Chapter 1060: Life-Death Gate Reopens, Vacuum World Enters Tripod

Southern Frontier, the Life-Death Gate has reopened!

Nearly two hundred years had passed since the last time the Blood Nightmare Demon Alliance joined forces with the Heaven-Origin Dao Sect to attack the Life-Death Gate.

Over the past two hundred years, the legend of the Youli God-Monarch defeating the army and ascending has continued to circulate in the Southern Frontier cultivation world, and countless people have held this only Soul Transformation holy land in the Southern Frontier in great awe.

That was an existence that possessed terrifying foundations even after being closed for hundreds of years.

It could even be said that in the current Mountain-Sea World, where major holy lands had either perished or suffered great damage, the Life-Death Gate, which had always been closed, was perhaps the most intact existence in terms of strength.

Now that the holy land's gates were wide open, countless cultivators were naturally very concerned.

However, unexpectedly, after the Life-Death Gate opened its gates, it didn't take any major actions, and even the moves to recover former territories and industries were not seen.

A piece of gossip spread from a force on good terms with the Life-Death Gate.

It is rumored that this time the Southern Frontier holy land has come out of seclusion to welcome someone.

Opening the gates and lining up cultivators to welcome them to show respect!

Then what kind of existence should this person be?

Amidst the speculation of countless people, within the library of the Life-Death Gate, the Great Elder True Person Zi Yan respectfully followed beside a white-robed Daoist, speaking in a low voice.

"The Calamity Gu is indeed the Disaster Gu, but the world has many misunderstandings about this Gu."

"This Gu appears to invite disaster and misfortune, but its essence is to temper the host through disaster. Every time the host passes a disaster test, they will receive a great improvement. Especially those natural disasters and earth calamities that contain heaven-and-earth fortune; during the tribulation-crossing process, the host can most intuitively and clearly perceive the Dao principles of this world."

"If one retreats in the face of difficulty, then the Calamity Gu will turn into a true great tribulation!"

"Opposite to it is the Fortune Gu, which appears to have many fortuitous encounters, but everything is already marked with a price. For example, our sect's Supreme Elder Youli God-Monarch, who has already ascended, because of a moment of greed, brought about the sinking of the meta-magnetic ocean, almost causing the entire Southern Frontier cultivation world to be destroyed by the spiritual energy tide. Fortunately, the Supreme Elder was a peerless genius who condensed his Dharma form through this and ascended."

"Senior need not worry about the lingering aura of the Calamity Gu; the weakness of this aura will not bring you much disaster. On the contrary, in a desperate situation, it might instead bring you a glimmer of survival, for fortune depends on misfortune, and misfortune hides fortune."

"I imagine this is also the reason for the Supreme Elder's arrangement before ascending!"

The white-robed Daoist stopped his steps, and the book in his hand was spread open.

He showed a thoughtful look, muttering the words "fortune depends on misfortune, and misfortune hides fortune," and finally, his mouth curled up slightly, and he closed the book titled "Strange Gu Talk."

In this world, as long as one doesn't encounter that top-tier Great Desolation Hanging-Soul Desolation, who else could bring him disaster?

The Youli God-Monarch's good intentions had been wasted.

The white-robed Daoist handed the "Strange Gu Talk" back, but True Person Zi Yan refused repeatedly.

"Since Senior Luo is interested in the way of Gu, this book is gifted to Senior."

The person conversing face-to-face was Luo Chen.

He smiled slightly. "In that case, I will accept it without being modest."

Afterward, Luo Chen changed the subject and asked about another matter.

"How much does your sect know about the Mi-World Mountain?"

True Person Zi Yan asked, "Is the one Senior is talking about the former base of the Blood Nightmare Demon Alliance?"

"Exactly." Luo Chen nodded.

True Person Zi Yan pondered for a moment and said slowly, "The Mi-World Mountain has circulated in the Southern Frontier for a long time and is a great strange place. Once you enter it, space is layered upon layer, as if three thousand worlds are gathered in one mountain. If you are not careful, it is very easy to get lost. Moreover, when a cultivator's Nascent Soul escapes, it should be able to shrink the earth into an inch and travel a thousand miles in one go. But within the Mi-World Mountain, it will be greatly suppressed and cannot escape far at all. Some speculate that this mountain is transformed from a great powerhouse's spirit treasure, or formed from the remains of ancient desolate beasts, but more people feel that this mountain is the result of heaven-and-earth fortune, a half-formed blessed cave-heaven."

Luo Chen chuckled. "These pieces of information known to everyone in the world, I am also aware of. Tell me something I don't know!"

True Person Zi Yan looked at Luo Chen in surprise, then remembered a certain legend.

Back then, a body-refining cultivator named Ba Xiu Qitian joined the Blood Nightmare Demon Alliance; this person's background was mysterious and unpredictable, and he disappeared without a trace.

Combining this with the situation when the Supreme Elder ascended, could this Luo Chen be that Ba Xiu Qitian?

He hesitated, but still spoke: "The true origin of the Mi-World Mountain is actually as most people in the world speculate. This is a cave-heaven that existed when heaven and earth first opened and the Mountain-Sea World was born. According to the classics, heaven and earth were like a chicken egg, a piece of chaos. After opening, the clear air floated up, and the turbid air sank, finally becoming the clear universe. But in this process, there were some peculiar places that, under the pressure of the chaos opening, did not separate into clear and turbid, but instead overlapped together. The Mi-World Mountain is such an existence."

Luo Chen had a sudden realization. "Clear and turbid were never separated, chaos remained, so that's why the Mi-World Mountain is so peculiar inside?"

He remembered the year he spent in the Mi-World Mountain.

Apart from cultivating the "Hundred-Poison Body Refining Art," most of his time was spent observing the ubiquitous spatial restrictions of the Mi-World Mountain, and they were the kind of external spatial restrictions.

That was clearly caused by a large amount of spatial overlapping, which led to the natural manifestation of spatial restrictions.

And it was precisely by relying on that year of observation, combined with his red eyes and golden pupils, that he was able to occupy a certain advantage in the subsequent battle with Qing Shuang.

Hearing the introduction from the Great Elder of the Life-Death Gate now, it indeed fit such a description very well.

"But such an existence should be extremely unstable, right?"

True Person Zi Yan nodded. "Senior is wise; the Mi-World Mountain is indeed unstable. That's why it has appeared and disappeared in the Southern Frontier cultivation world, elusive, for thousands of years without being traced to its roots."

Luo Chen raised an eyebrow. "Then why could it stabilize later?"

True Person Zi Yan explained: "This is related to the anomalies brought about by our sect's Supreme Elder's cultivation. At that time, the meta-magnetic ocean was sinking, and the spiritual energy tide was about to erupt. The external immense pressure forced a half-formed cave-heaven like the Mi-World Mountain to accelerate its formation. The Supreme Elder noticed this, so he secretly intervened, using great divine abilities to stabilize the position of the Mi-World Mountain in reality. He originally intended to collect this mountain after coming out of seclusion to serve as the sect's foundation. But the Supreme Elder was in too much of a hurry to ascend, leaving behind such a loose end."

Speaking of this, he couldn't help but feel regret.

"That is a good place, but now it has cheapened a group of rogue cultivators."

Since the Youli God-Monarch defeated the joint forces of the Blood Nightmare Demon Alliance and the Heaven-Origin Dao Sect, the Heaven-Origin Dao Sect withdrew from the Southern Frontier, and the Blood Nightmare Demon Alliance also disintegrated afterward, not daring to exist in the open.

Naturally, the Mi-World Mountain, as the base of the Blood Nightmare Demon Alliance, became empty.

Some rogue cultivators seized the opportunity to occupy the mountain and use it as a cave-heaven.

Luo Chen asked tentatively: "Now that the Blood Nightmare Demon Alliance has disbanded, the Southern Frontier is still your sect's sole dominance, why not take the opportunity to collect the Mi-World Mountain?"

True Person Zi Yan showed a bitter smile. "The Mi-World Mountain is actually not important to us; what is important is that the Life-Death Gate has been closed for too long, and the awe of the Southern Frontier toward us no longer exists. Although the Blood Nightmare Demon Alliance has disbanded, various forces hold their foundations and secretly connect. Let alone the Mi-World Mountain, even our sect wanting to recover some territories and industries is a bit constrained, fearing to provoke war again. Of course, our sect having no Soul Transformation powerhouse to collect this mountain is also one of the most fundamental reasons."

"Is that so?" Luo Chen roughly understood the current predicament of the Life-Death Gate.

In terms of strength, the Life-Death Gate was undoubtedly the most powerful force in the Southern Frontier, and even if placed among the five continents of the Mountain-Sea World, its strength could be considered the most intact holy land.

But with the example of the major forces in the Southern Frontier forming the Blood Nightmare Demon Alliance, the Life-Death Gate, which now had no Soul Transformation powerhouse sitting in charge, was not easy to act with hegemony.

Luo Chen paused his steps, stopping by the window, his gaze cast toward the scene outside the library.

Within the gates of the Life-Death Gate, which had been recuperating for hundreds of years, life was vibrant, and there were many disciples, already having an atmosphere of rising.

True Person Zi Yan stood behind, vaguely thinking of something, and asked tentatively: "Senior, could it be that you are interested in that Mi-World Mountain?"

Luo Chen did not cover it up and said bluntly: "I am refining a heavy treasure, which is heavy enough but lacks agility. The Mi-World Mountain is composed of countless spaces and contains a large number of spatial restrictions; it is itself a moving cave-heaven. If I can refine this mountain into it, I can make up for the defects. But the Southern Frontier is ultimately your sect's territory; because of the Youli God-Monarch, I do not want to take it without asking."

Hearing this, True Person Zi Yan felt relieved instead.

He relaxed and smiled: "Senior, don't mind it; I just said that the Mi-World Mountain is not important to us. If you want to take it, just take it yourself."

Luo Chen held the window sill and said in a deep voice: "Since that is the case, then I will accept it without being modest. However..."

Speaking of this, he turned around and looked at True Person Zi Yan seriously.

"Today your sect has opened the door of convenience for me, which can be described as asking for whatever I want. I am not someone who accepts favors for nothing, so let me do you a small favor!"

True Person Zi Yan's eyes lit up; could it be...

"As you think, my name can be borrowed by you. But how to deal with the aftermath in the future depends on your sect's means."

"This is enough, Zi Yan thanks Senior!"

Southern Frontier, the sky has changed!

Or rather, this sky in the Southern Frontier has never changed; it has always been shrouded by the Life-Death Gate.

It's just that this time, after losing the Youli God-Monarch, the Southern Frontier has another great backer.

A powerhouse from the East Wasteland came across the continent and announced that he would assist the Life-Death Gate in recovering lost territories, and anyone who dared to resist would be killed without mercy!

Under this declaration, those stubborn and unyielding forces that huddled together for warmth disintegrated one after another.

And the Life-Death Gate, which had been recuperating for hundreds of years, displayed its complete strength to the world.

Lost territories, industries, and even vassals were recovered one by one.

Thus, the atmosphere of the holy land was gradually restored.

The only thing that was unexpected was probably the current rogue cultivator holy land, the Mi-World Mountain!

Life-Death Gate cultivators surrounded it without attacking, only ordering the rogue cultivators inside to withdraw.

Such gentle means made many people have thoughts they shouldn't have, only thinking that the Life-Death Gate had some scruples and dared not provoke public anger.

Therefore, many high-tier cultivators inside were reluctant to leave, trying to bargain with the Life-Death Gate.

The leader among them was a demonic giant.

His name was Ning Yuozhuo, known to the world as the Demon Buddha!

This person cultivated both demon and Buddha, became famous in the Southern Frontier two hundred years ago, and performed brilliantly when attacking the Life-Death Gate.

Now he already had the fifth level of Nascent Soul realm, and with his strong strength, even when facing a late-stage Nascent Soul Great Cultivator, he had the ability to protect himself.

Such strong strength was his confidence.

As long as the Life-Death Gate didn't agree to his conditions, he wouldn't leave the Mi-World Mountain.

If they had the ability, then come in and fight!

Everyone in the world knew that the Mi-World Mountain contained countless spatial restrictions, and cultivators didn't dare to let go and fight inside at all.

Ning Yuozhuo was confident that even if a Great Cultivator came in, he had the confidence to make the other party return in defeat!

But this confidence didn't last long.

This day.

On the Mi-World Mountain, wind and clouds changed, and spiritual energy was in chaos.

The entire space trembled, as if some existence wanted to forcibly squeeze in.

Tens of thousands of cultivators walked out of their cave-heavens one after another, looking at the sky in shock.

Ning Yuozhuo was also among them, looking at the sky with a grave expression.

Two streaks of light flew over from the surroundings, landing in front of him with worry.

"Brother Ning, has the Life-Death Gate made a move?"

"It should be." Ning Yuozhuo's expression was uncertain.

A large number of Sea Clan members began to retreat inexplicably, leaving the territory of the North Sea human immortal cultivation world.

As a result, the remaining portion of the Monster Clan appeared thin and weak.

Human strongmen began to recover their lost territory, and battles were naturally inevitable.

Old Monster Fengzhang, as a top strongman among humans, naturally led by example and took the initiative to launch attacks against the remaining monster beasts.

Xu Muxian was also invited to join the ranks.

Xu Muxian found it hard to refuse this matter, so he participated in several great battles.

Luo Chen, however, felt a stir in his heart upon hearing this.

The Sea Clan retreated; could it be the order of the Sea Emperor Whale?

That fellow was quite sensible; he had even thought about finding him to spar after his natal magic treasure was perfected and before he ascended.

With such actions, he found it hard to make a move now.

"Also, there is a piece of gossip." Xu Muxian hesitated for a moment before finally being unable to resist saying it. "It is rumored that the Edge of Heaven has been closed for a long time, and no trace of great beings has been seen. Some people with keen spiritual sense also detected some changes in heaven and earth at a certain moment several years ago; some suspect that the great being Li Canghai has already ascended."

Luo Chen was stunned.

Li Canghai ascended?

He hadn't expected this at all.

But thinking about it carefully, this seemed to be Li Canghai's consistent style.

When he broke through to Soul Transformation, no one knew.

When he ascended to the Upper Realm, he also left without a sound.

He just didn't know if he went to the Immortal Realm or the Profound Realm.

It should be the Immortal Realm; after all, going to the Profound Realm required a special passage and coordinate guidance.

Ascending to the Immortal Realm, however, relied on the massive spiritual energy gifted by the native land, as well as the connection between the Great Thousand World and the Immortal Realm, allowing the cultivator to ascend in the dark.

"But it is only a rumor after all; I must go and see for myself. Muxian, you stay and guard Feiyan. After I return, follow me back to the Eastern Wasteland's Luo Tian Sect. At that time, you will truly be initiated into my sect!"

Xu Muxian couldn't help but show excitement, "Okay!"

The Edge of Heaven.

A figure appeared suddenly, watched silently for a long time, and finally turned and left.

Inside, there was no longer any trace of Li Canghai.

However, on this land, he had left behind a quite formidable killing array, facing outward and not inward.

That should be Li Canghai's last remaining kindness to the North Sea cultivators.

If it reached a critical moment, once this killing array was activated, everyone below the Soul Transformation stage would be turned into blood, and even Soul Transformation great beings could be held off for several days.

"Leaving so freely, it really is unexpected!"

Luo Chen was incomparably moved, but he also understood Li Canghai's behavior.

Since he had already refined the Spirit Treasure Mountain and Sea Seal, this world was no longer a home to him, but a shackle and a cage; what was there to be nostalgic about?

Then when should he ascend?

Luo Chen returned to the Feiyan Archipelago in silence and notified everyone to prepare to return with him to the Eastern Wasteland.

But unexpectedly, this time Cheng Haixin refused.

"Why?" Luo Chen asked. "With my current ability, and the status of the Luo Tian Sect in the Eastern Wasteland, it is enough to protect your future cultivation."

Cheng Haixin smoothed her hair and smiled: "With my husband's ability and character, I fear that following the example of the great being Li Canghai will happen in the near future!"

Luo Chen was silent; this woman was intelligent and kind-hearted. After discovering his Soul Transformation realm and connecting it to Li Canghai's affairs, she had already figured everything out.

The guidance she had received over the past few years, the intimacy and lingering affection—it was not just compensation, but also preparation for his ascension.

He, Luo Chen, was not Li Canghai; he wasn't that free-spirited. Before ascending, he always had to settle his relatives and partners.

Cheng Haixin sighed, "Even if I follow my husband back to the Luo Tian Sect, it will eventually be another parting, and a parting where we will never see each other again. Even if I stay in the Luo Tian Sect, rumors say your Taoist companions won't make things difficult for me, but I have no feelings for the Luo Tian Sect. But here, these Feiyan Archipelago..."

The woman's gaze overlooked the Feiyan Archipelago, which seemed ready to spread its wings and soar, her eyes revealing deep reluctance.

She was born here and grew up here; her breakthrough was here, her clansmen and friends were here, and countless loose cultivators revered and worshipped her.

How could she just walk away?

"Let Xu Muxian follow you back! He now has a firm Taoist heart and has inherited your alchemy skills; he has hope of advancing to the Soul Transformation stage in the future. For him, the Luo Tian Sect is another stroke of good fortune."

"As for me?"

Cheng Haixin smiled slightly, "Perhaps my husband will achieve the realm of a Great Luo Taoist Ancestor in the future, possessing the ability to traverse time and space. At that time, with these small but conspicuous Feiyan Archipelago here, perhaps my husband will be able to find me easily."

Luo Chen was speechless for a moment and could only hold the woman tightly in his arms.

"Master, is Mistress really not coming back to the Eastern Wasteland with us?"

Above the Xintian Sea, Xu Muxian couldn't help but ask.

Luo Chen's expression was calm, "She has already made her decision, and naturally I will not force her. But you don't need to worry; I have taught her everything I should, she lacks no means of Taoist protection, and I have already smoothed over the surrounding relationships. If you have the heart in the future, you can come back and visit often."

Xu Muxian nodded heavily, "This disciple naturally will!"

It was still that nameless small island, still that teleportation array.

When the teleportation light flashed and vanished, the woman watching from afar had a hint of regret on her face.

But this time, there was also a hint of satisfaction within the regret.

She gently touched her lower abdomen, her face radiating a soft glow.

"The Eastern Wasteland is too strange and complex for us. Staying in the North Sea, perhaps you can grow up better, and maybe you will have a chance to find him in the future."