Refining the Mountains and Rivers

“The coordinates where Yun Niang and I entered the Land of Divinity and Demons in the past were in a terrifying mystic realm. There is a black hole there that is connected to the outside world.

“But, there is something I must earnestly warn you about. In the past, in order to save Yun Niang and Anning, I also had thoughts similar to what you are thinking about. So, I once again tried to step into that black hole. But my luck wasn’t as good as it was before. After entering, I soon encountered a horrifying monster beast. If it wasn’t for a sudden burst of suction strength erupting from nowhere and dragging it into the turbulent flow of space, I would have already died there.”

Qin Yu furrowed his eyebrows. He asked, “This black hole is connected to more than your original homeland?”

Solitary Westgate nodded. “That is exactly so. The black hole I used to enter the Land of Divinity and Demons has more than one exit. Afterwards, I carefully attempted several times and determined that this black hole can connect to multiple words. For me to be able to safely enter the Land of Divinity and Demons in the past, I can only say that that was due to my good luck.

“Qin Yu, trust me. Out of the many worlds that the black hole connects to, most of them are incomparably terrifying. In it, I was able to see through the collapsed and distorted space and witnessed many lands of death and destruction. Some worlds were filled with flames that blazed to the heavens, some were covered with dreadful monster beasts, and some worlds were even on the brink of collapse. If you are accidentally sucked in, then your death is almost assured!”

Qin Yu’s complexion was grim and cloudy. If everything was like Solitary Westgate said, then stepping into the black hole was the same as putting a foot into death’s door. But besides this black hole, he really couldn’t figure out another way to leave the Land of Divinity and Demons and enter another world.

Had he reached a dead end?

Solitary Westgate honestly said, “Qin Yu, I hope you can carefully consider things. If you have any other way, it is better than stepping into that black hole.”

Qin Yu was startled. This warning broke through his current situation.

Besides this black hole, there was no other way for him to leave the Land of Divinity and Demons.

In other words, even if there was some other way, how much time would he need to waste to find it?

10 years? 20 years? Or even longer?

After using the Ashes and Embers secret art, how many decades did he have left?

He took a deep breath. All the worry and anxiousness in his eyes dispersed. When he closed his eyes and opened them again, there was only peace and resolve.

Tranquil and calm, without any waves.

Steady and serene, with clear-headed thoughts.

Since there was no path behind him, he could only move forwards. Dread and fear, none of that was helpful; it would only lead to a faster death.

Solitary Westgate sighed, “It looks like I wasn’t able to change your mind about this.”

Qin Yu said, “Westgate, you should know my condition. I cannot waste any time.”

Solitary Westgate nodded. “Since you have made up your mind, I will take you there. But, before that happens, you had better arrange all of your business beforehand.”

Qin Yu said, “I have been making arrangements these past two days. We can leave tomorrow.” He stood up and walked away. When he reached the door, he paused. Without turning his head he said, “If anything happens to me tomorrow, I ask you to look after everything for me.”

He strode out.

Solitary Westgate revealed a look of admiration. If it weren’t for Ning Ling, Qin Yu would have plenty of time to rest and recover. With the talent he displayed so far, as long as he had time his future achievements would be limitless.

At that point, when all conditions were perfect and he decided to leave the Land of Divinity and Demons, it could be called almost assured success.

But now Qin Yu had chosen an incomparably dangerous and risky road instead. This road had no light illuminating it, nor could one see any future.

In this world, what is love?

….

Qin Yu was trapped by sentiment at the moment. After dodging her question that day, You Qi hadn’t asked again. But her worries had not disappeared. In any case, it was impossible to hide this matter from her and it was also unfair to her.

“Hah!”

Sighing inside, Qin Yu pushed open the door and entered the hall. Since he couldn’t find an appropriate excuse, he could only tell her the truth.

He looked up towards the hall and his eyes met with You Qi’s. Right now she was placing down the utensils. The palace maids had been dismissed and she was the only one here.

“Your Majesty, you’ve come. Hurry and take a seat.”

Qin Yu gently smiled and took a seat. You Qi sighed and cautiously said, “Although I had some help making these dishes, I actually prepared each one of them personally. If the flavor isn’t good, I ask Your Majesty to forgive me.”

Qin Yu smiled. “Since you personally cooked these dishes, I will definitely eat them.”

He picked up a pair of chopsticks. Beneath You Qi’s worried gaze he took several bites and swallowed. He gave a thumb up and said, “It tastes great!”

Although there was a bit of exaggeration and the appearances of the dishes were slightly subpar, the taste was excellent.

You Qi smiled blindingly, “I’m glad that Your Majesty is satisfied.”

She sat beside him, helping him pour wine. She occasionally took some bites herself, her eyes rarely leaving Qin Yu.

Although neither one of them spoke, the lingering emotions in the hall were particularly clear.

After eating his fill, Qin Yu laid down his chopsticks and patted his belly. You Qi had already steeped some tea and had placed the cup down in front of Qin Yu.

After receiving the cup and taking several sips, Qin Yu asked, “You already knew?”

You Qi lowered her head. “Your Majesty has been searching through the ancient texts these past two days…as I wield a part of the Holy Palace’s authority, I couldn’t help but check myself…I ask that Your Majesty forgive me.”

Qin Yu pulled her close. “I am the one who wronged you. But this matter…”

“I understand.” She interrupted him. “Although I hope that Your Majesty can accompany me for a long time, I also know that it is impossible for you to give up on Ning Ling.

“Your Majesty, I won’t ask for anything. I only hope that you remember there are two women in the Land of Divinity and Demons waiting for you, so you must take good care of yourself.”

The next day, without anyone sensing it, Qin Yu and Solitary Westgate left the Demonic Path’s small world. The Holy Palace was sealed up and it was announced to the outside that His Majesty the Holy Monarch’s injuries had yet to fully heal so he was going to enter a long period of seclusion.

…

Between the heavens and earth, the land occupied a vast area. But the area that the endless sea covered was far larger than the land. Hundreds of millions of years ago, through the changing of the land and seas, this vast rolling sea region might have been a populated continent.

The spatial black hole that Solitary Westgate used to enter the Land of Divinity and Demons long ago used to be situated at the summit of a mountain. But now, it was deep beneath the sea.

The skies were clear and blue. Several sea birds flying through the air seemed to suffer a sudden fright. They flapped their wings and flew into the distance.

In the next moment space twisted and Solitary Westgate and Qin Yu stepped out.

Looking down at the sea, Solitary Westgate said, “We’ve arrived!”

With a flick of his sleeve, seawater parted. A fathomless channel was torn open.

Qin Yu nodded, “Let’s go!”

Whoosh –

Whoosh –

The two people flew in.

The water constantly parted to both sides and a loud earth-shaking rumbling filled the air. The light coming down from up above grew increasingly faint until the surroundings gradually descended into darkness.

But to a supreme being of the world, pure darkness was meaningless. They could clearly see everything beneath the sea.

Whoosh –

Seawater blew apart and a giant sea beast drilled out. It roared, “This is the territory of the supreme lord, no one may enter!”

A terrifying aura instantly erupted. It was unexpectedly much more tyrannical than that of a common Calamity Immortal.

Solitary Westgate came to a stop. He lifted his hand and a rune appeared between his fingers. Within the darkness, it released an eerie blue light.

The great beast immediately restrained its aura. Its giant body kneeled down and it said with deep respect, “This humble guard greets the supreme lord.”

Solitary Westgate said, “I didn’t think that even after so many years you would still be standing guard here.”

The great beast said, “For the rest of my life I will observe my lord’s will. I dare not spend even a single moment in idleness.”

Solitary Westgate nodded. “Very good. Then lead the way. Bring us to the place you are guarding.”

The great beast roared. It shook its giant tail and tore through the water, diving towards the seabed.

Seeing Qin Yu’s look, Solitary Westgate said, “This great beast is named Leviathan. I inadvertently rescued it from the black hole. In order to repay me, it decided to guard this place on its own initiative. I never thought it would remain here even after all these years.”

Qin Yu’s eyes flashed. He suddenly said, “Leviathan, since you came from the black hole, just how dangerous is it inside?”

The great beast turned its head. Its massive eyes stared at Qin Yu, “You desire to enter the black hole?”

Qin Yu nodded.

The great beast sneered, “In the past the supreme lord only escaped danger by the breadth of a hair. If you enter you will die without a doubt!”

Solitary Westgate shouted, “How insolent! Do not be so insolent to His Majesty the Demon Sovereign…the Demon Sovereign is an existence on the same level as me. In terms of absolute strength, he is even above me.”

Leviathan lowered its head in apology. But, it continued to say, “I only speak the truth. If the Demon Sovereign is your friend, you should stop him.”

Qin Yu said, “Leviathan, how about we make a bet. If I step into the black hole and don’t die, how about you give me your future child as my mount?”

Leviathan was stunned.

Qin Yu laughed. “If you don’t say anything then I will take it as you agreeing. Westgate will serve as a witness to this.”

Leviathan, “…”

It was pitiful, but wasn’t it fine if it just had no intention of agreeing or replying?