Knocking on the gate, opening the Heavenly Gate.

  Myriad radiant lights dazzled brilliantly. The mysterious thousand-zhang Heavenly Human gate slowly pushed open—deafening booms resounding across the skies.

  Overlord and Lu Jiulian seemed to realize something.

  Through the crack, they faintly glimpsed the magnificent world beyond.

  Surging immortal energies seemed to tug at their souls.

  Seeing Bai Qingniao’s state, the word surfaced unbidden in their minds.

  Ascension.

  Yes—Bai Qingniao was ascending?!

  Beyond the gate—a magnificent world!

  Bai Qingniao turned; fiery red gown billowing. She stepped forward—entering beyond the gate.

  She harbored no worry of peril beyond—perhaps caution urged her, but faintly she felt: missing this gate… she’d regret much.

  Thus, Bai Qingniao crossed in.

  No further glance back—resolutely entering the Heavenly Gate.

  Boom!

  As Bai Qingniao’s graceful figure—nine chicks in arms—gradually vanished within the thousand-zhang gate, all felt peerless grace wash over.

  Boom!

  Gate closed.

  Deafening rumble.

  All vanished—heavens restored calm; thick clouds dispersed; sunlight sprinkled on stunned, incredulous faces.

  “This… legendary ascension?”

  Tang Yimo murmured.

  Heavenly Human breakthrough—one thought opens Heavenly Gate.

  But…

  soon, great doubt arose in all minds.

  They gazed at Overlord and Lu Jiulian hovering in skies.

  Why Bai Qingniao ascended—yet fellow Heavenly Humans Overlord and Lu Jiulian did not?

  Utter puzzlement.

  Not only them—Overlord and Lu Jiulian themselves unclear.

  Overlord narrowed eyes.

  Long axe suddenly cleaved.

  Boom!

  Terrifying energy and axe light gouged massive chasm in void.

  Yet even void rift—no stunning Heavenly Gate appeared.

  Lu Jiulian’s green-lotus-embroidered robes fluttered slightly; hands clasped—he gazed vanished gate; thoughtful expression.

  Dense forest.

  Farmhouse courtyard long ruins.

  Jiang Li stood—somewhat lost; Chi Lian behind—wanting comfort, unsure what to say.

  “No matter… this is Qingniao’s opportunity.”

  “I shouldn’t block or influence her. I merely lament… never thought the girl who loved chicken soup would become Five Phoenixes’ first ascender.”

  Jiang Li smiled, shaking head.

  “Seems I must cultivate diligently too—one day enter Heavenly Gate, seek Qingniao.”

  Jiang Li said.

  Chi Lian turned to skies—wind whipping hair; determination gradually filled eyes.

  Heavenly Gate’s appearance—shook entire cultivation world.

  White Jade Pavilion’s Tianji Pavilion messaged world: beyond Heavenly Gate—ascension land.

  World uproar.

  Ancient tales of ascending to immortality—truly existed!

  Instantly—Five Phoenixes cultivators ever more excited; gained direction:

  One day—achieve Heavenly Human; knock Heavenly Gate—ascend!

  …

  Vast sea depths.

  Ancient tomb.

  Lu Changkong researched spirit herbs; beside him—Bu Nanxing somewhat dazed.

  “Elder Lu… think ascension truly exists?”

  “Where does Five Phoenixes ascension lead? Upper Realm?”

  Bu Nanxing immensely curious.

  Though old coward, fearing death—he curious about world.

  “Why care? What good ascension… leaving mortal dust; to utterly unfamiliar world—no acquaintances; how lonely?”

  Lu Changkong shook head.

  “Better research divine herbs properly.”

  Bu Nanxing speechless.

  No more words—fully assisted Lu Changkong.

  Deep tomb palace.

  Ancient coffin lid slowly pushed.

  White-robed Gu Mangran sat up.

  Skeletal; deep-sunken orbits; eyes flowed surprise, astonishment.

  “Ascension land?”

  “Heavenly Gate?”

  “Heavenly Gate glimpsed corner—I seemed to spy supreme figure…”

  Gu Mangran trembled lightly.

  Boom.

  Raised hand—palm on coffin lid.

  Creak creak…

  Lid seemed pushed open.

  “That… ancient Great Emperor’s back?”

  “Ascension land beyond Heavenly Gate… secret land of primordial war?”

  Bang!

  Tomb quaked.

  Next,

  vast sea exploded colossal vortex.

  Cold coffin floated mid-air; Gu Mangran leaned on it; reached out—robes billowing; grasping toward skies—as though seizing something.

  “Heavenly Gate… Heavenly Gate…”

  “Presage ancient Great Emperor’s imperial weapon emergence?”

  “Or some great terror secretly scheming?!”

  Gu Mangran slowly slid down.

  “Could it be Young Master Lu?”

  Gu Mangran thought—shook head…

  “Impossible. Young Master Lu merely five-energy Immortal Ascension level—how craft such magnificent world? Moreover… Great Emperor back—no fake.”

  Murmurs gradually faded.

  Finally—Gu Mangran lay back in coffin.

  Ancient coffin sank—gradually into vast sea.

  This secret too terrifying—with current realm—dared not probe deeply.

  Mainly that back figure… chilled him.

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  …

  White Jade Pavilion.

  Silver-gray spatial energy surged.

  Lu emerged; leaning Thousand-Bladed Chair; pinching wine cup—Heavenly Immortal Brew swirling within.

  Sipped—nearly depleted primordial spirit and energy began recovering.

  Lines danced endlessly in eyes.

  “Even Blood-Robed General Gu Mangran deceived.”

  Lu smiled wryly.

  “Because ascension land crafted forbidden zone—with ancient Great Emperor ‘Hao’ back?”

  Lu pondered.

  Gu Mangran immensely strong—with sufficient divine herbs—likely rival Upper Realm Sacred Ancestor.

  Heavenly Gate, ascension land—even deceived Gu Mangran.

  Quite satisfying to Lu.

  After all—ascension land cost much effort; depleted energy multiple times. If Gu Mangran saw through instantly—Lu knew challenge mission likely hopeless.

  Now deceiving even Gu Mangran—great chance fooling Lower Three Heavens Immortal Transformation and Ascension ancestors.

  “Actually… ascension land not entirely fake.”

  Lu leaned in chair; gentle breeze—leisurely.

  Because—truly suited Immortal Transformation and Ascension cultivation.

  Hum…

  Some spiritual energy recovered.

  Mind stirred—Spiritual Pressure Chessboard floated before.

  Pinched piece—virtual scene emerged on board.

  “Mortal continent; ascension land; Nine Prisons Reincarnation… unknowingly—Five Phoenixes quite complete; increasingly like full system.”

  He aimed transform Five Phoenixes into super-profound fantasy great world. Steady development—had limits, shackles.

  But now—with three realms complete—Five Phoenixes stability and ceiling far exceeded before.

  Perhaps future—Five Phoenixes rival entire Upper Realm.

  Lu smiled—some anticipation.

  Tap!

  Piece placed; Lu recited something.

  Words—like Dao sounds—formulating ascension land rules.

  Rules set and perfected.

  Lu could begin enticing—no, making Lower Three Heavens cultivators willing ascend.

  “Hm… Rule one: Five Phoenixes ascenders—once every five years shuttle Heavenly Gate; return Five Phoenixes.”

  “Rule two: Lower Three Heavens ascenders—restricted freedom; cannot casually leave ascension land.”

  Lu spoke while placing pieces.

  Words like law followed.

  …

  When Bai Qingniao crossed thousand-zhang Heavenly Gate—dazzling white light bloomed endlessly before eyes.

  Finally—myriad rays dispersed; she saw clearly.

  Vastness before—slightly shocked her.

  Boundless world—floating islands; writhing mountains; ceaseless rivers.

  Between heaven-earth—dense immortal energies surged; Bai Qingniao felt spirit boiling.

  “Immortal energies…”

  Bai Qingniao raised hand—white strands coiled in palm.

  Entering Heavenly Human—next: refine immortal energies.

  Yet Bai Qingniao more curious about unknown world.

  “Little Phoenix One—go.”

  Pinched chick neck from bosom—tossed skyward.

  Little Phoenix One rolled mid-air—then abruptly enlarged; spread-winged phoenix.

  Bai Qingniao floated up—landed on back.

  Phoenix soared—rapidly over vast land.

  Flew past mountains; along great rivers.

  Yet entire ascension land—no human presence or aura.

  “Barren and dead silent world.”

  Bai Qingniao hair whipped.

  Landed—ruins appeared; broken walls; cracked pillars; thick dust—as though buried ages.

  Bai Qingniao like discovering new continent—walked among; seeking ascension land secrets.

  Found cracked plaque.

  Blew breath.

  Dust flew; profound characters emerged.

  “Heavenly Court?”

  Bai Qingniao stared long; pursed red lips.

  Likely former force here—Bai Qingniao pondered much.

  Ancient Five Phoenixes—once glorious cultivation era…

  Heavenly Human then—perhaps ascended.

  Ascended here—meaning Heavenly Court ancient Five Phoenixes ascension land!

  “What exactly happened… all extinguished.”

  Bai Qingniao murmured.

  Felt touching great secret.

  No lingering; urged Little Phoenix One onward.

  Little Phoenix One soared freely.

  This vast heaven-earth—too empty; Little Phoenix One felt unrestrained—various flights.

  Dive soar; 360 spins; even neck-flapping flight—no crash fear.

  Suddenly.

  Nearing vast black mountain.

  Little Phoenix One trembled—every feather stood; goosebumps.

  Boom!

  Little Phoenix One felt pressure—couldn’t bear; crashed ground.

  Bai Qingniao felt oppressive—clutching chest; gasping heavily.

  Other eight chicks tucked heads.

  “What is that!”

  Bai Qingniao stared black mountain—back-facing all beings figure.

  How majestic; terrifying—unviewable; one glance seemed heart-exploding.

  So…

  ascension land not uninhabited.

  Bai Qingniao fled with Little Phoenix One.

  Flew many places—many such oppressive aura spots.

  Of course—some ruined lands lingering terrifying auras; probing—she understood.

  “Ascension land forbidden zones…”

  “Who seated deep in forbidden zones?”

  Bai Qingniao heart thousand fears.

  Ascension land—harbored terrifying secrets.

  Five Phoenixes never had ascension land before—why now?

  Those forbidden zone existences reviving?

  Bai Qingniao trembled.

  Ascension land’s appearance—harm Five Phoenixes? Destroy it?

  Series questions—greater fear in heart.

  “Can I return?”

  Suddenly.

  Bai Qingniao thought this—fear vanished.

  Alone sat by rushing river—dazed.

  Month later.

  Bai Qingniao felt loneliness; entire world dead silent.

  Wanted leave.

  Though cultivation advanced here.

  Loneliness—like dreadful beast—devoured heart.

  Following days—sought return to Five Phoenixes method.

  Strong emotions—as though soaring skies.

  Boom!

  Ascension land skies—rules surged.

  Then—familiar Heavenly Gate reappeared.

  Bai Qingniao overjoyed.

  Boom!

  Ear—vast ancient voice stirred spirit.

  “This leave ascension land—return Five Phoenixes; next Heavenly Gate traction—five years later…”

  Bai Qingniao eyes flickered; murmuring—ancient voice informed rules.

  “So—can shuttle anytime; though cost… acceptable.”

  Bai Qingniao understood.

  No rush leaving.

  Began building small courtyard in ascension land.

  Backyard—threw Little Phoenix One to Nine out free-range.

  She sat cross-legged—inhaling exhaling immortal energies—cultivating.

  …

  Western Liang; Dongyan River.

  Overlord gazed skies—myriad stars seemed wheeling in eyes.

  “Heavenly Gate…”

  Overlord regarded palm.

  Since entering Heavenly Human—cultivation advanced slowly; even stagnant.

  Why?

  Lacked energy for Heavenly Human cultivation!

  Glimpsed surging immortal energies in Heavenly Gate—immensely alluring.

  “Thus—meaning of ascension land’s appearance?”

  Overlord focused.

  Recalled much—when spiritual energy emerged in Five Phoenixes; martial era then. Spiritual energy eliminated martial artists; birthed cultivators.

  Now ascension land—seemed world tier elevation.

  “All this… as though great hand manipulating behind.”

  Overlord narrowed eyes.

  Whose hand?

  Overlord deep breath.

  Suddenly eyes gleamed.

  Recalled someone.

  An immortal!

  Once—Overlord pulled into strange space; there contacted immortal fate…

  “Could it be him?”

  “This immortal… who?”

  “This ascension land—also his doing?”

  Overlord thoughts surged.

  Unslung axe-shield.

  Perhaps.

  To clarify all—must cleave Heavenly Gate; enter ascension land—see.

  Now entire Five Phoenixes cultivation world called ascension land immortal realm.

  Sublimation reaching cultivation extreme.

  But specifics—besides entered Bai Qingniao—none knew.

  Boom!

  Overlord unslung long axe.

  Gazed skies—every cell seemed reviving; boom boom; vital blood collided deafeningly.

  Step by step—as climbing heavenly ladder.

  “Since so—force open Heavenly Gate… enter ascension land—see!”

  Overlord eyes ablaze.

  Dongyan River bank.

  Luo Mingsang sat riverside; gazing Overlord’s ascending figure—gentle gaze.

  Xu Chu, Zhao Zixu, and others sensed dreadful aura—streaked over.

  Now Xu Chu Yang God realm; special constitution Zhao Zixu half-step Fortune.

  “Lord—what doing?”

  Zhao Zixu asked Xu Chu.

  Though now surpassed Xu Chu—still respectful.

  “World has Heavenly Gate; behind—ascension land; receives Heavenly Humans.”

  “Lord Heavenly Human—yet not received; naturally unwilling.”

  Xu Chu gazed ascending figure; slowly said.

  Zhao Zixu enlightened.

  “Thus Lord plans… force open Heavenly Gate?”

  Zhao Zixu horrified—next eyes infinite admiration!

  “Worthy Lord—peerless dominance!”

  Boom!

  Skies above.

  Overlord moved; overhead—primordial spirit flower; golden body flower; Dao intent flower.

  Three flowers gathered crown.

  Spinning—unleashed mighty aura.

  Veins bulged on body; then—axe cleaved skies.

  Heavenly Human aura quaked.

  “Heavenly Gate… where?!”

  Overlord eyes flashed; seeming low roar.

  …

  White Jade Pavilion.

  Lu slightly stunned—sensing Overlord’s unwilling roar; smiled.

  “Heavenly Human already—entering Heavenly Gate no issue.”

  “But force opening with axe—bear some pressure.”

  Lu smiled.

  Pinched piece—slowly placed on board.

  …

  Thud thud thud!

  Under Overlord’s Heavenly Human aura quake.

  Skies—dark clouds rolled; as though raze fearsome city.

  Light appeared in sky.

  Next—light abruptly bloomed; forming gate!

  Bronze-forged; myriad primordial rare beasts vivid—etched upon.

  Filled noble aura.

  Overlord axe-cleaved Heavenly Gate!

  Heavenly Gate appeared!

  Roar!

  Gate’s beasts seemed alive—roaring at Overlord.

  Dreadful pressure descended.

  Thud!

  Slammed Overlord.

  Impact hurled Overlord into Dongyan River; entire river exploded colossal vortex; endless waters surged.

  Heavenly Gate’s dropping beam—pressed Overlord; as though forcing kneel.

  Overlord roared—roar shook universe.

  Step by step—ascended again.

  Pores seeped blood; reached Heavenly Gate—slapped gate; pushed open.

  …

  Northern region.

  Small courtyard.

  Lu Jiulian in green-lotus-embroidered robes; quietly sat chair; insects chirped; fireflies glowed.

  Before him—Tang Guo sat obediently.

  Lu Jiulian occasionally instructed Tang Guo.

  Scene on Tang Guo’s face—biting lower lip; eyes watery; tears and snot flowing—no air of special “Divine King Body” constitution.

  Seeing tear-raining Tang Guo—Lu Jiulian somewhat headache.

  Century—still helpless against disciple’s crying habit.

  “No cry. If miss Master—Master traction Heavenly Gate; stroll before; peek inside—no enter.”

  Lu Jiulian said.

  Tang Guo eyes lit instantly.

  “Master best!”

  “But Master—enter Heavenly Gate. Disciple cultivate diligently; early enter seek Master!”

  Tang Guo earnestly.

  She knew Heavenly Gate for Heavenly Humans.

  Heavenly Humans cultivate—must enter. These years—Master Lu Jiulian’s realm advanced not swiftly; even somewhat lost.

  Lu Jiulian smiled; raised head; profound gaze: “Heavenly Gate appears—perhaps great era nears; but perhaps supreme scheming…”

  “To break scheme—must first enter. Thus Master must enter Heavenly Gate—see.”

  Lu Jiulian said.

  Suddenly Tang Guo eyes focused; spoke: “Master—remember disciple’s special constitution origin?”

  Lu Jiulian startled—narrowed eyes abruptly.

  “Could this Heavenly Gate—opened by immortal granting your special constitution?!”

  “That immortal’s goal?”

  “Transmit Dao; grant special constitutions; now open Heavenly Gate… preach Five Phoenixes—what terrifying secret?”

  Lu Jiulian sensed immense enigma shrouding.

  Then spoke more to Tang Guo.

  Next—plucked leaf.

  Lightly flicked into void.

  Green lotus bloomed mid-air; mighty aura erupted.

  Tractioned Heavenly Gate.

  Lu Jiulian hands clasped; step by step lotuses bloomed; toward Heavenly Gate.

  Knocked open—vast allure within.

  Lu Jiulian smiled; turned—waved to Tang Guo; then leisurely stepped in.

  Tang Guo gazed vanished Heavenly Gate and Master.

  Tears and snot uncontrollably flowed again.

  …

  This day.

  Cultivation world shook.

  Two Five Phoenixes Heavenly Humans—forcibly opened Heavenly Gate; stepped into ascension.

  …

  Origin Lake; central island.

  Lu somewhat amused.

  Lu Jiulian guessed so much—why?

  Ignored entered Overlord and Lu Jiulian—entering Heavenly Gate only benefits; no harm.

  Pondered awhile.

  Lu’s eyes slightly sharp.

  Now—all in Heavenly Gate perfected.

  Perhaps—begin enticing Lower Three Heavens Immortal Transformation and Ascension beings ascend; test his conjecture.

  Pinched piece—board patterns seemed alive.

  Piece placed.

  Faint mighty aura—rushed from Five Phoenixes.

  …

  Boom!

  Pingyang Heaven.

  Pagoda summit—somewhat mad Great Venerable sat cross-legged; golden body brilliant; eyes bloodshot.

  Repeatedly unleashed aura—communing Upper Realm; but ascension severed; aura sank like stone in sea.

  Cut Lower Three Heavens cultivators’ advancement hope.

  Great Venerable neared madness.

  “Why?!”

  “Once Nine Heavens all beings equal… my Buddha—why now even continued cultivation denied?!”

  Great Venerable sorrowful.

  Ascension severed—immense blow to his great ambitions.

  Sat pagoda summit—somewhat desolate.

  Boom!

  Buddhist light soared.

  Suddenly!

  Great Venerable body stiffened.

  Boom!

  Faintly—he sensed…

  Upper Realm ascension severed.

  But under his traction—discovered another path!

  Great Venerable eyes flashed brilliance—thinking tore Upper Realm seal.

  Boom!

  Hand formed lotus seal; ancient Buddha shadow emerged; golden body flower; primordial spirit flower; Dao intent flower.

  Three flowers gathered.

  Aura charged ninth heaven!

  Boom!

  Next—Great Venerable pupils contracted sharply; blankly gazed sky.

  Slowly rose from pagoda summit; purple-gold kasaya billowed in gale.

  Overhead.

  Clouds tore!

  Appearing—not Upper Realm ascension void rift.

  But…

  unfamiliar; never-seen; emerging amid thunder flashes and immortal energies weaving—massive gate!