Chapter 1283 Gateway to Hell
"Speaking of the Shadow Realm, do you know how I can reach that place?" Yuan asked.
"I know there's a way to get there in the lower heavens, but I'm not sure I can enter that place again, so I will need a new path there."
"The Fourth Heaven." Dong Ye responded, continuing in a grim voice, "In the Fourth Heaven, there is a place called Vanishing Valley. It's a dangerous area, one of four 'Gateway to Hell' to exist in the Nine Heavens."
"Gateway to Hell?" Yuan raised an eyebrow.
Dong Ye then explained, "They are also called forbidden zones — extremely dangerous areas that even Immortals avoid at all costs. Most people that enter will never return, hence the name. Fortunately, the Vanishing Valley is the least dangerous of the four out there… but that's not really saying much."
"The Vanishing Valley is a deceptive place that may not appear very expansive at first glance, but once you step into the valley, it magically stretches on endlessly, ensnaring you within its confines for eternity, not to mention the countless powerful magical beasts roaming within that place."
"And when I say powerful, I mean there exist magical beasts rivaling Immortal Cultivators, despite it being located in the Fourth Heaven, where the limit is Spirit Enlightenment."
"Magical beasts as powerful as Immortals?" Yuan swallowed nervously after hearing this information. Even with his talents, he wouldn't last a single breath against such powerful opponents.
"There's a reason why even Immortals perish in these regions. Forbidden zones defy all logic and transcend heavenly rules – they are domains not intended for humans," Dong Ye added solemnly.
"Is this the only way into the Shadow Realm?" Yuan then asked.
"No, but the next entrance is in the Seventh Heaven. Unless you want to wait until then, you will have to enter through the Vanishing Valley, and even if you wish to wait, it won't be any safer than the Vanishing Valley."
"I will head to the Vanishing Valley then." Yuan declared.
"Will you be coming with me?" he then asked.
"I have faith in your abilities, my liege." Dong Ye smiled.
"So you won't be coming…"
"Regrettably, I'm unable to enter a forbidden zone due to their unique properties, which would strip me of my technique and reveal my existence in this world," Dong Ye lamented.
"Unique properties?" Yuan inquired for more information.
Dong Ye nodded and continued with his explanation, "All forbidden zones are shrouded in a unique energy that nullifies any disguises, including concealment techniques, and without such techniques, my presence would be announced to the entire world, which will lead to an all-out war."
"Is that so… Well, I wasn't expecting you to follow me everywhere I go, anyway." Yuan shrugged.
"I have one more question. The curse cast by the Celestial Emperor, which is currently afflicting many in the Nine Heavens – is there any way to dispel it? How did you manage to evade it?"
Dong Ye did not immediately respond and pondered for a moment before answering, "The curse itself has no effect on those at God Ascension. As for getting rid of the curse for those already affected… this useless servant has very limited experience when it comes to curses, so I cannot help you. I'm sorry."
Yuan shook his head, "It's fine. I'm sure we'll find a way eventually."
Sometime later, Dong Ye said, "My liege, regarding the matter with the Ancient Seals. I have located Liang Xiaosheng, the previous Patriarch of the Azure Dragon Clan."
"Oh? Where is he?"
"He spends most of his retirement at the Tunes of Heaven's Establishment in North Wind City. It's not far from here, actually."
"If that's the case, I should visit him first before I return to the others."
"My liege, if you are after his Ancient Seal, you will most likely have to take it from his corpse, as it is their job to protect the seal even at the cost of their lives." Dong Ye warned him.
The identities of the Ancient Seal holders are shrouded in secrecy for a reason, as they bear the responsibility of safeguarding the seals. It's only logical to assume that taking them by force might be the necessary course of action.
Yuan fell silent, as he didn't want to forcefully steal the Ancient Seal.
"Is there any way to acquire the seal without fighting?" Yuan asked.
Dong Ye silently shook his head.
"Is that so…" Yuan closed his eyes and sighed, "I'll try to convince him to hand over the seal without fighting, but if I must, I will take it by force."
"Then I'll take you to the city now." Dong Ye said.
Sometime later, Yuan was transported right outside of North Wind City.
Upon entering the city, he immediately began inquiring about the Tunes of Heaven's Establishment.
"Tunes of Heaven's Establishment? Head to the entertainment district in the southern part of the city. You'll realize you're close when you begin hearing music."
"Thanks." Yuan began heading towards the south as directed.
After walking for several minutes, Yuan suddenly caught the sound of a zither being played.
'I must be getting close.'
The sound only grew louder as he got closer to his destination, yet nobody on the street seemed to be bothered by it. In fact, they were all enjoying the free music.
Eventually, he spotted the Tunes of Heaven's Establishment. It was an expansive four-story building that occupied half of the city block. The constant flow of people entering and exiting the establishment indicated its popularity.
When Yuan approached the entrance, he was stopped by a beautiful young woman, who asked him, "Are you here to dine in the lobby, or do you have an appointment with someone?"
"I'm here to dine," he said.
"And are you here alone?"
"I am."
"I understand. Please, follow me."
Yuan nodded and followed the woman inside. The first floor had the appearance and setup of a restaurant, but there was a small stage at the center of the room, graced by another beautiful woman who was performing with her zither.
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