Chapter 573: Heavenly Cemetery
Legends state that these corpses and mummies were all heaven-defying experts when they were alive. Later on, they failed during their attack on these graves and died miserably here. They were then affected by the aura of death and became guardian puppets.
Although it was extremely dangerous to cultivators, the Earth Realm was a great place for training. As long as one had sufficient strength, then not only would they be able to train here, they could also obtain some fortune.
With strength and confidence as well as the ability to defeat the fierce monsters protecting these graves, people could enter the cemetery. If they were lucky, they could walk in a straight path without meeting any dangers and obtain something amazing inside.
But sometimes, it would be extremely perilous within the cemetery. Terrifying ghost-like creatures could have been buried inside as well. More than eighty percent of those who entered these graves would die, but if they managed to come back alive, they would be greatly rewarded for it.
Because of this, countless cultivators, especially the geniuses, were happy to give the menacing Earth Realm a shot. What could be more tempting than a great training ground full of treasures? Confident geniuses would surely pick this place to train.
After seeing Lan Yunzhu's dumbfounded expression, Li Qiye smiled and said while looking at the graves: "Come, you won't be able to solve the mysteries here. No one knows who was buried here or when."
"What about Uncle?" Lan Yunzhu gave him a look and asked: "Don't tell me Uncle doesn't know a thing or two about this? You have read so many books and know so many things in this world, so could there really be a secret that you, someone who knows everything and can't not do anything, don't know about?"
Li Qiye only responded by chuckling and flicking her forehead before saying: "Girl, don't dream about egging me on. If I said I don't know, then I don't know."
Lan Yunzhu only angrily glared at him with a charming and playful demeanor, showing a beauty capable of taking others' breaths away.
Li Qiye led Lan Yunzhu deeper inside. They didn't come here for the fortunes inside the graves, so they only passed by a few while heading straight for the Heavenly Cemetery.
After walking past some fortunes, she asked: "Doesn't Uncle want to take a look at some of these ominous graves? Legend states that there are some very unbelievable mummies inside. Some even said that a few of them are of the Immortal Emperor level. Do you not want to broaden your horizons?"
Li Qiye shook his head and said: "This time, we didn't come here for treasures. We wasted too much time in the other realms so we can't go to another grave."
"It is just 'you', not 'us'." Lan Yunzhu looked at him with one eye and continued: "If you are not here for the graves, then why are you going to the path of death? If you know that it is suicidal, then why must you still tread it?" Lan Yunzhu didn't want him to go there since it was a terrible place of certain doom.
For millions of years, even Godkings had died inside since they didn’t trust the tales.
Lan Yunzhu believed that Li Qiye could come out alive by creating a miracle, but this matter was still too risky. Something unexpected might happen.
Li Qiye looked at her and understood her thoughts, so he smiled and said: "Don't stop me, I can't afford not to go there. I need a challenge in order to break through."
"Challenge? Break through?" Lan Yunzhu asked: "Do you not have enough challenges yet? Defeating Di Zuo and achieving twelve palaces are not enough? Having twelve palaces is the most brilliant achievement since time immemorial. Like you said, only Immortal Emperor Jiao Heng had obtained twelve palaces, so your accomplishment is on the same level as the emperor."
"You are right, but that is not enough since this is not my limit just yet. I need to take one step further beyond the boundary and defeat all those before me, even the unknown!"
Such domineering words did not sound arrogant from Li Qiye. Instead, they were rather natural.
Lan Yunzhu only sighed. Other people would be satisfied with twelve palaces and defeating a number one genius like Di Zuo; what could be greater achievements than these? However, she knew that if Li Qiye was satisfied, then he would no longer be Li Qiye, no longer the person who created miracles.
She felt that Immortal Emperor was the final apex for other people, but to Li Qiye, perhaps Immortal Emperor was just the beginning. This was Li Qiye, a unique being across time.
However, she didn't give up and said: "Even if you want to break through, you shouldn't be suicidal to the point of going on the certain-death path."
Li Qiye shook his head and said: "No, I must go to the path of death in order to break through. It is one of my two goals before entering the grave."
"Is there no other choice?" Lan Yunzhu curiously asked: "What is so special about the path of death?"
"… You are right." Li Qiye nodded and said: "There is one 'thing' inside the path of death, and I need that to train. Only that 'thing' will be able to help me."
She continued with more questions: "What is it? Is it like a different realm? Something like a secret among secrets like the wooden nest or the lost alchemy garden? Or is it like that one black star in the celestial sea inside the Water Realm?"
Li Qiye answered by shaking his head: "All wrong. I'll let you know that the secret among secrets inside the Earth Realm is not located at the path of death, but rather the path of life. If you want the method for everlasting life, then go to the path of life. If you are extremely lucky, then maybe you will meet the legendary secret realm."
Lan Yunzhu softly sighed. She knew that Li Qiye had made up his mind and wouldn't listen. Nevertheless, she still didn't want him to go.
Li Qiye gently tousled her hair and said: "Okay, little girl. Don't worry about me, I am confident in leaving alive. Who am I?! I am Li Qiye! Even the path of death won't be able to take my life!"
She glared at him as she retorted: "Hmph! I certainly hope so. If you die here, I won't bother to pick up your corpse so that it can rot in the wild!"
What could she do when Li Qiye had made his choice? Li Qiye, on the other hand, only smiled while looking at her expression without saying anything back.
The Heavenly Cemetery was also called the central plain of the Earth Realm. The entrance was a basin of sorts; from a higher vantage overlook, one would see the Heavenly Cemetery as a huge mausoleum shrouded in fog.
The basin was decorated with stone pebbles that led to a monument that towered all the way to the sky. It was very similar to the Prime Ominous Grave's tablet, an object without any runes.
If one used the key to exchange for a fortune in front of this monument, then maybe one could obtain an unparalleled treasure.
To the sides of the cemetery were two bottomless abysses, and above them were two small paths. One was the path of death and the other the path of life. These two paths led the way into the cemetery.
For millions of years now, countless experts had entered both paths. Very few left the path of life alive while the only rumors about the path of death was that once one enters, there would be no leaving.
The most recent person to come out of the path of life successfully was Di Zuo. Not long before, he entered it for self-training. Alas, due to the death of the Phoenix Maiden, he gave up infiltrating further into the cemetery.
Another person who left the path of life alive was the famous Immortal Emperor Di Yu. At a young age, he once entered the path of life, and people believed that he made it very far through all the trials. But of course, there were also speculations saying that he didn't make it all the way to the end.
These speculations were not important, the crucial part was that he had obtained an immense fortune in the path of life that was possibly the method for everlasting life.
Because of this, geniuses and ancestors that were near their death all came to the path of life to try their luck. In summary, whether it was for training or for the method of everlasting life, those who dared to come to the path of life were all amazing characters.
Needless to say, those who managed to return alive were even more incredible.
At this moment, Li Qiye and Lan Yunzhu were standing on a high peak outside of the basin while gazing at the distant Heavenly Cemetery. Seeing the two tiny paths on top of the abysses took away Lan Yunzhu's breath. Calling this place the most dangerous location in the world was not enough to describe its treacherousness!
However, the Heavenly Cemetery had one noticeable difference in contrast to before; above the huge tablet at the entrance was a floating island that covered the entire cemetery.
573 TeaserLegend states that these corpses and mummies were all heaven-defying experts when they were alive. Later on, they failed during their attack on these graves and died miserably here. They were then affected by the aura of death and became guardian puppets.
Although it was extremely dangerous to cultivators, the Earth Realm was a great place for training. As long as one had sufficient strength, then not only would they be able to train here, they could also obtain some fortune.
With strength and confidence and the ability to defeat the fierce monsters protecting the graves, people could enter the grave. If lucky, they could go in a straight path without meeting any dangers and obtain something amazing inside.
But sometimes, it would be extremely perilous inside the grave. Terrifying ghost-like creatures could be buried inside as well. More than eighty percent of those who enter these graves would die, but if they managed to come back alive, they would be greatly rewarded for it.
[collapse]Chapter 574: Meeting The Lost Mythical Island Again
This was the same island that had appeared out at sea that had many people wanting to explore it. The lost mythical island was still shrouded in mist, but it was a lot thinner than what it had been initially. It was as if the mist would completely dissipate after just a bit longer.
"The lost mythical island." Li Qiye murmured as he looked at it. Lan Yunzhu also gazed at the landmass then back at Li Qiye, who was standing next to her, and asked: "This is your other goal for coming to this place, right?"
Back at the Thousand Islands, she had followed him and saw what he did before leaving later on. Although she didn't see the island appear outside with her own eyes, she guessed that it didn't appear for no reason and must have something to do with Li Qiye.
After its disappearance, he immediately went to the Prime Ominous Grave, so she knew that he specifically came here for it.
"Yes! I need this island." Li Qiye said and nodded. He stared at the mist shrouding the island and continued: "It seems like the mist will dissipate before the grave closes. This means I will need to take a trip there."
Lan Yunzhu found it strange that he placed such emphasis on this island, so she inquired: "What does the island have? True Immortal Medicine? Invincible treasures? Supreme scriptures? Or a mythical beast?"
There had been many legends surrounding the island. Some swore that they saw a golden dragon soaring in the sky alongside divine phoenixes. The scene was very real and was not merely illusions. Because of this, people speculated that the island might be the lost residence of divine beasts like dragons and phoenixes.
"All incorrect." Li Qiye narrowed his eyes in response: "If there is one thing on the island, then it is a terrifying and extremely frightening existence."
"Just how terrifying?" Lan Yunzhu was alarmed after seeing Li Qiye's expression.
"To an indescribable extent. It is a bringer of destruction and killer of gods and immortals! It is not a weapon but is far more potent than one."
Lan Yunzhu's heart thumped rapidly. What kind of existence was worthy of this description? Could there really be a thing capable of slaying gods and immortals in this world?
"Okay, girl, you cannot spend forever to send your husband off." Li Qiye told Lan Yunzhu: "Here is far enough, I will enter now. Time will run out if you are too late; it will be all for naught if the grave closes." 1
Lan Yunzhu looked at him and wanted to say something as her lips slightly parted. There were numerous words she wanted to say, but she didn't know where to start. She suddenly hugged his neck and gave him a kiss, an innocent yet courageous kiss with complete decisiveness.
Li Qiye raised her chin and kissed her sweet lips in return, tasting her delicate tongue. The two passionately adored each other before separating a long time later.
She pushed him off while being a bit out of breath. While glaring at him with moist eyes, she said: "I'll wait for your return, don't die in there!"
Li Qiye smiled and gently caressed her cheek: "Don't worry, even the king of hell wouldn't be able to take my life." With that, he turned around to leave.
Lan Yunzhu continued to stare at his departing figure and took a deep breath. The only thing she could do was to pray for his safe return.
Li Qiye went down from the high peak towards the basin to enter the cemetery. At this moment, he was not the only one since many people wanted to enter. Some were there to watch the fun and to see the legendary cemetery while others wanted to try the path of life. There were also those who heard about the island appearing on top of it, so they especially came here to take a look.
The great powers at the southern Distant Cloud were among the first to find the lost island. Great powers had fallen because of the island ever since they saw those divine beasts. These great powers truly believed in the speculations that the island contained mythical beasts.
Therefore, after hearing the news, they immediately ran here and wanted to climb on top to see these divine beasts. If they could grab an egg of one of these beasts, then they would become rich overnight.
However, their plans were useless since an extremely powerful lineage was guarding the cemetery. It didn't allow anyone to climb up the lost mythical island.
This lineage was the Ancestral City who had the aid of the Yin Yang Gate. It was not strange for these two to travel together because Chan Yang, the Yin Yang Master's son, was the inheritor of the Ancestral Realm.
The great powers were quite annoyed, but none of them dared to speak out at the Ancestral City.
Just what was the Ancestral City? It was the lineage directly below the Ancestral Realm that presided over the Sacred Nether World. They represented the Ancestral Realm and would send out their will.
One had to know that the Ancestral Realm was an apex existence above any race or lineage in the Sacred Nether World. An existence like the Myriad Bones Throne wouldn't be afraid of the Ancestral City, but it would still be wary of the Ancestral Realm.
A rumor stated that there were many ancestors of the ghost race inside the Ancestral City, and ghost deities were common at the Ancestral Realm. Outsiders thought that the Ancestral Realm was a place for the ghost gods.
Just how frightening and powerful must this place be? Because of this, no one or lineage in the Sacred Nether World was exempt from being afraid of the Ancestral Realm.
Guarding the entrance to the Heavenly Cemetery made the Ancestral City's aim very clear — they came for the lost island. Not long after the opening of the Prime Ominous Grave, a big shot from the Ancestral City led many experts inside. Such a thing rarely happened. The grave had been opened many times before, but people from the Ancestral City rarely cared for it.
This time, however, was the exception. The city led its troops inside not for any treasures or legendary creations, but for the lost island.
Speculations rose from the Ancestral City wanting to monopolize the lost island. Some thought that the island could be a lair of mythical beasts in the immortal world that fell down to the mortal realm. Up there were their nests and perhaps even some eggs.
This type of speculation made some sense due to the prior images of dragons and phoenixes that were witnessed by multiple people.
Li Qiye's appearance also attracted many cultivators from all the races who were here for the fun. It was hard for him not to garner so much attention. Recently, he had been very famous, especially after defeating Di Zuo and becoming the number one of the younger generation.
"Li Qiye is here!" The crowd exclaimed, but those that were the most alarmed were the ghost cultivators.
If it was before, then someone would be saying: "That brute, Li Qiye, is here." But ever since his victory over Di Zuo, no one dared to call him a brute anymore. Even the ghost race who really hated him didn't dare to address him in such a manner.
In a short amount of time, all eyes were on him. Both young and old were looking at him with a sense of apprehension.
Everyone knew about his last battle and how he used his heaven-defying momentum to defeat Di Zuo. This instilled fear within everyone.
While looking at him, they suddenly remembered that he had twelve palaces. Twelve palaces! Anyone, even the most brilliant genius, would shiver with despair after recalling his twelve palaces. To the younger generation, there was no chance of surpassing Li Qiye in this era.
If it was before, then the ghost cultivators would be unhappy with him entering and would start snickering and sneering. Their mouths would feel quite itchy without throwing an insult or two at him.
But now, even the most dissatisfied ghost had to shut their mouth and not dare to utter a single word.
This was the reality of the cultivation world — a cruel world. As long as one was powerful enough, they could deny all others from even letting out a fart!
One person came from the camp of the Ancestral City with many experts right behind him. Many were quite wary of this newcomer as they uttered: "The Yin Yang Master."
Even the ghost cultivators were alarmed. Everyone instinctively took a step back to make a path for the master.
He was quite powerful and was once an amazing Heavenly King that was worthy of awe. Moreover, he was also the sect master of an emperor's lineage. But now, even the ghost kings on the same level as him were somewhat afraid of him. The reason was very simple; he had an amazing son, Chan Yang, the Ancestral Realm's descendant.
The Ancestral City invited the Yin Yang Master as a guest advisor since Chan Yang was the Ancestral Realm's descendant and would be the future ruler of the Ancestral City.
The experts that followed the Yin Yang Master came before Li Qiye with apparently unfriendly intentions.
"Li Qiye, we meet again." Others might be afraid of Li Qiye, but the master didn't put him in his eyes and addressed him informally. The master had such qualifications; who was to blame for his son being the future master of the Ancestral Realm?
"And?" Li Qiye replied as he nonchalantly gave the master a glance.
His attitude was met with a snort from the master. Even people from the Ancestral City had to respect him, so what's more to say about a little brat like Li Qiye?
"Still the same words." The Yin Yang Master arrogantly smiled and coldly spoke: "If you are smart, then hand over the key. The ancestors of the city will make note of your contribution."
This particular phrase was a bit difficult and it has dual meanings as well. It can be sending a ruler/lord off to a battle in the form of a ceremony, or it can be a wife sending her husband away as well. I believe husband is what Li Qiye is trying to say here, but just keep in mind that the particular word can be ruler or husband. ↩Chapter 575: Ancestral City Lord
The master's tone was aggressive and threatening, causing the silent spectators nearby to shiver.
The Yin Yang Gate was not necessarily stronger than the Titanic Crescent Sacred Ground and was definitely incomparable to the All-Eras Ancient Kingdom or the Simple Mountain Immortal Kingdom, let alone a lineage like the Myriad Bones Throne.
However, the Yin Yang Gate of this generation was flying high and could walk proudly everywhere. The Yin Yang Master was even more unstoppable; the world listened to his commands so he put no one in his eyes.
Although many hated him and the other emperor's lineages didn't like him, they didn't bother with trivial quips due to his talented son.
Li Qiye coldly glared at the master after seeing his arrogance before revealing a smirk and said: "If you or the Ancestral Realm kneeled down and begged me, I would have thought about giving you the key back then. But now? Get the hell out of here and don't bother me!"
The experts from the Ancestral City changed their expressions after hearing this. The master's expression sank as well.
The spectating cultivators were scared out of their minds. Li Qiye's attitude was simply too arrogant towards the Ancestral Realm. Not to mention young people in the Sacred Nether World, even ancestors and legendary masters wouldn't dare to act so boisterously against the Ancestral Realm.
Who would dare to be so smug when talking to the Ancestral Realm? But now, Li Qiye told the group to get the hell out of here — this was being audacious beyond boundaries.
Another person murmured: "Fierce is indeed different. Only such a fierce person would dare to kill Di Zuo."
The hearts of others shrunk from fear. Li Qiye's attitude showed that he was not taking the Ancestral Realm into consideration at all. He was even antagonistic towards them!
The Yin Yang Master showed a dark smile as he coldly spoke: "Junior, although you are formidable with no match in the younger generation, don't forget that you are still young and the path ahead is still long. Your tiny cultivation might be unmatched among the young, but you are only an ant to the older generation and the Ancestral Realm."
"Is that so?" Li Qiye leisurely said: "You don't need to worry about that. I don't have time to chit-chat with you, alright now? So scram. Don't block my way to the path of death or else I'll pave the way myself with your blood!"
Such free yet domineering words that had a murderous air caused the cultivators to look at each other. Those who dared to declare their intention of massacring the Ancestral City's experts could be counted with one's hand in the Sacred Nether World, but Li Qiye was the only one among the younger generation.
They understood why Li Qiye had the nickname "Fierce." Only he was worthy of this title.
The moment he finished speaking, the experts behind the master scowled and said: "This thing doesn't know life from death!" They glared with their eyes, revealing a frightening aura.
At this time, back at the Ancestral City's camp, a harrumph rang out, causing the world to shake and the celestials to lose their colors. This sound made Heavenly Sovereigns quiver as well.
An old man shrouded with divine light could be seen standing at the camp. He had a noble aura as if he was sitting on a throne high up in the sky. Although his aura was not particularly daunting and was without a monstrous blood energy, the waves of divine lights were plenty scary enough.
Each wave of light was like a spear that pierced the sky and the myriad dao. The sharpness of this light instilled a frightening chill in all.
The Yin Yang Master was secretly glad to see this old man coming out and warned Li Qiye: "Junior, you are too arrogant. With your words just now, even if I don't teach you a lesson, the City Lord will not spare you!"
This was the result he wanted since he had been determined to kill Li Qiye. Before this, he didn't have a big conflict with Li Qiye, but it was different now, especially after Li Qiye defeated Di Zuo.
Di Zuo's defeat frightened the master. Since they were both from emperor's lineages at the eastern Nether Border, the master knew Di Zuo very well as well as his dominating strength.
However, someone as unparalleled as Di Zuo had actually lost to Li Qiye, causing the master to be worried about his own son. This worry was still there back when Di Zuo was alive since he knew that his son was not much stronger than Di Zuo.
He didn't only hope that his son would rule the Ancestral Realm in the future, he hoped for him to become an Immortal Emperor as well. Then, the Yin Yang Gate would be a sect with two emperors.
In a generation with geniuses like Di Zuo and Tian Lunhui, the master was still full of hope. Although Di Zuo was indeed brilliant, his son was no worse. The Ancestral Realm did their best to train Chan Yang so that he definitely had a chance to become the emperor.
But now, all of a sudden, some random dark horse came out and defeated Di Zuo? This gave the master a lot of stress from worrying about his son. 1
Now that Li Qiye actually showed up here, it was truly a fortunate coincidence. This was what people called "one choosing not to tread on a ready path to heaven and instead rather barge into the unwelcoming hell." The master was determined to kill Li Qiye no matter what happened next to pave the way for his son.
He wanted to use this rare chance to borrow the Ancestral City to kill Li Qiye before Chan Yang's wings became stronger.
"The Ancestral City's lord!" A group of cultivators startlingly exclaimed after hearing the master. Even the older generation was afraid.
"The lord of the Ancestral City is a terrifying existence that plagued an entire generation. Legend states that he began his dao during the same era as Immortal Emperor Ta Kong!" An older cultivator recalled the legend about the city lord with quivering legs.
Another one was aghast and said: "For the city lord, himself, to come… Something amazing is happening."
However, Li Qiye didn't care for this whatever city lord and nonchalantly said: "That's fine, my answer is still the same. You want the key? Forget it! A good dog does not block the road, now disappear!"
The more arrogant Li Qiye acted, the happier the master became since he wanted nothing more than Li Qiye's death. With the city lord's presence, this was a great opportunity to kill Li Qiye.
'You are begging to die.' He thought with a sneer before coldly speaking: "Junior, don't be so quick to act presumptuously. The Thousand Carp River alone won't be able to protect you. Within the next ten days, a member of the Divine Guard will arrive. Hmph, not just the river sect, nothing in this world can save you. Hand over the key right now and kneel down to apologize to the city lord. Maybe the great city lord will be benevolent and spare you from death!"
"What?! A Divine Guard is about to descend? Impossible, how can gods descend to the mundane world before the opening of the portal?!"
The Divine Guard consisted of deities who were responsible for protecting the Ancestral Realm, existences just like gods. There was a legend where the progenitor of the ghost race was still alive and was sleeping throughout the eras inside the Ancestral Realm. The Divine Guard was responsible for protecting the supreme progenitor and was known for being unbeatable in the Ancestral Realm.
It was not easy for someone from the Divine Guard to descend unless a huge matter was about to happen. Because of this, how could others not be aghast after hearing this news?
Even a Heavenly King turned pale and mumbled with shivering legs: "A god descending to our world… This is a momentous event!"
Other cultivators were nervous and felt that this matter was very serious. They could feel a storm approaching with the descent of a god.
"You talk too much. Scram!" Li Qiye's eyes shot out a glint as his chest became bright. The Hell Suppressing Godly Physique and the Soaring Immortal Physique exploded out at the same time. In a split second, space suddenly fluctuated as Li Qiye shifted his body with a flash.
The Yin Yang master was an amazing Heavenly King. He was startled and tried to activate an emperor's law, but it was too late. The Soaring Immortal Physique was too fast; after all, it was number one in terms of speed across eternity. It was needless to say more about the Hell Suppressing Godly Physique; this was a body heavy enough to cause the heavens to collapse, heavy enough to suppress gods and devils!
"Boom!" Crisp sounds of bones breaking appeared with the sight of blood as Li Qiye slammed the master flying away. Even a Heavenly King couldn't withstand this terrifying blow from two Immortal Physiques. Li Qiye's body became the most terrifying and vicious weapon in this world!
Li Qiye didn't use them in the fight against Di Zuo, but now he suddenly chose to use them. The master was blown away and the sound of his bones breaking caused others to jump.
Nevertheless, he was still a formidable Heavenly King. As he was blown away, he activated an amazing technique. An extremely powerful weapon shot up high, aiming to kill Li Qiye.
However, Li Qiye didn't give him a chance. Right when he slammed the master flying, his hand was also holding the Yin Yang Refining Immortal Mirror. In just a moment, the mirror spewed out a terrorizing light that crushed the fabric of space itself.
"Crank crack!" The Yin Yang Master's treasure was shattered as he screamed: "Ahh!"
He was pierced through the chest by this terrifying light, causing blood to spray everywhere. He died with his eyes still open. Never did he expect for Li Qiye to be faster than him.
There is a particular cultural usage that will elude virtually all English readers. The "dark horse" here is actually Cheng Yaojin, a Chinese general from the Tang dynasty. Cheng Yaojin is often depicted in Chinese folklore and popular culture as a somewhat inept and bumbling warrior who sometimes shows up at the right place and right time to save the day. “Cheng Yaojin shows up suddenly along the way” (Chinese: 半路殺出個程咬金): Used to describe a situation where someone shows up unexpectedly and disrupts a plan. It is also used to describe an unwelcomed busybody who shows up where they are not wanted. ↩