills, and professions of the same category to merge. They will merge into a brand new term, item, skill, and profession. Fusion will produce a super-evolutionary effect, but will consume a certain amount of mental power.”

“If you can perform more praiseworthy brother-like deeds, this term will evolve into a higher-level term.”

Shen Ye’s entire face freezes.

Damn it, “baby” was already “baby,” and I’ve reluctantly adapted, but now where did “child” come from?!

Are you messing with me?!

Perhaps knowing his emotions were on the verge of erupting, more faint glowing text appeared:

“The Dharma Realm made a special note:”

“Terms with the suffix ‘Child’ are high-level dignified terms.”

“‘Bloodsucking Child’ is a high-level dignified term specially recognized to commend your great achievement of saving the universe’s sentient beings through love and incredible methods!”

Is there such a saying?

Or are they just making excuses for themselves?

Shen Ye can’t hold back and channels his mental power into his Dharma Form, shouting:

“Big Skeleton, you always know a lot. I have a question for you.”

“Speak.” The Big Skeleton wiggles its pelvis and utters a single word.

“In the ‘names’ granted by the Dharma Realm, if a suffix includes the character ‘zi’ (child), what does it mean?” Shen Ye asks.

The Big Skeleton’s demeanor immediately became serious upon hearing this, almost speaking with reverence:

“The Book of the Undead mentioned this, saying that all great figures with the suffix ‘zi’ have accomplished earth-shattering deeds and are destined to be remembered by future generations.”

Shen Ye falls silent.

It seems to be true.

Looking at the description of the term’s effect again—

It seems quite potent.

A Dark Gold term.

An unparalleled term.

And then—

Those with “zi” are great figures?

Will be passed down through generations?

—Laozi, Zhuangzi, Confucius, Mencius.

It seems to be the case.

Me.

Bloodsucking Child.

…Still doesn’t feel right.

They’re all “zi,” but my term is completely outclassed compared to them.

“Shen Ye, what’s wrong? You don’t look well.”

Guo Yunye scrutinizes Shen Ye, asking with concern.

“Nothing, didn’t sleep well yesterday.” Shen Ye rubs his face hard, trying to calm his emotions.

Zhang Xiaoyi interjects: “You’ll feel better after a good meal. But speaking of which, yesterday, after you all entered the Great Tomb and the nightmare world, the harvest was really plentiful.”

“Harvest?” Shen Ye repeats.

“Yes, the whole school is buzzing! They say Xiao Mengyu comprehended a new sword technique and is about to advance to the third stage of the Dharma Realm!” Guo Yunye says with yearning.

—So that’s how this part was arranged.

Perhaps, maybe, Charlotte was afraid others would know she was a songstress.

And his ability to integrate equipment, she also hid it.

She truly had a kind heart.

A warm current swells in Shen Ye’s heart.

Just then, a melodious music drifts from the playground.

Upon hearing the music, everyone immediately speeds up their eating.

“Why are you staring blankly, eat quickly, it’s time to gather.”

Nangong Sirui calls out.

“Okay, I was thinking about something else just now.” Shen Ye says.

“We came back from the nightmare world today, how about we duel again?” Nangong Sirui says.

“Let’s talk about it later.” Shen Ye lowers his head and shovels rice.

“You’re no fun.” Nangong Sirui is displeased.

“We still don’t know what the nightmare world will be like today,” Zhang Xiaoyi interjects.

Nangong Sirui falls silent.

Yes, the nightmare world is dangerous. Instead of thinking about what happens after returning, it’s better to think about how to face various challenges in the nightmare world.

Soon.

The few of them finished breakfast together and quickly walked towards the playground.

By the time they arrived, the playground was already filled with people.

The music stops.

Sounds of news broadcast from the loudspeaker:

“At 7 PM local time, Human King Norton and the three Arch-Druids of the Elven race signed a joint declaration in St. Brunos.”

“Both sides agree to further deepen cooperation in food, education, health, and security.”

“Both sides unanimously condemn the provocative actions of the Undead race on the borders of the two nations.”

“The Human race and the Elven race will form an allied army…”

Shen Ye notices that the students around him are listening with extraordinary focus.

The nightmare world has become a barrier to the Great Tomb Immortal Kingdom.

—One must overcome the trials of the barrier to reach the Great Tomb Immortal Kingdom.

So everyone is very serious.

Immortal Kingdom…

Shen Ye remembers Charlotte’s words:

“…It is a speck of dust fallen from an extremely high-dimensional upper universe, but within that dust lies the secret of the Immortal Kingdom of the ultimate upper universe.”

Become stronger.

If he obtains the inherited power of the Immortal Kingdom of the ultimate upper universe, he should be able to become stronger, shouldn’t he?

Besides, his Dharma Form and terms already come from this inheritance.

—That’s why Charlotte emphasized the Immortal Kingdom.

She must hope he ascends to the high-level universe soon.

Shen Ye thinks silently.

On the radio, the news gradually concludes.

A majestic voice then rings out:

“The current situation is grim, and war could break out in the nightmare world at any moment.”

“Only a very small number of approved students can enter the nightmare world today. Everyone else, return to your classrooms for class!”

“The list is currently being reviewed and will be announced in ten minutes!”

A dissatisfied clamor immediately erupts across the plaza.

But no matter how dissatisfied, the school has already decided, and that cannot be changed.

Shen Ye suddenly pulls out his playing card.

On it is Xu Xingke’s message:

“Come meet me at the back mountain.”

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my teacher.

“Yes.”

Shen Ye replies, then walks away from the plaza.

At the back of the school mountain.

Xu Xingke is talking with a few people.

As soon as Shen Ye arrives, Xu Xingke says, “Alright, that’s enough for today, I need to take care of my student now.”

Those people seem a bit reluctant.

But Xu Xingke had already spoken, so they had no choice but to leave.

“Teacher.”

Shen Ye greets him.

“Hmm, there’s a situation worth noting, so I’m giving you a reminder.” Xu Xingke says.

“Teacher, please speak.” Shen Ye says.

“The power fluctuations of the Great Tomb are growing stronger day by day, attracting attention from outer space. Recently, many strangers have secretly descended and entered the nightmare world, aiming for the Great Tomb.” Xu Xingke says.

“Are they very strong?” Shen Ye asks.

Xu Xingke falls silent for a moment, then says:

“Some are envoys from higher worlds. They are ruthless and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.”

“—So I’m warning you, be careful if you encounter strangers.”

“Yes, thank you for the reminder, Teacher.”

“You may go.”

Shen Ye is about to leave when a thought suddenly strikes him.

“Teacher, where exactly does the Tower of Tarot come from?”

“Why are you suddenly asking about this?” Xu Xingke asks, surprised.

“Just a little curious.” Shen Ye says.

“The Tower of Tarot naturally has its origins, but not telling you about it is actually protecting you.”

Xu Xingke thinks for a moment, summons a book, pulls out a card from it, and hands it to Shen Ye.

“I originally planned to give this to you later, but since you asked, and I’m about to comprehend the ninth stage and don’t have much time to teach you—”

“Teacher is about to break through?” Shen Ye says with delight.

“I’ve been having some feelings recently, and it’s very likely I’ll advance further.” Xu Xingke says.

Countless thoughts surge in Shen Ye’s mind.

Charlotte’s battle altered the past—

The Great Tomb was originally controlled by the Queen Mother of the Swarm.

Then Xu Xingke and the others entering the Great Tomb would be like lambs entering a tiger’s den.

But in the past, Charlotte killed the Queen Mother of the Swarm, “crushing those bugs.”

So the Great Tomb could be safely explored.

This was equivalent to saving everyone.

Xu Xingke also seized this opportunity to begin breaking through to the ninth level of the Dharma Realm.

—What a stroke of luck.

“Shen Ye, take this Tarot card for a while. It’s a unique item, cherish it.”

Shen Ye looks at the card.

On the card is a table with a pot of lilies.

A man with a full beard sits behind the table, smiling at Shen Ye.

“This is the Battle Guidance Master. He can guide anyone in many aspects, making him an extremely valuable Tarot card.”

Xu Xingke says.

“Thank you, teacher.” Shen Ye says.

“Hmm, work hard. Come to me anytime if you need anything, even contact me through cards.” Xu Xingke says.

“Yes.”

Shen Ye leaves the back mountain.

Throughout the school, broadcast announcements are sounding:

“Below is the list of students approved for transmission to the Great Tomb. Students whose names are called, please gather in the plaza. Transmission will begin shortly.”

Shen Ye leisurely walks back to the plaza.

Sure enough, the broadcast announces his name.

Everyone else has left.

Only a few scattered individuals remain in the plaza.

Shen Ye sees Nangong Sirui, Xiao Mengyu, and—

Guo Yunye.

Xiao Mengyu is talking to another girl in the distance, seemingly a bit shy to come over.

A few boys chat while waiting.

“Yunye? You’ve broken through?” Shen Ye asks.

“Yes, I can now cooperate with others to advance my own profession by utilizing theirs.” Guo Yunye says.

“Didn’t understand.” Shen Ye spreads his hands.

Guo Yunye walks over to Nangong Sirui and whispers, “Third brother, is it okay?”

“Mm.” Nangong Sirui nods proudly, hands clasped behind his back.

Guo Yunye places his hand on his shoulder, and with a “snap,” he transforms into a handsome adult male with beastly ears and claw-like hands.

“What is this?” Shen Ye asks curiously.

“The most famous aspect of our Nangong family is the power of the Yaksha. Yunye can borrow my Yaksha power to transform into a corresponding non-human profession,” Nangong Sirui explains.

Shen Ye looks at the familiar-faced beast-eared man again, his heart suddenly skips a beat, and he blurts out:

“Inuyasha!”

The beast-eared man and Nangong Sirui look surprised, and simultaneously say:

“You recognized it at a glance?”

Shen Ye awkwardly puts his hand to his forehead, unsure how to respond.

Gentlemen.

That copyright is very expensive.

“You’re right, but the order of the names is a little off—mine is called Yaksha Dog—I think that name sounds better,” the beast-eared man adds.

“…Alright, alright.” Shen Ye murmurs.

He gets interested and asks curiously, “My profession is ‘Night Wanderer.’ I wonder what you’d turn into if you borrowed it.”

“Want to try?” the beast-eared man asks.

“Okay!” Shen Ye agrees cheerfully.

The beast-eared man walks over and places his hand on his shoulder.

“Snap.”

The beast-eared man instantly turns into a dirty stray dog, tail drooping, spiritless.

“Brother Ye, I’m not cooperating with you anymore.”

The stray dog says.

“Why?” Shen Ye asks.

“With your ‘Night Wanderer’ blessing on me, I become a stray dog.” The stray dog is on the verge of tears.

Shen Ye and Nangong Sirui exchange glances.

It seems… that makes sense…

Normal dogs don’t wander at night.

Only stray dogs do.

“It seems you two aren’t compatible enough.” Nangong Sirui comments.

“Yes, sorry, Yunye should go find Third Brother instead.” Shen Ye sighs.

The stray dog darts over, stretches out a paw to touch Nangong Sirui, and with a “snap,” transforms back into the handsome male.

The broadcast suddenly sounds:

“Attention, students on the list!”

“Transmission is about to begin!”

“Countdown 10 seconds.”

“10,”

“9,”

“…”

Everyone stops chatting and prepares themselves.

Finally.

Light surged from underground, forming rune arrays that encircled them.

Swish—

Everyone disappeared together.

Nightmare World.

A flash.

A few people simultaneously appear in the forest outside the barracks.

“Shen Ye.”

Xiao Mengyu walks over and smiles at him.

“I’m going to the recruit training camp. Come find me when you’re free.”

After saying that, she walks towards the barracks outside the forest.

“Me too.” Nangong Sirui pats Shen Ye and walks out of the woods.

“Me too,” the beast-eared man says.

A few students leave together, leaving only Shen Ye.

“…” Shen Ye.

No—

Brothers and sisters, you’re all at the recruit training camp, but what about me?

As he thinks, he sees a hand emerge from behind a large tree not far away.

The hand curls its middle and ring fingers inward, and extends its pinky, index, and thumb, forming an “I love you” gesture used at concerts.

—It’s the secret sign of the Shadow Brotherhood!

Shen Ye immediately makes the “I love you” gesture back and says:

“May the shadows protect us both.”

“Shadows protect those who uphold justice,” a voice from behind the tree says, “Welcome back, Brother Peachy.”