Li Hong looked at the two massive Azure Jade Gates in front of him, a strange feeling of déjà vu washing over him. Many years ago, he remembered standing in front of the grand entrance to Temple City with Chu Xi and Chuxiong, and the sensation was eerily similar to now.
Li Hong instructed Ling Yanzi, Heavenly Torch, and Aurora to step back three paces. Without hesitation, he took out Lingyi and made a deep cut on his wrist. Bright red blood gushed out, splattering onto the Azure Jade Gate and dripping down in thick drops. Upon closer inspection, the blood was still steaming, glinting with a metallic golden sheen from the side.
Heavenly Torch raised an eyebrow but said nothing. However, both Ling Yanzi and Aurora gasped in shock, exclaiming in unison, "What are you doing!"
Li Hong ignored them, focusing intently on the blood splattered on the Azure Jade Gate, watching for any changes.
The wait felt agonizingly long as Li Hong stared unblinkingly at his blood on the door, feeling time drag on. Just as he was about to turn around to explain to Ling Yanzi and the others, their expressions suddenly changed, and they stared wide-eyed behind him.
Li Hong knew something had happened. Turning around, he saw that his blood was seeping into the gate, and a massive silhouette began to appear.
The figure was as tall as the ten-zhang high gate itself, towering above it with its head touching the lintel and feet on the threshold. Although it appeared as a shadow on the gate, it looked almost alive. It wore Strange Golden Short Armor that revealed its thick arms and legs. A large Golden Helmet adorned its head, with a spike protruding down to its nose, exposing two blue eyes and a thick black beard. Strangely enough, it was barefoot and not even wearing Grass Shoes. Its appearance was quite Strange.
It fixed its gaze on Ling Yanzi and the others for a moment before locking eyes with Li Hong. A booming voice like thunder echoed: "Is that you who called me, wearing the White Robe?"
Li Hong should have felt elated; however, an unsettling thought began to take shape in his mind, making him increasingly uneasy. It wasn't until that thunderous voice asked again that Li Hong snapped back to reality and replied, "It is I."
"Please present your token."
Indeed, it was just like Temple City. Li Hong became more certain of his thoughts as he rummaged through his Cosmic Bag for the mysterious Azure Jade Plate. Without waiting for further prompts from the figure, he pressed the Azure Jade Plate against the gate.
The figure exclaimed softly and muttered, "It seems you are indeed one of us. Strange; it's been a long time since I've seen a messenger. I should ask more questions later..."
Upon hearing this, Li Hong immediately became alert. As he watched the Azure Jade Gates begin to open, Ling Yanzi and the others were filled with excitement. Li Hong quickly transmitted serious instructions to each of them, warning them not to speak or act recklessly and to follow his lead.
As the gates opened, a long corridor was revealed, flanked by countless familiar Black Jade Forbidden Stone Beasts at both ends. They were alive and ready to attack any intruders.
The further they went in, Li Hongyu felt a mix of anger, confusion, disappointment, and heartache. With every step forward, Li Hong's heart felt like it was being tossed in a storm.
It turned out to be the Star Sect's doing! The False Immortal Realm was actually created by the Star Sect!
Everything before him served as evidence. The Spirit of the Hall, identical to Temple City, although its appearance was quite strange and somewhat reminiscent of people from the Western Regions, still spoke Middle-earth Mandarin; the same methods of entry; the blood of the Five Elements Complete Physique Person and that mysterious Azure Jade Plate as a token; and all the identical Black Jade Forbidden Stone Beasts found in every Middle-earth temple...
The further Li Hong went, the more certain he became, and the indescribable pain in his heart intensified.
For a long time, the construction of Middle-earth temples, including Temple City by the Ancient Gods of the Star Sect, had held significant meaning for Li Hong. Especially after settling in Temple City and acquiring all its treasures while learning many secret techniques from the Star Sect, he had developed a fondness for this Star Sect from some distant realm, even feeling a kind of affectionate admiration akin to that for an ancestor.
However, he never expected that all the evidence now pointed to this False Immortal Realm being orchestrated by the Star Sect. These Ancient Gods of the Star Sect had set up such a grand deception to trap outstanding cultivators from Middle-earth for countless years! This enmity could truly be described as irreconcilable!
On one hand was his admiration and affection for the Ancient Gods of the Star Sect; on the other hand was his deep-seated hatred for them. Li Hong felt as if he were experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, utterly unsure of what to feel.
Behind him, Ling Yanzi, Heavenly Torch, and Aurora cautiously walked in a triangular formation. Ling Yanzi and Aurora were both surprised and solemn; they hadn't expected to enter so easily. It seemed this mission could indeed be completed. Only Heavenly Torch sensed Li Hong's emotional turmoil and began to piece together the mysteries within this place, growing increasingly vigilant.
Li Hong immediately sensed Heavenly Torch's wariness. Feeling compelled, he began to communicate with him through his Divine Consciousness, pouring out his troubles.
"Brother, I never expected that the Star Sect is behind the False Immortal Realm. Sigh, I was wrong; I always thought it must be an individual responsible for this. I never imagined it would be a sect, an organization—one with considerable power in another realm. This organization has ties to you and me as well as Great Opportunity; it truly leaves me feeling unsettled," Li Hong lamented.
Heavenly Torch remained calm. "Brother, what do you plan to do?"
"What else is there to say? Of course we need to find the true core of this formation and break it! It's just... thinking that it's actually the Star Sect behind this makes me feel uneasy."
"Brother, I've had similar thoughts for a while now. The Ancient Gods of the Star Sect possess heavenly powers; just look at Temple City to see that. Such a grand conspiracy could only be their doing; otherwise, I'd find it unbelievable. For now, let's focus on one thing: breaking it! We must dismantle this False Immortal Realm; otherwise, we might end up trapped ourselves. For our own sake and for others', we must break it! From now on, we'll go all out against the Star Sect!"
A word of reminder to Li Hong. Heavenly Torch is right; there is no turning back now. It’s either you die or I live. Since the mastermind is the Star Sect, the Star Sect will henceforth become the lifelong enemy of all Middle-Earth Cultivators, including myself! This is absolutely non-negotiable.
However, no one understands the strength of the Star Sect better than Li Hong. Just their significant presence in Temple City and the Five Great Teleportation Halls in Middle-Earth is enough to astonish anyone. Moreover, Li Hong suspects that the mysterious Underground Pyramid Forest Space across the ocean, guarded by the Feathered Serpent Deity, is also connected to them. Adding to this is the vast project of the False Immortal Realm; all of this makes Li Hong realize what a terrifying organization or major sect he is up against.
This Star Sect must possess unfathomable power. As Li Hong thinks about this, he feels a sense of confusion. How can such a powerful entity be avenged for the deep grudge of the Sea of Blood?
His feet glided over the smooth white jade floor as everyone followed the winding corridor into a garden. In the distance, at the center of a flowerbed, there was a large array of rare fruits that stirred something in Li Hong's heart.
Power is actually enhanced by resources. The more resources one has, the faster one’s strength increases. Moreover, a hero needs help from others; relying solely on oneself is insufficient. It is essential to unite everyone in Middle-Earth's Cultivation World around oneself; that would be the greatest support.
Then, let’s start by enhancing everyone’s strength!
Li Hong made a quick decision, stopping his steps and deliberately gazing at those rare fruits, pretending to hesitate.
The Spirit of the Hall had transformed into a figure of average height leading the way, though still much taller than an ordinary person; perhaps only Chuxiong could compare in stature. He soon noticed that Li Hong had stopped and turned around in surprise to ask, “Why aren’t you moving, Messenger?”
Li Hong focused on the rare fruits but asked, “Where are you taking us?”
“Ha ha, Messenger, are you joking? Every time your people come here, I lead them to the Main Hall for tea and then listen to your mission and teachings. Is this time any different?”
Li Hong's heart jolted; it seemed that the Star Sect had been sending people all along? Suddenly recalling what the Spirit of the Hall had muttered earlier about how it had been a long time since anyone visited, he decided to take a small risk.
Li Hong replied solemnly, “Of course it’s the same; however, we haven’t been here for quite some time and thought you might have forgotten us!”
The Spirit of the Hall immediately laughed and said, “How could that be! Look at what you’re saying, Messenger. Please take a seat in the hall; I will not only serve tea but ensure that every bit of this routine benefit will not be lessened for you. However, I have a small request: it’s quite boring here; could you let your two dragon subordinates stay here with me for a while longer?” He pointed at Heavenly Torch and Aurora.
Celestial Torch Aurora was slightly taken aback, realizing that in this Spiritual Eye, he was indeed a subordinate of Li Hong!
Li Hong reacted quickly, knowing that the first test had been successful. The Star Sect had indeed not sent anyone for a long time, and from what he gathered, the Spirit of the Hall still showed him respect. It seemed that this Spirit of the Hall was quite clever, making it worth his while to keep an eye on those spiritual fruits for so long.
Li Hong immediately laughed and said, "Well said! Let's go, I would like to enjoy the fine tea you offer!"
The Spirit of the Hall, being rather straightforward, thought that Li Hong had agreed. He believed that this esteemed messenger was easy to talk to! Instantly, he beamed with joy, and his mouth opened like a box of chatter, overflowing with words.
"My lord, you may not know this, but you haven't sent anyone here for ten thousand years. Although I have collected many spiritual fruits here, they have withered away just sitting there; it's truly a pity! Also, the last time a messenger came, he promised to bring some divine beasts from the Middle-Earth Celestial Prison to keep me company. After he left, there was no news at all. I am truly delighted to see you again, my lord. I dare to say that life here is quite dull; please help me resolve this matter this time. Over the years, I have managed to collect some good items; I will have you check them shortly..."
The Spirit of the Hall rambled on and on. Li Hongyu listened closely and understood more clearly; it was definitely this place. He boldly referred to the False Immortal Realm as the "Middle-Earth Celestial Prison", which made his meaning clear—it indicated that this was indeed a place overseeing the False Immortal Realm. However, one thing was quite strange: did this Spirit of the Hall not know that three out of the four Shin Yao in the False Immortal Realm had been killed? How exactly did he oversee the False Immortal Realm?
It seemed that if they wanted to deal with the False Immortal Realm, they had to start with this Spirit of the Hall. Fortunately, he had already assumed that he was some kind of "esteemed messenger," which saved a lot of trouble.
It was time to negotiate well with him or rather, to deceive him greatly!
Li Hong's mind raced as he followed the Spirit of the Hall into a grand hall.
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