Upon StarZhan and StarYe's emergence, both the Holy Word Church and the Mara Church simultaneously saw six top-tier masters clear the final trial in the Confusion Hall, Hellish Flames, and Death Temple, officially becoming true Dark Hall Warriors. Among them, prominently featured, was my nemesis, Mara Yinfeng, along with three other masters from the Mara Church. These were the Mara Church’s former Phoenix God of War, Mara Yinzhi! The Daoist of Radiance, Mara Yinsong! The God of Flame Magic, Naluo Qingshan! The remaining two were experts from the Holy Word Church. Shengyan Zhenhong, who inherited the Phoenix Demonic Armor of the Sun-Chasing God of War! And the original God of Flame Magic, Shengyan Zhenming! This meant the Church faction now possessed six supreme masters whose strength rivaled that of StarYe and StarZhan! Although the strength of the two mages, StarZhan and StarYe, with their Demon-Devouring Bodies, could be disregarded, the prowess of the other four masters was still terrifyingly formidable. Not only did the Church produce six Dark Hall Warriors, but the heavily armored and thunderous warriors who had entered for cultivation earlier had also made astonishing progress individually. There were already ten experts at the Sixth Heaven Gate level alone. This significantly bolstered the Church's might. It instantly extinguished the soaring ambitions of the Demon Dragon Empire! Helpless, the Demon Dragon Empire had no choice but to remain inert. Of course, the strengthening wasn't limited to the Church; the Demon Dragon, Biqi, and Cangyue nations also cultivated a large number of exceptional warriors. Although they failed to pass the final assessment to become Seventh Heaven Gate masters! A significant contingent managed to clear the fourth and fifth layers of the Seventh Heaven Gate within the forbidden grounds, achieving formidable strength themselves. The so-called Seventh Heaven Gate was merely a standard of evaluation for trials within the King’s Forbidden Ground! With continuous deepening understanding of the Dark Hall and the Forbidden Ground, the details surrounding the various levels within the Forbidden Ground became increasingly clear. It turned out that the environments within the Forbidden Ground and the Dark Hall were largely similar; the core of cultivation lay in the Seven-Story Stone Pagoda situated in the eastern part of the desert! Each of these seven stories was fraught with deadly peril, with each succeeding level becoming exponentially more perverse. It was nearly impossible to ascend, leading it to be called the Heaven Gate! Since it was divided into seven levels, this seven-story pagoda was also known as the Seventh Heaven Gate! The final level was guarded by a Dark Demonic Creature of utterly terrifying power. The guardian of the final level of the King’s Forbidden Ground was the Dark Bull Demon King. The final guardian of the Confusion Hall was the Dark Yellow Springs Sect Master. The final guardian of Hellish Flames was the Dark Skeleton Spirit. The final guardian of the Death Temple was the Dark Red Demon Sect Master. The final guardian of the Pincer Worm Nest was the Dark Woma Sect Master. Each level featured monsters guarded with ridiculously abnormal strength. Defeating them was akin to scaling the heavens. And the challenges within the Heaven Gates! Each one was more treacherous than the last; a slight misstep meant serious injury, or, in severe cases, immediate death upon the spot—truly perilous! Only practitioners with unwavering resolve and peak strength could pass. It wasn't easy even to reach the final guardians. Before StarYe and StarZhan attempted the Heaven Gates, Jidu and others had already launched challenges; regretfully, even the strongest among them, Jidu, only managed to reach the sixth layer before being unable to proceed further. Later, Jiuyue Chongyang also made an attempt, similarly stopping at the sixth level. In the twelfth year of the Divine Calendar, Yin Yao, Yue Yao, Luohou, and the surviving Black Flag Legionnaires—Yinhu, Yintao, Yinhong, Baiyan, Chiming, Chiyu, and other Black Flag generals—challenged the Heaven Gates in succession, but sadly, they only managed to reach the fifth layer before being forced to give up. In the nineteenth year of the Divine Calendar, Tong Lei Qinglong, Jiuyue Shenru, Yanluo Yinshuang, Long Xin, Long Zhan, and Long Qi (Jidu’s niece), after years of arduous training, finally challenged the Heaven Gates. Regrettably, only Jiuyue Shenru among them broke through to the sixth layer! Tong Lei Qinglong and Yanluo Yinshuang reached the fifth layer. Long Qi, Long Xin, and Long Zhan only made it to the fourth layer! Full text edition, updated faster, only at ⑴б Literature Network. PC site: ．ㄧ⑹ Site: à．ㄧ⑥ Support Literature, Support ①⑥! In the twenty-second year of the Divine Calendar, Moshui, Moca, Shenxu, and elites from the other three major tribes challenged the Heaven Gates. Among them, Moshui and Moca, relying on their exquisite combined attacks, reached the sixth level, while Shenxu reached the fifth. Most of the rest were forced to abandon their attempts at the fourth level. By this point, the main lineup of the Demon Dragon Empire was largely established; it could be said they were rich in talent! Seventh Heaven Gate Masters: StarYe, StarZhan. Sixth Heaven Gate Masters: Moshui, Moca, Jidu, Jiuyue Chongyang, Jiuyue Shenru. Fifth Heaven Gate Masters: Twenty-four individuals! Fourth Heaven Gate Masters: Thirty-six individuals! Furthermore, six individuals from the Biqi and Cangyue Empires—Jianxing, Jianwu, Cangyue Zhenwu, Jianqi, Longyuan Feixue, and Cangyue Qianyu—passed the sixth layer. My old friends Feng Qingtian, Huxiao Shanlin, Xiong Ba Tianxia, Ying Zhen Kuangren, and Li Xie all reached the fifth layer before being unable to proceed. It is worth noting that my senior brother, Jianchi, also reached the fifth layer, thus preserving the honor of Dragon Shadow Villa! Elite disciples from Scarlet Moon Villa and Flowing Cloud Villa also reached the fourth layer, which made the others seem considerably dimmer by comparison. All these individuals became the supreme generals of the Biqi and Cangyue nations. If not for their lagging equipment, the overall strength of the Biqi and Cangyue nations would not have been inferior. Besides the so-called Heaven Gate masters! Large quantities of heavy armor dating back to ancient times—such as the Sky Demon Battle Armor, Sacred War Armor, and Heavenly Venerable Robes—were discovered within the Death Temple, Confusion Hall, Hellish Flames, and Pincer Worm Nest. This meant that heavy armor was no longer an extremely rare item on the continent. Of course, obtaining them was by no means an easy feat. In the ancient Dragon Empire, these could only be acquired by successfully clearing all seven layers of the Heaven Gates. However, the current standards had been lowered by the various nations; achieving the cultivation level of the Fourth Heaven Gate was enough to earn heavy armor and become a Heavy Armored Warrior. This gave more people a chance to become supreme masters. It could be said that the Marfa Continent was now teeming with masters, a completely different concept from twenty-five years ago in Biqi. Strictly speaking, the power comparison between the Church and the Three Nations Alliance was close, but the three nations were still slightly weaker, as the Church held an advantage in equipment. Naturally, this disparity was not very pronounced. It was initially thought that this standoff situation would persist, but just then! News suddenly arrived that the Church had found three Luminous Pearls within these three Dark Halls and learned the location of the Ancient Heroes' Land. This threw the Demon Dragon, Biqi, and Cangyue Empires into disarray. If the Church were to obtain the Heroes, the consequences would absolutely be disastrous to contemplate. Yanluo and Chihou immediately went to investigate! They learned that the Church masters had already set out to search for the Heroes, and their destination was surprisingly north of the Dead Sea. Subsequently, the Royal Family decided to dispatch StarYe, StarZhan, Moshui, Moca, Yanluo, Chihou, and ten experts from the Fifth Heaven Gate level to track them and act according to the situation. However, after entering the Sea of Death, StarYe and StarZhan lost contact. Consequently, the Divine Granny and the others were completely unable to monitor their movements. Though extremely anxious, they dared not act rashly. If something happened in the Sea of Death that even StarYe and StarZhan couldn't handle, then sending anyone else in would be futile. Helplessly, everyone remained in the palace, anxiously awaiting news. They waited for two full years! Until I woke up just now. “I can’t believe so much happened while I was unconscious,” I honestly admitted, still feeling thoroughly bewildered. My twin children, StarYe and StarZhan! The Seventh level of Heaven Gate masters! Everything astonished me immensely. This world truly has changed! I feel like I’ve become obsolete! “It seems I really am old,” I sighed somewhat helplessly. “The world is changing too fast.” “Feeling out of sorts, aren’t you?” Shenyin seemed to read my mind. “Supreme masters are everywhere now; few people even remember the old Azure Lightning Terror anymore.” “Hmph,” I retorted, giving her an unimpressed look. This time, I noticed that Shenyin and Shenyi had tied up their hair, which was a clear sign of marriage! I immediately grew very curious. “Girl, when did you get married?” “What girl?” Shenyin jumped up angrily, glaring at me fiercely. “I am your older sister!” “Heh, sister it is then,” I conceded. “You still haven’t answered—tell me, who is the groom?” “I won’t tell you,” Shenyin remained sulky! “Heh, if I were to say she is your husband, you wouldn't be unfamiliar with him,” Yinshuang chuckled lightly. “Could it be that simpleton Long Qi?” I was greatly surprised. “Watch your mouth!” Shenyin struck the top of my head with a sharp rap. “What simpleton? Is that guy simple? He’s sharper than anyone!” Although Shenyin’s face was displeased, the slight upturn of her lips betrayed what she was thinking. Women, always saying one thing and meaning another. But Long Qi is truly remarkable; he actually managed to win her over. I wonder how much he had to struggle? “What about Shenyi? Did she marry that big oaf?” I recalled Long Zhan and Shenyi being very close previously. “She did,” Shenyin confirmed. “Don’t let his rough exterior fool you; he knows how to woo women. The couple is very happy now.” “Impressive, impressive. Both those lads have a knack for it,” I exclaimed in admiration. Mentioning Long Qi and Long Zhan naturally brought Long Xin to mind. “What about Long Xin?”

“...” Shenyin said nothing, instead instinctively looking towards Yinshuang. I sensed a strange atmosphere. “She,” Yinshuang’s expression also showed hesitation. “Did something happen to her?” I felt a surge of anxiety in my heart! “Nothing like that,” Yinshuang said helplessly. “Actually, Long Xin never married, and she has been staying with Yanluo.” “Still unmarried?” For some reason, I felt uneasy. “Staying with Yanluo all this time.” It was hard to imagine the aloof Yanluo getting along with someone as carefree as Long Xin! More importantly, why hadn't Long Xin married in twenty-five years? “...” I stood frozen for a moment. If I couldn’t figure out what was going on now, I might as well bump my head into a wall! “Long Xin is a good girl,” my mother said, her expression complicated as she looked between me and Yinshuang. “...” I didn't know what to say for a while before finally sighing. “Let’s not talk about this now.” “En,” Mother nodded slightly. “You just woke up, your body is still weak, and it’s windy here. Let’s go back inside to talk.” Not long after returning to Fallen Sunset Palace! Jiuyue Chongyang and the Divine Granny, along with Jidu, rushed in hastily. “Hahaha, you’re finally awake!” Jidu gave me a bear hug upon seeing me. “Forgive me for making Father-Emperor worry,” I replied. It was only then that I had a chance to observe Jiuyue Chongyang. Aside from a few fine crow’s feet around his eyes and his barely concealed anxiety, he seemed unchanged, yet his aura was completely different from what I remembered—vast as the sea, unfathomable. It was clear that his strength had significantly increased through the Heaven Gate cultivation. However, the undeniable anxiety and melancholy between his brows showed that Jiuyue Chongyang had not had an easy time over these years. The Divine Granny and Jidu behind him were equally overjoyed! “General Jidu, Divine Granny!” I quickly bowed in greeting. “Your Highness!” The Divine Granny and Jidu immediately returned the courtesy before sitting down nearby. “It’s good that you’re awake,” Jiuyue Chongyang said with great emotion, as if shedding a massive burden. “The twenty-five years you slept without waking really put your old father through the wringer.” “Father-Emperor is wise and mighty, with great strategy; what difficulty in this world could elude you?” “Stop flattering me,” Jiuyue Chongyang retorted gruffly. “You slept for twenty-five years, managing nothing, but it tired out this old bone of mine.” “It wasn’t that severe, was it?” I felt slightly guilty, seeing that Jiuyue Chongyang wasn't exaggerating. These twenty-five tumultuous years saw the continental structure change repeatedly; it was a miracle he held on until now. “Your Majesty!” The Divine Granny interjected, “The Prince has only just recovered; he shouldn’t overexert himself. We can discuss matters later.” “Haha, you’re right,” Jiuyue Chongyang laughed heartily. “Since he is awake, everything can be managed. We must celebrate properly today!” “Yes, we should have a good drink today,” Jidu hadn't changed much either. It was hard to believe he was over one hundred and forty years old now, but given his age, the royal family no longer sent him on missions. He spent more time enjoying peace in the palace, and it was clear Jidu was very happy now. The former Jidu exuded rigor and meticulous seriousness. Now, however, he seemed much more cheerful, as if unburdened: “It’s been too long since I shared a hearty drink with His Highness.” “What about StarZhan and StarYe’s situation?” Thinking of my two children and Yanluo still stuck in the Sea of Death, I couldn't relax. “That…” Jiuyue Chongyang also looked troubled and subconsciously looked toward the Divine Granny. “Divine Granny, please speak up.” “Your Highness, rest assured,” the Divine Granny said. “Although we have no news now, divination indicates they are still safe.” “Divination?” I felt somewhat defeated. This Divine Granny really had a way with cryptic answers. “If Your Highness is truly worried, then make a trip to the Sea of Death,” Jidu suggested. “We were already planning to send someone in to investigate what happened.” “That’s for the best,” I exclaimed happily. “When do we depart?” “Within the Sea of Death, undercurrents churn, and the climate shifts constantly,” the Divine Granny explained. “One must be fully prepared before entering.” According to records in the Wanderer’s Handbook, the Sea of Death is located in the far north of the Marfa Continent. Due to the Great Magic Tide, the sea's condition is unstable; magic elements are chaotic, and terrifying magic whirlpools and spacetime turbulence are everywhere. Being caught in one would undoubtedly lead to disaster. As for the seawater itself! Even a small wooden plank placed on the surface would immediately sink, let alone a ship. That is why this area is called the Sea of Death. There is only one way to cross the Sea of Death: flying across by means of a Thunderhawk. However, no one knows how vast the Sea of Death is, nor if there are any islands within it. More terrifyingly, upon entering the Sea of Death, the Thunderhawk cannot discern direction due to the Magic Tide. Thus, even flying above the Sea of Death is extremely perilous. For centuries, people have been intensely curious about where the Sea of Death ends and what lies beyond it. Consequently, many wandering heroes attempted to uncover this secret, but every single person who entered the Sea of Death vanished without a trace. Over time, no one dared try to explore the conditions inside the Sea of Death anymore. This situation persisted until now. If there weren't credible reports confirming the existence of a snow-covered continent at the northern end of the four seas, and if it weren't for the pursuit of absolute, immense power, the Church would never have dared to venture into this terrifying ocean. Naturally, StarYe and StarZhan would not have risked tracking them without reason. Although the Royal Family was well-equipped, and StarYe and StarZhan were both exceptional and intelligent, human strength remains utterly insignificant when faced with the power of nature. I cannot begin to imagine the crises that might exist within the Sea of Death, nor the dangers they might be facing. I dare not even be certain if they are still alive. Regardless, I must go and see for myself as soon as possible. “We must wait until August, when the Scarlet Moon rises, to enter the Sea of Death,” Jidu explained. “Only then can we determine the direction of the Sea of Death by measuring the magical intensity of the Scarlet Moon; otherwise, rushing in is extremely dangerous.” “What time is it now?” I asked instinctively. “It is currently February,” the Divine Granny replied. “We must wait at least another half a year before entering the Sea of Death.” “Half a year? Can’t we speed it up?” “This is the only way,” Jidu stated firmly. “Your Highness must wait another six months.” Helplessly, I could only nod slightly! But soon, I realized something felt amiss! “Your Highness!” Their form of address had changed. I looked at Jiuyue Chongyang with some surprise. “It’s like this,” Jiuyue Chongyang said with a slight smile. “After you fell unconscious and didn’t wake for ten years, I had to issue a decree reinstating Shenxu as the Crown Prince, while simultaneously restoring your original title as Prince of Qin.” “I see,” I realized, though this was not unexpected. After all, I wasn't the true Crown Prince; it would have been bizarre if that title had remained fixed upon me! “Heh, I endured the position of Crown Prince arduously,” I recalled, noting that ever since becoming the Crown Prince of the Demon Dragon Empire, I had been nothing but trouble. “Now, finally, I am free of all official duties!” I sighed with emotion. “You fellow,” Jiuyue Chongyang was exasperated. “You truly show no consideration for your Father-Emperor’s hardship. Is this how a son acts?” “...” I stared blankly at Jiuyue Chongyang. “Forget it, I won't bother explaining to your wooden head,” Jiuyue Chongyang muttered, holding his head. “The Prince hasn’t changed one bit,” Jidu laughed. “But getting out of responsibility won’t be that easy.” “Exactly. As a subject, how can we let His Majesty toil so hard?” The Divine Granny also adopted an expression of disappointment. “Heh heh,” I offered a dry chuckle. “Even without me for twenty-five years, didn’t you all manage just fine? Besides, my two little ones are much more capable than I was back then, not to mention Shenxu can carry the load now. With the three of them supporting the Demon Dragon Empire, the heavens won't fall! Once we find those two, we old folks can finally enjoy some peace!” “Pfft!” Jiuyue Chongyang nearly spat out the tea he was drinking, staring at me as if he’d seen a ghost. “Enjoy peace, and ‘we old folks’? You look like you haven’t even sprouted a full beard yet, yet you speak like a seasoned elder.” “Heh heh heh,” Yinshuang on the side couldn't help but laugh either. “You really are something. I wonder what expression those precious twins will have when they meet their father looking so young.” “...” I froze, and even Jiuyue Chongyang and the others couldn't help but smile suppressedly. “Hahahaha!” “Hahahaha!” Jiuyue Chongyang, the Divine Granny, Jidu, and the others finally burst into loud laughter. “We really want to see the look on that boy StarYe’s face when that happens.” That... well, thinking about it now, it is a bit awkward. If they meet, will they call me 'Father'? Imagine a twenty-year-old father and his twenty-four-year-old son and daughter—what a scene that would be! It’s genuinely tricky. After a while, everyone finally stopped laughing, though their faces were still red from holding it in. “Worthy of being the Prince,” Jidu remarked. “His Majesty hasn't laughed this heartily in a long time. Your awakening has laughed away all his worries.” Those old guys were making fun of me. Just you wait. Once I find those little ones, I’ll never let them get involved in anything, or they’ll get me killed by their pranks someday!

It was as if she could see straight through my thoughts; the Shaman’s expression turned grave. “Your Highness, although Xingye, Xingzhan, and the Crown Prince are all capable of standing on their own now, since you have awakened, shouldn't you shoulder some of the burden?” The Shaman looked upon Jiuyao Chongyang with palpable heartache: “Look at how the Emperor hasn't had a single peaceful or comfortable day in these past twenty-five years. Can you truly bear to see that?”

“Tell me about it,” Jiuyao Chongyang sighed dramatically. This old man, who had been grinning so widely his mouth was crooked just moments ago, now adopted the guise of utter exhaustion. “When you were around, Your Highness, you stood at the front bearing everything, and I barely felt the weight of it. But since you fell into that stupor, you’ve put me through sheer hell! If Xingye, Xingzhan, and Shenxu hadn't matured so quickly, I’d probably be the first emperor in the history of the Demon Dragon Empire to actually work himself to death.”

“Surely it wasn’t that severe!” I protested, feeling decidedly guilty.

“In any case, now that you’re awake.” Jiuyao Chongyang waved his hand with magnificent authority! He then delivered that timeless line once more: “Time to get back to work.”

“Ha! More work,” I stammered, completely dumbfounded on the spot.