343 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama

Chapter 343: The Path to the Heavens As the moment approached, everyone was filled with uncertainty about what exactly was happening. Mo Lao looked at Ye Linglong and said, "Come with me. There are people who wish to see you." Ye Linglong had her suspicions. Before her seclusion, Mo Lao had mentioned that several elders wished to meet her. However, due to her seclusion, the meeting was postponed indefinitely. Now that she had been out of seclusion for some time, it seemed those individuals could no longer contain their impatience. The real question that lingered in Ye Linglong's mind was: who did they believe could resolve the current situation? Mo Lao's residence was located in the serene back mountain of the Liu Li Sword Sect, nestled within a vast bamboo forest. Preferring solitude, Mo Lao had constructed a small house where he lived peacefully. Usually, he disliked disturbances, but today the bamboo grove was unusually lively. In front of his house was a large stone table with four people seated around it, sipping tea. Each of them exuded an unassuming presence, appearing as ordinary as any other unenlightened person from a distance. But Ye Linglong knew better. Only a true master could conceal their aura so tightly, appearing as if they possessed no cultivation at all. "Everyone, this is Ye Linglong," Mo Lao introduced her as they approached the stone table. Originally, others had intended to follow, but Mo Lao had stopped them outside the bamboo grove. As Ye Linglong arrived, the four tea drinkers set their cups down and observed her carefully. She, in turn, took their measure. After noting their attire and looks, Ye Linglong had an idea of their identities. The man bearing a resemblance to Feng Li was likely the Phoenix Clan Chief, Feng Mian. He regarded her with kind and appreciative eyes. The elderly man with a youthful complexion, donning attire identical to that of Shen Jinghong, must be from the Shen Ji Pavilion. As for the well-dressed handsome man and the robust fellow, they were likely representatives of the Huangfu family and the Huangji Sect, respectively. Though she had yet to confirm it, Ye Linglong felt confident in her deductions. What puzzled her was the reason for their meeting. Did they truly see her as the one to break the current predicament? The notion seemed absurd to Ye Linglong, as she didn't even understand why ascending to the higher realm was currently impossible, let alone how to solve it. While she pondered, Mo Lao began introducing the four individuals. As she expected, her guesses about their identities were spot on. "This is the chief of the Phoenix Clan, Feng Mian," Mo Lao first introduced. Feng Mian nodded with a smile. "I've heard much about you from Mo Lao, who speaks highly of your extraordinary talents. Seeing you now, indeed, the reputation fits." Ye Linglong humbly downplayed the praise. The remaining three were then introduced: Huangfu Qianfeng from the Huangfu family, Shen Hansong from the Shen Ji Pavilion, and Huang Tianya from the Huangji Sect. Huangfu Qianfeng nodded at Ye Linglong, possibly due to his connection with Huangfu Ling. The other two were neither overly friendly nor cold, maintaining a neutral demeanor. Ye Linglong took particular note of Huang Tianya from the Huangji Sect, whose resemblance to Huang Bufan reminded her of her brother. Still uncertain how to address this elder relative, and given his apparent disinterest in that connection, she opted to say nothing further. After the introductions, Feng Mian gestured for Ye Linglong to sit beside him, summoning a stone stool with a wave. "Come, sit down!" he invited warmly. The others offered no objection, and Ye Linglong took her seat. As soon as she sat down, Shen Hansong began, "You’re here, so I assume Mo Lao has explained everything to you." Their ancestor had foretold this, making Shen Hansong the natural spokesperson. Ye Linglong nodded, "I greatly admire the foresight and sacrifice of your predecessor, who used his cultivation and lifespan to glimpse a hope for our world." Her words brought a smile to Shen Hansong’s face; after all, who doesn’t enjoy hearing praises of their ancestors? "Indeed," Shen Hansong continued, "after the prophecy, our pavilion has observed the stars for countless years. Over two centuries ago, we spotted the emperor star shining brightly, but then..." He paused dramatically, "Another emperor star appeared beside it, dim at first, but gradually growing brighter, even threatening to outshine the first." Shen Hansong’s gaze bore into Ye Linglong, as if seeking some reaction from her. Mo Lao hadn't shared this information before, and as Ye Linglong listened, she suspected the celestial change coincided with her arrival from another world. Despite her internal turmoil, Ye Linglong's exterior remained calm and composed. "Enough of the preliminaries, let's get to the point," urged the impatient Huang Tianya, interrupting Shen Hansong’s probing. Huang Tianya’s intervention steered the discussion to its core. Through their explanations, Ye Linglong learned they sought her help in venturing to a dangerous secret realm. The realm itself was perilous, fraught with danger, requiring those of Tribulation Stage or higher for self-preservation. It was bereft of heavenly treasures but held a legendary path to the heavens—a route to ascend to the higher realms. This realm existed since before the Great Celestial-Demon War, but documentation was scarce as cultivators could ascend directly via flight, rendering the realm somewhat redundant. Now, however, this realm represented their last hope. This secret realm emerged every five thousand years. During its last appearance, the spiritual energy in the lower realm was far richer than today, and cultivators of the Tribulation Stage were abundant. Most of them entered the realm hoping to find the legendary path to the heavens. Yet, many perished, and as the realm closed, none had found the path. Nearly five thousand years have passed since then, and the time of the realm’s reopening was fast approaching.