Chapter 1032 - Chapter 1032: On the Path, Only Forward, No Retreat

Chapter 1032: On the Path, Only Forward, No Retreat

Editor: Henyee Translations

Amidst the swirling mists of light, like a sea of clouds, Jiang Chengxuan, Shen Ruyan, and their companions decisively stepped onto the seemingly endless path, undeterred by the unknown destiny that lay ahead.

Whether it was peril or opportunity awaiting them, they were resolved not to regret their decision.

Much like the endless journey of cultivation, life itself is a path of relentless pursuit and relentless exploration.

With no further words, everyone transformed into streaks of light, soaring into the sky before descending onto the ancient, unremarkable path.

The cloud-like mists, created by the shimmering lights, stirred up with each step they took, casting radiant beams ahead as if beckoning them forward.

In the next moment, Jiang Chengxuan and the others began to walk along the winding path as if they were mere mortals, slowly advancing forward.

This barrier had its own set of rules—both the high skies and the void were sealed by restrictive forces that even Qin Shenwu could not resist and had to comply with.

After all, this was a realm created by an immortal, and beneath such a being, who could dare defy his will?

As Jiang Chengxuan and his group took several steps forward, the surrounding mists of light began to retract, and the trails of radiant light dimmed, falling into silence.

Changes happened swiftly; by the time they looked back, the place they had come from had become completely obscured by fog.

Clearly, this winding path allowed only forward movement and forbade any return.

Fortunately, Jiang Chengxuan and his companions were prepared for such rules and were not panicked. Indeed, why would the ancient immortal, who chose them as the fated ones to uncover his secrets, allow them to retreat easily?

If that were the case, it would diminish the significance of this place, making it seem as though anyone could come and go as they pleased. But true power always carries a sense of dominion.

After all radiance had faded, the path under their feet, which had no peculiar features to begin with, appeared even more mundane. With each step, slight dust was stirred up.

Initially cautious, the group became gradually more at ease as days passed without incident on this unremarkable path. However, the path had no landmarks, no end in sight, and only the scenery receding behind them showed they were not marching in place.

Thankfully, as cultivators, their physical endurance was formidable; they could walk thousands of miles without fatigue. But soon, time began to lose its meaning on this path. Besides occasional conversations, they felt as if they were sealed or confined, with no end to their journey.

Time passed immeasurably, and the prolonged monotony almost drove them mad. The repetitious scenes and endless footsteps were like stagnant water—a torture for everyone involved. Even those of strong will couldn’t help but feel that centuries of seclusion would be more bearable than this path.

An indeterminate amount of time later, even the cultivators began to feel weary. Jiang Chengxuan looked back at Xie Xiangyao and Zhao Tianfan, noticing bloodshot eyes and signs of faltering spiritual resolve.

Shen Ruyan and Qin Shenwu appeared calm, but inside, they were likely becoming restless.

Just then, a change finally occurred in the void. The endless winding path suddenly branched off, with a faint aura of magic wafting from it. This sparked joy among the group, like desert travelers finding an oasis.

Immediately, Xie Xiangyao and Zhao Tianfan, exhausted from the journey and feeling the strain on their bodies, wanted to rush toward it.

The prolonged journey and physical fatigue were unusual and terrifying for cultivators. Their spiritual foundations were unstable, needing adjustment to ensure their cultivation levels remained stable.

At that moment, however, Jiang Chengxuan swiftly moved ahead of them, blocking their way. “Senior Sister Xie, Senior Brother Zhao, this path might be a misdirection by the barrier. We must maintain our spiritual focus,” he cautioned.

His words caused the anxious pair to struggle internally. “But…” Xie Xiangyao said with pale lips.

“Senior Sister, Chengxuan is right,” Shen Ruyan added. “This journey might well be a test, not to be abandoned halfway.”

Eventually, persuaded by Qin Shenwu and Jiang Chengxuan, everyone steeled their resolve, ignoring the diverging path and continuing forward.

Yet, in the days that followed, countless paths emitting various auras appeared, each pressing more and more on their spiritual resolve with increasing strangeness and fatigue.

Until one day, when Xie Xiangyao and Zhao Tianfan were nearly too tired to stand, and even Jiang Chengxuan and the others felt overwhelmingly sleepy, a radically different vitality suddenly erupted from all directions. This vitality reminded Jiang Chengxuan of the purifying power in the Seven Kills Formation.

Hum—The void trembled, and the world around them burst back into life with mists and radiant lights resplendent once more, as if a dark curtain had been lifted. The oppressive weight of fatigue vanished in an instant, swept away as their magical energies returned to them.

It was then that everyone awoke to a shocking realization: they had only traversed a mere few hundred yards!

The eerie stillness and the fatigue they had felt were all illusions created by the barrier’s deceptive powers!

This revelation brought a mix of relief and a chill to everyone, realizing just how potent the illusionary capabilities of the barrier were, having eluded even the perceptions of Jiang Chengxuan and Qin Shenwu.

Fortunately, their perseverance through this test of their spiritual resolve, without choosing to give up, was a triumph. The sudden burst of life-affirming energy not only revitalized them but also brought a deeper understanding and significant cultivation insights, particularly to Xie Xiangyao and Zhao Tianfan, whose realms saw notable improvements.

Both felt an immense gratitude towards Jiang Chengxuan; had he not halted them in time, the consequences could have been dire.

“This power of the immortal is truly terrifying, to think that even I did not notice,” Qin Shenwu remarked, his respect for the ancient immortal’s prowess growing alongside a yearning for that level of mastery.

This ordeal had yielded significant spiritual growth, firming their resolve and fortifying their spiritual hearts against deception.

However, the group did not celebrate too soon. Turning back to observe the path they had just traversed, they realized that what seemed like an endless journey was merely the beginning of the true path.