Chapter 58: Severing the Heavenly Gate
After returning to Mount Chao Yao, Li Yu felt disoriented.
Perhaps to help her recover, Si Qinglan shielded her from all outside disturbances. No matter the chaos on the mountain, this small courtyard within Qianlizhu remained peaceful.
Perhaps because of that strange dream, her recovery this time was faster than before.
As she meditated and cultivated, she felt more connected to this body, more attuned to the flow of spiritual energy within her.
Seven days later, Si Qinglan sent her back to Chaoxi Pond.
When she left, Chaoxi Pond was covered in snow. Now, upon returning, the snow had melted, and new buds were sprouting on the trees.
It felt like a lifetime ago.
A thin layer of dust covered the furniture in the long-unoccupied house.
Before Li Yu could even comment, Si Qinglan waved her sleeve, dispelling the dust.
Si Qinglan: “I’ve instructed the disciples to guard this place, but if anyone disturbs your rest, they might not be able to stop them. Send me a butterfly message if you hear anything.”
Li Yu: “Okay.”
Si Qinglan: “Disciples will deliver your meals every day.”
Li Yu: “Mm.”
Si Qinglan: “If you feel unwell, you…”
Li Yu couldn’t help but chuckle. “There’s no need to be so worried.”
Si Qinglan was momentarily speechless, then frowned and said loudly, “So you think I’m nagging now? Fine, I’m busy anyway; I don’t have time to worry about whether you live or die!”
Li Yu opened her mouth to explain, but Si Qinglan turned and said curtly, “I’m leaving!”
She transformed into a green light and disappeared.
Li Yu sighed, entered the familiar room, and looked around, her gaze finally settling on the ice flower by the window.
She seemed to hear Mu Tao’s voice.
Sweet, cheerful, clinging to her side.
But the room was empty.
After a moment of silence, Li Yu looked away and lay down on the bed, exhausted.
The following days were peaceful, filled with eating, sleeping, and cultivating, without any disturbances.
Despite claiming she didn’t have time to worry about her, Si Qinglan still visited occasionally, bringing medicinal herbs and elixirs, chatting with her to ease her boredom.
It reminded Li Yu of when she first arrived in this world.
Sometimes, she felt this peaceful life was how it should be, but most of the time, she felt like something was missing.
This feeling drove her to cultivate diligently.
Because whenever she stopped, she couldn’t help but think about what was missing.
Those thoughts darkened her mood, making her feel restless, the only remedy being constant activity.
She couldn’t describe the feeling, just a heavy weight in her chest whenever she relaxed, making it difficult to eat or sleep.
This restlessness even made her consider something absurd.
Was she really supposed to wait here for three years, until Mu Tao became the Demon Lord and attacked Mount Chao Yao, to complete the remaining 30% of her mission?
Couldn’t she just visit Mu Tao in the Demon Realm after recovering a bit?
Not to interfere, not to reveal herself, just…three years was a long time to wait, doing nothing, her heart filled with anxiety.
Just a quick check on the protagonist’s progress, that shouldn’t be a problem, right?
The system’s response was, of course, —Negative.
【The protagonist has her own path to follow, and so do you.】
“So, you’re saying there are things I need to do in the human realm while she’s growing stronger in the Demon Realm?”
【Affirmative.】
“…”
Not surprising, work was work; as long as she was alive, the grind continued.
But besides dealing with the mess she left behind, what else could there be for her in the human realm?
Li Yu pondered.
She had already, unknowingly, completed most of the male protagonist’s plot points.
In the original story, after abandoning the protagonist and returning to Mount Chao Yao to face punishment, what else did he do besides suffering and recovering?
It seemed he spent three years recuperating.
And recuperating shouldn’t be considered a main storyline mission.
Perhaps because the person involved was different, the subsequent events had also changed…
Those outsiders were currently demanding that she open the Heavenly Gate.
And they wouldn’t leave until she did.
Their constant demands and occasional conflicts with the Mount Chao Yao disciples were a problem.
Someone had to deal with it.
But as long as they were here, the problems wouldn’t end.
Cultivators had long lifespans; this could drag on forever.
So, was the main storyline the system mentioned related to opening the Heavenly Gate?
The Heavenly Gate wasn’t opened in the original story; the entire story took place in the human and demon realms.
But the black-robed figure also didn’t exist in the original story.
This was confirmed by the system.
Since he was a new character, could she introduce another, equally non-canonical force to counter him?
Si Qinglan had said that if she opened the Heavenly Gate, and the Heavenly Realm learned about the Demon Bone, she would be punished.
She wasn’t afraid of punishment. Having almost died already, she was practically fearless.
But she was curious; when the Heavenly Realm closed its gates, no one besides the original owner was willing to remain in the human realm.
Now, after four thousand years, if the Gate was reopened, would any celestial being be willing to come down and deal with this mess?
Even if they did, wouldn’t they also be bound by the laws of heaven?
Could these celestial beings, having lived in the Heavenly Realm for four thousand years, suddenly face the immense resentment and the restrictions imposed by the laws of heaven, and truly outmaneuver the black-robed figure?
Regardless, opening the Heavenly Gate would drastically change the story.
Li Yu paused, considering this.
She knew her thoughts couldn’t be hidden from the system.
So, she waited for its reaction.
After a few seconds of silence, the system didn’t respond, confirming that this path was feasible.
A drastic change…good. The latter half of the novel was already chaotic anyway. If the world was destined for turmoil, why not accelerate the process?
Let them fight! Let the Heavenly Realm and the black-robed figure fight!
She would be the one resting comfortably, watching the chaos unfold from afar!
Having made her decision, Li Yu summoned Si Qinglan with a butterfly message.
“The sun hasn’t risen from the west, has it? What’s so important that you’re summoning me?”
This was Si Qinglan’s first question upon arriving.
There was curiosity in her eyes and a rare smile on her lips, seemingly pleased by Li Yu seeking her help.
But Li Yu simply said, “Inform the others that I will open the Heavenly Gate after I recover.”
“You…” Si Qinglan was speechless. “Wait, you’re actually going to open it?”
“Mm, didn’t I mention it before?”
“You had just woken up, your mind was still foggy.” Si Qinglan frowned. “I didn’t think you were serious.”
“Well, I wasn’t. It was just a casual remark, a bit of a desperate measure.” Li Yu poured herself a cup of tea. “But I’ve thought about it. I can’t give them the explanation they want, and this can’t go on forever.”
Li Yu brought the teacup to her lips and blew gently on the surface.
Steam rose, obscuring her eyes. She took a sip, then put down the cup and continued, “The human realm is in chaos, and that black-robed figure is hiding somewhere, plotting something. I’m too weak to stop him. If a celestial being descends from the Heavenly Realm, it would be a good thing.”
“…”
“Besides, aren’t those people refusing to leave until they get their way?” Li Yu lowered her voice. “Their constant harassment…it’s tiring for you.”
“I was just complaining; I can handle it.”
“I know you can, but there’s no need to endure this.” Li Yu looked at Si Qinglan and smiled faintly. “I’m the only one who can open that Gate anyway. It’s my decision. Instead of exhausting yourself dealing with them, just agree and appease them.”
“Appeasing them by giving them what they want? They’ll just demand more!” Si Qinglan rolled her eyes.
Li Yu: “I said, it’s my decision whether to open it or not. You just agree for now, and if anyone bothers you again, don’t hold back, just tell them off.”
Si Qinglan: “And what should I say?”
Li Yu thought for a moment, cleared her throat, and imitated Si Qinglan’s sarcastic tone, “Why are you so impatient? Is opening the Heavenly Gate such a simple task? Cangming Revered One hasn’t even recovered yet!”
Si Qinglan: “…”
Li Yu continued, “Speaking of her injuries, you contributed to them, didn’t you? You’re so capable, why not open the Heavenly Gate yourself instead of waiting for her to recover?”
Si Qinglan: “…”
“If you say it like that, anyone with a shred of decency will stop pestering you.” Li Yu smiled and raised an eyebrow. “Then you won’t have to listen to their constant nagging.”
Si Qinglan: “…”
Li Yu took a sip of tea and, seeing the confused look on Si Qinglan’s face, asked, “What? Is there something wrong with that?”
Si Qinglan looked at her thoughtfully. “Is that…how I usually talk?”
Li Yu: “Isn’t it?”
Si Qinglan: “It is, but…why does it sound so strange coming from you?”
Li Yu tilted her head innocently and shrugged.
Si Qinglan fell silent, staring at the steam rising from her teacup.
After a long moment, she said softly, “Releasing the Demon Bone isn’t a small matter, you will be punished, severely punished.”
Li Yu: “I dared to sever the Harmony Bells, what punishment could I possibly fear?”
Si Qinglan: “…”
Li Yu: “I should also bear some responsibility; I can’t just cause trouble for Mount Chao Yao.”
Si Qinglan: “…”
Li Yu: “After all, I’m the head of the Three Revered Ones.”
Si Qinglan: “…”
Li Yu: “You’re usually more talkative than this.”
Si Qinglan: “You’re usually less talkative than this.”
Li Yu couldn’t help but chuckle.
Si Qinglan sighed, poured herself another cup of tea, and drank it all in one go.
Her expression was like someone drowning their sorrows in alcohol.
But it wasn’t alcohol, and Li Yu had never seen Si Qinglan drink.
Her sorrow was real.
After a brief silence, Si Qinglan finally spoke, “You can’t take it back, have you thought this through?”
Li Yu: “Mm.”
Si Qinglan clenched her teacup, seemingly suppressing her worry, and said softly, “Alright then.”
Those two words were filled with reluctance.
Soon after Si Qinglan left, news of the impending opening of the Heavenly Gate spread throughout Mount Chao Yao.
This news excited everyone.
The Heavenly Gate had been closed for over four thousand years, countless cultivators yearning for the Heavenly Realm, yet there was no path.
In the past, no one would dare force the only remaining god in the human realm to open the Gate.
But now, armed with the righteous cause of protecting the world, they could point their fingers at the god who had committed a grave sin.
Perhaps some genuinely wanted her to be punished, but others simply wanted the opportunity to go to the Heavenly Realm.
Celestial immortals and terrestrial immortals had vastly different statuses.
Celestial immortals resided in the Heavenly Realm, a place rich in spiritual energy, far from worldly concerns, with the hope of ascending to godhood.
Terrestrial immortals, although achieving longevity, were still bound to the mortal realm, their progress hindered.
Before the Heavenly Gate closed, those who achieved immortality in the human realm could ascend during their Heavenly Tribulation, passing through the Gate, catching a glimpse of the Heavenly Dao.
If they were recognized by the Heavenly Dao, they could stay in the Heavenly Realm and become celestial immortals.
If not, they would return to the human realm as terrestrial immortals, with no loss.
This was why achieving immortality was referred to as “ascending to the Heavenly Gate.”
For four thousand years, no one who achieved immortality in the human realm had ascended.
It was hard to believe that none of them desired to glimpse the Heavenly Dao.
Now, with the Heavenly Gate about to open, this was their chance.
Even if they had to return to the human realm eventually, that single glimpse would be enough to fulfill their lifelong yearning.
Li Yu’s assumption was correct. Since agreeing to open the Heavenly Gate, Si Qinglan hadn’t been bothered as much.
Initially, there were still some who urged her, but when she made it clear that she wouldn’t be pressured, they all became more polite.
Si Qinglan scoffed, “A bunch of bullies, preying on the weak.”
She slammed the table. “I’ve finally understood, being nice to them is useless. You take one step back, and they’ll take two. You take two steps back, and they’ll shit on your head!”
“That’s how it is,” Li Yu said calmly, resting her chin on her hand. “If I wasn’t injured, they wouldn’t dare speak so loudly.”
“And if Weisheng was awake, those who haven’t even ascended to the Heavenly Gate wouldn’t dare point fingers at us.”
Li Yu suddenly became curious. “Have you ascended?”
Si Qinglan: “Of course, when I became an immortal, the Heavenly Realm hadn’t closed its gates yet, and Heavenly Gates were everywhere.”
Li Yu: “But the Heavenly Dao deemed you a terrestrial immortal?”
“What?! Is that all you think I’m capable of?” Si Qinglan frowned, then said loudly, “The Heavenly Dao allowed me to stay, but after looking around, I couldn’t find the person I was looking for, so I returned to the human realm to continue my search!”
The person she was looking for, that ancient god who bestowed a sliver of divine power on her, allowing her to take human form?
The original story only mentioned that Si Qinglan traveled the human realm for millennia, unable to find any information about that ancient god, then returned to the island and founded Mount Chao Yao.
She had even given up the opportunity to stay in the Heavenly Realm to find this god.
Li Yu couldn’t help but sigh. “You’re quite persistent.”
“Persistent? I think it’s normal.” Si Qinglan’s voice was soft, a thoughtful look on her face. “I didn’t find him, so I stopped looking.”
Li Yu: “…”
She seemed to have touched a nerve.
Si Qinglan: “Actually, I did hear about her later.”
Li Yu: “What did you hear?”
Si Qinglan lowered her gaze and muttered, “…Not telling.”
Li Yu: “…”
Now she was being secretive.
Si Qinglan: “By the way, how are your injuries?”
The abrupt change of topic…
Fine, she’d play along.
Li Yu: “They’re alright.”
Si Qinglan: “What do you mean, ‘alright’?”
Li Yu: “…”
Si Qinglan: “Can you be more specific?”
Li Yu thought for a moment. “Not good, not bad… Better than when I left Mount Chao Yao with Mu Tao.”
Si Qinglan: “Still sounds pretty bad.”
Li Yu: “Indeed.”
Si Qinglan: “Get some more rest, I won’t disturb you any longer.”
Li Yu: “Mm.”
The pale green light disappeared, leaving Li Yu alone.
She looked at the ice flower by the window, her gaze unfocused.
In the blink of an eye, early spring passed, and warmth returned to Mount Chao Yao.
The visiting immortals were no longer discussing the Upper Spirit Lamp’s fate, just waiting for the Heavenly Gate to open and the celestial being to arrive with an answer.
They were impatient, although not daring to urge her directly, diligently setting up a spiritual energy amplification formation near the Heavenly Gate.
They were cautious, they hesitated.
They hinted, they implied!
To hasten the opening of the Heavenly Gate, they demonstrated their sincerity through actions!
“Has Cangming Revered One seen the formation?”
“If Cangming Revered One lacks spiritual energy, we are willing to assist with the formation!”
Cangming Revered One, confined to her residence, hadn’t seen it, but her colleagues had.
Si Qinglan scoffed, “So eager, as if they’re rushing to reincarnate.”
With the formation already in place, if she still refused, their politeness and patience would soon wear thin.
The outsiders were impatient, and Li Yu didn’t intend to delay much longer.
Opening the Heavenly Gate was something she wanted to do.
With their assistance, saving her some effort, there was no reason to refuse.
So, after nearly two months of seclusion, Cangming Revered One finally appeared before the assembled immortals.
On the southern shore of Mount Chao Yao, countless people followed her, their gazes fixed on her as she entered the formation.
Si Qinglan, her brow furrowed, looked at Li Yu with worry.
The Heavenly Gate, the only passage to the Heavenly Realm from the human realm, was said to be located at the horizon, where the sea met the sky.
Dozens of cultivators stood at designated points, activating the formation.
Li Yu stood at the center, a sudden nervousness washing over her.
She wasn’t sure if she could open the Heavenly Gate; she had never done it before.
She had considered asking for the system’s assistance, but it claimed this was beyond its capabilities; it could only locate the Gate and ensure her spell didn’t miss.
This response made Li Yu feel both amused and frustrated.
Fortunately, she vaguely remembered how to open the Gate, perhaps from that dream where she met the original owner.
As the formation activated, a golden light erupted, and a surge of spiritual energy enveloped her.
Li Yu took a deep breath and, relying on her hazy memory, instinctively formed a complex hand seal she couldn’t possibly memorize.
A blue light surged from her palm towards the sky, gradually spreading, covering the heavens.
The world was bathed in blue.
At the distant horizon, a brilliant golden light slowly rose.
It ascended, piercing through the blue clouds, a beam of light illuminating the world.
Everyone stared at that light.
The last Heavenly Gate connecting the human realm to the Heavenly Realm.
It was slowly opening.
Suddenly, snow began to fall.
Light, white snowflakes, falling out of season.
As everyone watched in confusion, the snowflakes coalesced into a pure white form, like a guided blade, slashing towards the beam of light!
A deafening boom echoed, and a massive crack appeared in the blue sky.
The golden light vanished.