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

In the end, Ye Ling Long took on the responsibility of leading the way. Although she was leading, the primary direction was decided by Shen Han Song. Since the previously explored areas didn't need re-exploring, their main task was to investigate the untouched regions. During their journey, Ye Ling Long had to navigate around the dangers to avoid hazardous areas. To prevent alerting any slumbering beasts in their territory, the group traveled on foot. Fortunately, all were cultivators at the tribulation stage, their physical strength greatly enhanced by numerous thunder tribulations, which made their bodies exceedingly powerful. By channeling energy into their steps, their pace was not slow at all. The expanse of the secret realm was vast—so vast that even Ye Ling Long's spiritual energy couldn't cover it entirely. She had to continuously extend her senses to feel everything around her. "Go around to the left." "There's something on the right." "Wait before proceeding, a group of beasts is passing through ahead." Thanks to Ye Ling Long's sensing abilities, the journey went quite smoothly. They avoided many unnecessary troubles unlike when they first entered, encountering fewer surprises and dangers. Shen Han Song felt a deep sense of relief for his decision and became even more convinced of Ye Ling Long's uniqueness. He wondered if they might really find the legendary Path to Heaven this time. The thought quickened his breath. At his advanced age, with spiritual energy becoming scarcer, his lifespan was running out. If he didn’t find a way to ascend, oblivion awaited him. Ye Ling Long walked at the front, cradling Xiao Hei. Shen Han Song was to her left, Feng Mian was on her right, and close by were Huang Tian Ya and Huang Fu Qian Feng. Yan Ke and the others from the Demon Sect, having learned their lesson about the dangers here, clung tightly to Ye Ling Long. The events up till now had thoroughly enlightened them about the perils of this place. Although they had no real desire to find the mythical Path to Heaven, survival was paramount. So passed ten days. During these days, even with Ye Ling Long’s forewarnings helping them to avoid most dangers, some were unavoidable. Several other tribulation-stage cultivators died—some devoured by giant serpents, others poisoned by tiny insects. Even the most insignificant things posed great danger. Shen Han Song's expression grew increasingly grim. Near the central area of the realm, Shen Han Song abruptly stopped and turned to Ye Ling Long. “From here, I want you to lead.” Ye Ling Long looked at him quizzically. “What do you mean?” With deep eyes, Shen Han Song replied, “If the Path to Heaven truly exists here, only you can find it.” “Indeed, if you are truly the one destined to break the impasse, you will certainly locate the Path to Heaven,” Huang Tian Ya chimed in agreement. Everyone's gaze turned to Ye Ling Long, their eyes filled with approval. After all, why was it that only her spiritual force remained unaffected among so many? Facing their fervent stares, Ye Ling Long inwardly rolled her eyes. She wondered what these people would do if they learned the so-called Path to Heaven had limitations as well. It would be quite a scene to witness, though, she didn’t know where this legendary path was located. “Alright!” she replied, decisively nodding in agreement. As they moved closer to the heart of the secret realm, Ye Ling Long began to sense something, a mysterious sensation as if she was being summoned. It was peculiar, urging her toward a particular direction. She had a premonition—it might be the Path to Heaven. But why was it calling out to her specifically? “Qian Jun, could there be some connection between this secret realm and me?” Ye Ling Long mentally communicated with Qian Jun. Qian Jun was equally puzzled. “Typically, such isolated passages only respond to bloodlines. What you feel is likely a bloodline pull. Could you be a descendant of a major sect from the upper realm?” Ye Ling Long scoffed, “Oh, please. I’m just an orphan who’s never even seen her parents, much less had connections like that.” Qian Jun said, regardless of her doubts, since there was a response from the passage, it indicated there was still energy present. They should investigate—there might be a way to the upper realm. His voice turned excited. “Once we reach the upper realm, I can show you several treasure troves left by my master. With your talent, a few millennia of cultivation alongside my sole artifact could certainly aid in avenging my master!!” Qian Jun was already envisioning Ye Ling Long storming the traitor’s hall with him. Ye Ling Long sighed internally at the thought. She was merely at the tribulation stage; the adversary had already been an Immortal Emperor over a millennium ago. His cultivation was undoubtedly more advanced now. Revenge seemed daunting, yet no matter how difficult, having accepted her master, she vowed to avenge him. Following the sensation that guided her, Ye Ling Long consistently adjusted their course, moving toward the source of the feeling. As they drew nearer, the sensation grew stronger until the path before them suddenly cleared. They emerged from the forest into a vast clearing, in the center of which stood a large stone platform. The platform was intricately engraved with patterns, which Ye Ling Long immediately recognized as formation markings. Four corners of the platform gleamed with colorful stones—celestial crystals known to her—used to power such formations. This particular design was unfamiliar to Ye Ling Long, sparking her interest. Enraptured by the patterns, her eyes involuntarily turned blue, the intricate patterns reflecting in her pupils and continually shifting until they perfectly mirrored those on the platform. It was as though she imprinted the design directly into her mind, giving her the newfound ability to recreate the formations at will. Seeing the platform, Shen Han Song and the others trembled with excitement. Shen Han Song exclaimed, "Yes, that's it—the Path to Heaven! And those celestial crystals are intact, filled with celestial power. This is a usable Path to Heaven!" Shen Han Song's words sparked fervor among the group, their gazes fixated with burning anticipation upon the carved stone platform.