Gates of the Myriad Realms Chapter 399

Chapter 382: Joining Forces!

Inside the ancient, dilapidated main hall.

Shen Ye appeared silently.

Just like last time, he only teleported in after almost everyone else had entered.

The ruins’ main hall was empty.

The other disciples had already taken on their trial tasks and hurried away.

Shen Ye stood alone in the hall, patted his storage bag, and pulled out a demon-subduing pestle.

—The Holy Pestle of Breaking Formations.

This was left behind by Yun Ni, a legendary golden-tier treasure.

It could break all formations and barriers of the Taishang Dao Palace.

Thinking back carefully, last time Yun Ni was sealed in the idol, and had to use the demon-subduing pestle to shatter the idol—

Could it be that she originally couldn’t get out?

That’s why she had to resort to using Pei Pei’s clone!

It was only after using Pei Pei’s clone to discover that she was a successor of the Heaven-Reaching Art, a piece of information that was considered a great merit, that she was released.

In this light, there was indeed a conflict between her and the Saint.

But she was already dead.

This demon-subduing pestle, however, could still be used.

Firstly, it could reveal all hidden Dharma Signs;

Secondly, it was a treasure forged by Yun Ni and Charlotte’s clone together, specifically designed to break all formations and restrictions of the Taishang Dao Palace.

Shen Ye held the demon-subduing pestle and looked around.

Good—

This place, like last time, was not covered by the Taishang Life-Binding Soul-Refining Palace.

That was a relief.

Outside the main hall, lay a square.

A statue, missing its upper body, stood in the center of the square.

When Shen Ye walked out, the statue spoke:

“This trial offers the following types—”

“I choose to find opportunities for team combat and coordinated battles.” Shen Ye interrupted it directly.

The statue paused, then said:

“It’s you again.”

“You know me?” Shen Ye asked in return.

The statue didn’t speak, but instead transmitted a message: “You bear the soul imprint of the Lord of Penglai Mountain, you are one of us.”

Shen Ye smiled, not saying anything more.

This was an implicit acknowledgment.

—Whether it was the Immortal Kingdom, the Heaven-Reaching Art, or Penglai Immortal Mountain, they all pointed to the Heaven-Reaching Art.

He was on the path to Heaven.

What the other party said was not wrong.

“Accept the trial. Once you pass, I will give you the best reward.” The statue said.

“Alright.” Shen Ye replied.

Waves of light surged from underground, enveloping Shen Ye.

A sudden realization dawned on him.

Just like last time, he could now summon a companion.

Shen Ye pulled out a Tarot card and called out:

“I’m being bullied, Xiao San!”

Bang—

A figure responded to the card’s summon, appearing before Shen Ye.

She wore a bamboo hat, carried a long sword on her back, and was dressed in a long skirt, striking an initial sword stance as she coolly surveyed her surroundings.

—It was Xiao Mengyu!

“Who’s bullying you?”

She asked vigilantly.

Shen Ye was stunned, and couldn’t help but ask:

“I was calling Nangong Sirui, why is it you?”

Xiao Mengyu quickly replied: “Nangong Sirui was exhausted from battle and unconscious. I had just taken him to the professional medical center when I heard his card emit a summoning sound.”

“I was afraid there might be some emergency, so I took out the card and saw that you were summoning him.”

“—So I came in his stead.”

Shen Ye’s expression changed slightly, and he couldn’t help but press: “Battle? What battle?”

“A group of powerful individuals arrived, wantonly destroying and searching the planet, seeking the cause of Lilith’s death.” Xiao Mengyu frowned.

“Powerful individuals?”

“Yes, they claimed to be from an extremely high-level universe, some Dao Palace—Lilith was originally an important figure of that Dao Palace.”

Shen Ye’s heart skipped a beat.

The future had changed, but what happened in history remained unchanged.

Tens of thousands of years had passed, and history had ultimately led to that predetermined outcome, which directly cemented Lilith’s—that is, Yun Ni’s—fate.

Now.

The Dao Palace, upon learning of her death, would inevitably send experts to investigate the details.

—He just hadn’t expected the Dao Palace to act so quickly!

“Was the battle intense?” Shen Ye asked.

“Indeed, not only did they have diverse combat methods, but also many spiritual pets and exotic beasts. Now our planet is on full war footing, and all those super-large mechs have been deployed.” Xiao Mengyu said.

“Since they went to our world, their strength should also be sealed at the ninth level of the Dharma Realm.” Shen Ye said.

“Precisely, coupled with the fact that some of our ‘names’ are quite powerful, the battle is currently at a stalemate.”

Xiao Mengyu finished speaking, then curiously looked around and exclaimed, “Why is the power of the laws here so strong? And who is your enemy?”

“We are currently inside that Dao Palace, I am a new disciple who has just entered, and I am undergoing trials in a ruin…”

Shen Ye briefly explained the situation via telepathy.

Xiao Mengyu listened attentively, her expression gradually dawning on her, and she whispered, “I wondered why you disappeared, so you… found a way to infiltrate the enemy’s ranks.”

“How is your cultivation at the Earth Mother’s place going?” Shen Ye asked.

“It’s decent, I should be able to fight alongside you soon.” Xiao Mengyu said.

“I can’t fight, so it’s up to you.” Shen Ye said.

“Huh?” Xiao Mengyu looked at him puzzled.

Shen Ye could only whisper, “I’m in a very special trial, and I temporarily cannot engage in combat with others.”

The half-body statue suddenly buzzed:

“The candidate has been confirmed. Your trial will now begin immediately!”

“Wait! No rest time?” Shen Ye asked.

“You are a successor recognized by the Mountain Lord, so the difficulty will naturally be higher. Rest assured, once you pass the trial, the rewards will also be better!” The statue said.

Shen Ye’s expression changed.

This was bad.

Nangong Sirui didn’t come this time.

If that female disciple Chu Manshu appeared, how could Xiao Mengyu fight her alone?

Chu Manshu was a Dao Palace disciple at the eighth level of the Dharma Realm!

Xiao Mengyu—

Shen Ye looked at her, only to see that she had already drawn her Luoshen Sword, ready to battle at any moment.

Above her head, a dark red descriptor quietly materialized:

“Creator of Earth.”

Creator of Earth?

What does this mean?

Shen Ye’s heart suddenly trembled.

He suddenly realized something.

шωш⊕ tttκan⊕ ￠ o

—Xiao Mengyu’s descriptor was dark red.

Generally speaking, red descriptors represent a mythical tier.

Dark red…

He had never encountered a descriptor of this level before.

The Nightmare World actually hid such an opportunity!

The void subtly shifted.

A female Taoist priest appeared before them.

—It was none other than Chu Manshu!

Shen Ye was about to greet her, but saw Chu Manshu’s expression change as she cried out to Xiao Mengyu:

“Sister, don’t fall for it!”

Fall for it?

Xiao Mengyu was somewhat puzzled, and Shen Ye was even more so.

“What am I falling for?” Xiao Mengyu asked.

Chu Manshu pointed at Shen Ye and said with disgust, “This person next to you, he asked around all the caves in the mountains in one day, wanting to form a Dao companion relationship with everyone he met. He’s such a libertine!”

Xiao Mengyu glanced at Shen Ye.

—There’s such a thing?

Shen Ye’s eyes showed determination.

—I did that to get into the sect, so I sullied my own reputation.

“Sister, aren’t you leaving yet?” Chu Manshu stamped her foot and said, “This guy is not a good person. Sister, don’t be so obsessed!”

Xiao Mengyu lowered her gaze slightly and said softly, “Thank you for your kind intentions, older sister, but I have received benefits from him, so I must act as his helper in this fight against you.”

“Then there’s no helping it.” Chu Manshu sighed.

She assumed a fighting stance, about to strike, but then cried out again:

“Nangong Wantu, you’re standing so far away, and you haven’t even drawn your weapon. What do you mean by that?”

“I don’t like fighting,” Shen Ye waved his hand, “Fellow Daoist Chu, how about this? I’ll give you a ten-thousand-year-old Vajra Sacred Thunder Bamboo. How about you concede this round?”

Chu Manshu’s eyes showed increasing disdain.

“I indeed have been inquiring about that material recently. You’re quite well-informed. I hear you bought all our female disciples’ information from Dao Zhengyi, is that true?”

“Yes.” Shen Ye admitted.

Chu Manshu sneered, “What an unlearned wastrel, only knowing how to throw money around. But today, I’m going to let you know that money isn’t everything.”

“So, you’re set on fighting us?” Shen Ye asked.

“Precisely.” Chu Manshu said.

As her lips parted to utter these two words, she suddenly felt a chill at her neck.

Looking down.

A sword was held against her throat.

At some point, Xiao Mengyu had appeared behind her, holding her long sword level, and softly said:

“Sister, concede.”

“You were truly concerned for me just now, so I don’t want to hurt you, Sister. Please concede quickly, don’t force me to act.”

Boom—

Limitless sword energy emanated from her, threads of it merging into the long sword, boosting its power.

Chu Manshu’s face turned pale, and she murmured distractedly, “What a fast sword… You’re not high-level, how can you use such swordsmanship?”

Xiao Mengyu did not answer.

The sword advanced slightly, pressing against Chu Manshu’s skin.

“I concede.”

Chu Manshu glared fiercely at Shen Ye, saying unwillingly.

Shen Ye smiled and cupped his hands.

The next second.

Chu Manshu’s figure gradually faded, disappearing from the square.

Only Shen Ye and Xiao Mengyu remained.

“It’s strange,” Shen Ye began, “Why didn’t she react?”

“I used my ‘Name’.” Xiao Mengyu said.

“Is it convenient to say? If not, that’s fine.” Shen Ye asked.

“Actually, it’s nothing—I previously received swordsmanship instruction from an异人 (an extraordinary person), and then went to the Earth Mother, where I underwent a trial of sword intent. I narrowly escaped death, and at the brink of consciousness destruction, I finally received the Earth’s inherited name, breaking through all barriers.”

Xiao Mengyu continued naturally:

“This ‘Name’ possesses the ultimate attribute of earth, capable of instantly bringing a single target’s strength down to par with my own for three seconds.”

“The Earth Mother said this ‘Name’ is called ‘Creator of Earth’, one of the four great sacred laws of the ancient era.”

“So, the opponent’s strength wasn’t at the eighth level of the Dharma Realm at all just now?” Shen Ye asked.

“Yes, her power dropped to the fourth level of the Dharma Realm. She couldn’t adapt at all, and I happened to be at that realm. With my full power, she couldn’t block it.” Xiao Mengyu said.

Shen Ye’s heart was greatly shaken.

The power of the descriptor was so strong that it directly swayed the battle.

Some say that profession is most important, others say that Dharma Signs and descriptors are most important. Actually, it should be interpreted this way—

Given equal strength, profession is most important.

But in any case—

If there are high-level descriptors and Dharma Signs, they will be decisive.

“What a terrifying descriptor.”

Shen Ye lamented.

“Yes, I also didn’t expect that cultivating swordsmanship could lead to such a ‘Name’—it is said that in higher universes, ‘Names’ are also known as the Dharma Realm’s recognition, the condensed descriptors of principles.” Xiao Mengyu also said.

She put away her sword and turned to look at the half-body statue.

The statue buzzed open:

“First team collaborative combat trial successful!”

“You have received a reward:”

“Huh? What’s going on? You’ve already received a ‘Lizzy’ effect once?”

“Given that the ‘Lizzy’ effect can only be applied to one person once, the reward must now be changed.”

“Please choose from the following rewards:”

“1. A battle artifact from Penglai Mountain;”

“2. A dedicated descriptor;”

“3. The right to choose the next trial;”

Shen Ye asked, puzzled, “Can’t it enhance my personal Dharma Realm strength?”

“Boosting Dharma Realm strength is a basic reward, which you will definitely receive, while these three options above are selective rewards.” The statue buzzed.

“What does ‘trial selection right’ mean?”

“Designate your opponent.”

Then what else is there to say!

“I want the right to choose the next trial.” Shen Ye said.

“Done.” The statue replied.

The next moment.

Light radiated from Shen Ye’s feet, enveloping his entire body.

An unimaginable power of the Dharma Realm filled his Dharma Sign, directly communicating with the Dharma Realm and drawing upon even greater power of laws to refine his body.

Tiny illuminated words quickly appeared:

“Congratulations.”

“You have advanced to the eighth level of the Dharma Realm.”

“You have completed the trial of the Path to Heaven: Advancement.”

“The restriction on you not being able to engage in combat with others has now been lifted, and you have received the corresponding Heavenly Path reward:”

“—Your Dharma Sign has begun to receive the blessing of the power of the Heavens.”

“Thus, your ‘Supreme Immortal Kingdom’ Dharma Sign has gained vitality and begun to gestate the power of the Heavens.”

Shen Ye quickly released his spiritual energy to observe the Dharma Sign.

He saw the stone stele emitting thousands of multicolored light rays, piercing the sky, and even the surrounding dark currents of destruction seemed to be dispelled by this light.

A line of small text appeared above the stone stele:

“In gestation.”

As Shen Ye looked, he suddenly felt that the condition of this stone stele seemed familiar.

—Don’t tease me.

If you really end up with a stone monkey later, am I supposed to play the Jade Emperor? Or Tang Monk?

Absolutely not!

While he was thinking, a stream of light wrapped around him and Xiao Mengyu, instantly teleporting them away.

—This was on a dilapidated tall building.

Xiao Mengyu’s joyful voice rang out: “My Dharma Realm strength has increased by one level!”

Shen Ye turned to look at her.

The power fluctuations emanating from her indeed reached the fifth level of the Dharma Realm.

Xiao Mengyu dared not delay, immediately sat down on the spot, silently circulated her cultivation heart method, while stabilizing her realm and absorbing the rich rule power of this world.

Shen Ye, however, was somewhat surprised.

—This time it was completely different from last time!

Even the helper he summoned received a realm upgrade!

A triumphant voice suddenly rang out:

“How about it? I told you I’d give you the most generous rewards.”

It was the half-body statue.

“Thanks,” Shen Ye gave it a thumbs up, “When the second trial ends, I will definitely repay you.”

The half-body statue asked, puzzled, “Speaking of the second trial, I’m a bit confused—why did you give up a battle artifact from Penglai Mountain and a dedicated descriptor?”

Shen Ye didn’t answer, but recalled the last time.

Second trial.

His teacher, himself, and Nangong Sirui encountered a strange Dao Palace disciple.

He could easily penetrate the teacher’s summoned creatures, his strength was incredibly terrifying, completely unlike a newcomer to the Dao Palace—

—He might have been a monster from the Demon Abyss!

If it weren’t for the Seal Gate, the outcome of the battle would have been very uncertain.

So he really didn’t want to re-experience it this time.

“Can we rest for an hour?” he asked.

“Precisely so. You may summon new team members and refine battle tactics, for a total of one hour.” The half-body statue said.

Shen Ye unhesitatingly pulled out a card and, as he did last time, summoned Xu Xingke.

“No need to say more.”

Xu Xingke’s eyes gleamed with a smile. He lit a cigarette, took a deep puff, and exhaled smoke rings.

The Tarot card book flew out from him, hovering in mid-air just like last time, continuously absorbing the surrounding power of laws.

“Teacher, do you know about my situation here?” Shen Ye asked.

“Usually, in order to gather energy, your Battle Instructor Master card is usually sleeping.”

“But you’re constantly jumping through time and space, and creating such a huge commotion, the Battle Instructor Master was almost scared to death and couldn’t sleep at all. He had no choice but to witness the whole process and tremblingly came to tell me everything.” Xu Xingke said.

Shen Ye couldn’t help but laugh.

His teacher had always been fully supporting him.

Even when he understood the Taishang Oblivion Ascension Scripture, it was thanks to the “Battle Instructor Master” card his teacher gave him.

—It was truly excellent that his teacher could fully understand and grasp the situation.

“Teacher, how is the situation in our world now?” Shen Ye asked.

“It’s decent. Although those individuals are strong, they are not adapted to the sparse rules of the indeterminate layer, so we’re fighting them to a draw.” Xu Xingke said.

His gaze fell upon Xiao Mengyu, and he spoke: “Our strength is also constantly improving. For example, Xiao Mengyu has gained an extraordinary inheritance.”

“The Nightmare World also has that kind of inheritance?” Shen Ye asked.

“That’s not an inheritance from the Nightmare World—the Nightmare World just happens to be able to host a certain earth ritual.”

“The key is her mysterious swordsmanship, which can, through that ritual, open the Dharma Realm’s secret treasure, allowing her to gain an immensely secretive ‘Name’.” Xu Xingke said.

“Remarkable.” Shen Ye sighed.

“No need to say more, I’ll guard here. You should also take a rest quickly.”

Xu Xingke looked at him, his expression serious as he continued:

“You haven’t rested in a long time. Although your strength has improved, not resting will lead to big problems.”

“Yes, Teacher.” Shen Ye replied.

There was still nearly an hour left.

With Xu Xingke guarding the place, and having escaped the surveillance of the Taishang Life-Binding Soul-Refining Palace, Shen Ye finally completely relaxed.

Within a few minutes, he fell asleep.

Xu Xingke looked at his tired face, shook his head, and casually put out his cigarette.

Time slowly flowed by.

The half-body statue’s voice finally spoke:

“There are five minutes remaining until the next trial.”

“Please designate your combat opponent immediately!”

Shen Ye opened his eyes.

He saw Xiao Mengyu had already finished her practice, standing aside, continuously wielding her sword and contemplating her sword techniques.

Xu Xingke sat cross-legged, engrossed in reading a novel.

Shen Ye was confused for a few seconds before realizing.

He had slept soundly this time.

Indeed.

He hadn’t rested in too long.

He rubbed his face and then spoke to the half-body statue:

“Must the designated combat opponent be a disciple participating in this trial?”

“Anyone who has entered the trial can be chosen.” The half-body statue replied.

“What about those who have already been eliminated?”

“Also possible.”

“I designate Chu Manshu as my opponent!” Shen Ye decided firmly.

“…Isn’t that a bit too shameless?” the half-body statue asked.

“What is a face?” Shen Ye asked.

A moment of silence.

Xiao Mengyu, standing to his left, looked outwards.

Xu Xingke, standing to his right, nodded approvingly.

“Designation successful, trial about to begin.” The half-body statue announced.

The void shimmered.

The lovely female Dao Palace disciple Chu Manshu reappeared.

Shen Ye was about to say a few polite words when the void opened again.

A figure descended silently.

—This was a young man with a square face, appearing only eighteen or nineteen years old, his expression blank.

It was that guy from last time!

Both Shen Ye and Xu Xingke’s expressions changed.

Xu Xingke, however, glanced at Chu Manshu.

Chu Manshu immediately fainted.

—At the same eighth level of the Dharma Realm, she couldn’t even withstand a single glance from Xu Xingke!

“I didn’t designate this person, why did he appear?”

Shen Ye quickly asked.

“I don’t know…” the half-body statue said in confusion.

Xu Xingke took out a card, pointed it at the young man, and looking at the pattern displayed on the card, said:

“This fellow is not one of the beings outside the ruins, but he was trapped within them. Be careful, his strength is as strong as it was last time!”

The young man surveyed the three of them, his body writhing and emitting loud “clack-clack-clack” sounds.

He was about to act!

Clang—

A sword cry.

Xiao Mengyu struck first!

In a flash of lightning, Shen Ye and Xu Xingke reacted immediately.

She activated the ‘Creator of Earth’ descriptor!

Within three seconds, the monster’s power would be limited to the fifth level of the Dharma Realm!

Was there any better opportunity to kill than this?

None!

Shen Ye instantly grabbed his Guanghan Bow, shot an arrow, and cursed:

“What a psycho of a sworn brother.”

The mythical descriptor “True Person Wei” activated!

The negative descriptor “Sworn Brother” activated!

An arrow transformed into thirty-six Lunar Divine Arrows, raining down like stars towards the monster opposite.

wWW▪ ttкan▪ ℃ O

At this moment, an boundless illusion of city walls appeared behind Xu Xingke, who then punched the monster from a distance.

The attacks of the three directly struck the monster.

The monster flew high into the air, its body scattering into seven or eight pieces, landing dozens of meters away.

“Not dead!”

Xu Xingke cried out.

However, just as the scattered corpse parts were about to reassemble, a small, nimble doll suddenly leaped out of the void.

This doll looked exactly like the monster, rushing forward and vigorously gnawing at the monster’s head.

The monster’s various body parts immediately ceased moving.

Flickering lights formed tiny words:

“Your ‘Sworn Brother’ descriptor’s summoned Dharma Realm doll dealt critical damage.”

“This attack inflicted brain damage on the enemy.”

“Battle ended.”

Shen Ye looked at the monster’s head.

Under the continuous gnawing of the Dharma Realm doll, only half of the head remained.

Indeed, it was literally brain damage!

Another line of faint text appeared:

“Under the influence of the ‘Wei Zhenren’ descriptor, this kill will inevitably hit a weak point and scatter valuable items.”

Valuable items…

“Bah!”

The Dharma Realm doll chewed for a while, then suddenly frowned and spat out something.

A five-colored gem “clanged” as it was spat out and fell to the ground.