"The Bagua Mirror, truly formidable!" A wave of shock ran through the crowd. Judging by the myriad laser projectiles erupting from the ancient grand formation, each one possessed enough destructive power to obliterate an expert at the early Divine Emperor level!

Had all those projectiles fired simultaneously, even they would have needed to exert their full strength to defend, perhaps even triggering even more powerful mechanisms. While they could eventually break through, it would demand immense energy. Yet, under Fuxi's Bagua Mirror, the defense was shattered effortlessly.

"Let's go!" Fuxi closed his hand, and the Bagua Mirror floated back, shrinking thousands of times until it rested in his palm, shimmering once before vanishing into thin air.

Fuxi led the way with Ye Chen following closely as they proceeded. Soon, they arrived beside the cliff valley, where a biting wind, sharp as knives, swept towards them, chilling their faces.

Ye Chen looked down. The valley plunged into an unseen depth, half-shrouded in white mist. He frowned immediately, gazing at the two thick iron chains stretched ahead, pondering silently.

"We'll cross one by one," Fuxi mused for a moment. "Two people on these chains will cause too much sway. Everyone must be careful."

The others nodded, their expressions grave, understanding this was no time for levity. They quickly arranged themselves in order, with Fuxi leading, followed closely by Tathagata and the Daoist Zhunti.

Fuxi stepped out first, his broad hand gripping the iron chain. The muscles in his arm bulged as he maintained his balance, slowly making his way toward the other side of the valley without encountering the slightest peril.

A collective sigh of relief passed through the group. Next, the Buddha Tathagata retracted the golden lotus upon which he sat, his long fingers reaching for the chain. Ye Chen noticed that the Buddha's skin was fair and delicate, as smooth and tender as an infant's, causing him to cast a strange look.

Soon, Buddha Tathagata had crossed. Then came Zhunti, followed by Emperor Shaohao, the Celestial Witch King Fairy Shegu, Jin Chanzi, and others in succession. Finally, it was the Yellow Emperor and Ye Chen.

Watching everyone cross safely, Ye Chen felt a slight easing of tension. He then heard the gentle voice of Emperor Shaohao: "You go next; I will cover the rear. Be careful."

A warmth spread through Ye Chen’s heart, and he nodded slightly before stepping forward, gripping the long iron chain tightly. Immediately, he felt a powerful suction pulling him down from the valley floor. His hand almost slipped from the chain, instantly coating him in a cold sweat. Without hesitation, he activated the Ant-Man Mode.

Swish!

Ye Chen's skin rapidly hardened into a black, chitinous shell, transforming him into an ant-like humanoid. Several claws extended from his abdomen, all gripping the iron chain.

Ye Chen wasted no time, scrambling rapidly toward the opposite bank. In the Ant-Man Mode, using all four limbs, his movement was fluid as running water, and he soon reached the far side successfully.

As he stepped onto the bank, the Ant-Man Mode concluded. Ye Chen let out a sigh of relief inwardly. He hadn't expected the gravitational pull within this valley to be so terrifying. If his genes weren't 'concave multiple' compared to ordinary humans, giving him strength comparable to a peak deity, he would have been yanked into the ravine the moment he grasped the chain.

He glanced sideways at Emperor Shaohao and the others, noticing they all wore faint smiles, showing no surprise, as if they had known this all along. He couldn't help but offer a wry smile inwardly. With the sight of these powerhouses, they had likely discerned the strangeness of his body long ago, though he wondered if they knew about his Celestial Beast Mode as well.

Just then, Emperor Huang also made his way across the long iron chain. The group gathered before the black vortex, led by Fuxi, and one by one, they stepped through. Ye Chen was in the middle, shielded within Emperor Shaohao's Cosmic Domain.

Whoosh!

Passing through the black vortex felt like traversing a layer of water ripples. When they opened their eyes, they found themselves outside the White Spirit Mountain Range, suspended above Jiekefeng, the outermost peak. Beneath Jiekefeng lay the majestic stone gate. At this moment, besides the guards, no one stood before the gate. The ancient sky-bridge that spanned the Tian Du River had retracted at some unknown time.

"Without the sky-bridge, what are we to do?" Fairy Shegu frowned slightly, a trace of faint worry in her demeanor.

The others exchanged glances, all subconsciously turning toward Buddha Tathagata.

"Amitabha!" Buddha Tathagata murmured a Buddhist chant, smiling gently. "It seems everyone knows that my Golden Lotus is formed from ancient sky matter and can traverse all perilous places. Everyone, come aboard!" As he spoke, he flipped his palm, producing the Golden Lotus, which instantly expanded thousands of times in the wind.

The others smiled and moved, boarding the Golden Lotus.

"Brother Ye, why are you still standing there? Hurry up!" Emperor Shaohao, already on the lotus, noticed Ye Chen hadn't followed and turned to call out. He saw Ye Chen standing beside the Golden Lotus, staring intently at the distant White Spirit Mountain Range.

At this point, everyone was aboard the Golden Lotus except for Ye Chen, who remained fixed on the White Spirit Mountain, silent.

The others looked at the young man, understanding that he was distressed. They wisely remained silent, not pressing him. After about a quarter of an hour, seeing that time was short—if Bai Tian realized what had happened and pursued them, it would be disastrous—Buddha Tathagata spoke gently, "Young benefactor, please come up. Form is emptiness, emptiness is form; all is illusion, why linger?" Ye Chen’s body trembled slightly. He slowly lowered his head, and after a moment, turned back to face those on the Golden Lotus. He cupped his hands, bowed deeply, and said sincerely, "My life today was saved by all you seniors; I will surely repay this debt one day. Seniors, please depart first; I have something I must attend to—I need to look back one more time."

The others exchanged glances, their brows furrowing.

Fuxi said sternly, "If you go, your fate is likely dire, nine parts death, one part life. Do not treat your life as a jest!"

Bitterness filled Ye Chen’s heart. "I know, but if I don't see her one last time today, there will never be another chance. Seniors, I hope you will not obstruct me. Even if my blood stains this White Spirit Mountain today, I will not utter a single complaint. If there is a cycle of reincarnation in the future, I will never forget the great kindness shown by you seniors today!" With that, he bowed deeply.

Seeing his resolute expression, the others could only sigh helplessly.

After finishing his bow, Ye Chen glanced at the group, then turned and walked away resolutely. His figure flickered, and he rapidly charged toward the White Spirit Mountain.

Those on the Golden Lotus watched silently, their expressions filled with inexpressible melancholy. Although every person present had the power to stop him, they knew Ye Chen was deeply mired in the river of emotion, unable to extricate himself. Forcing him to stay today would inevitably lead to a lifetime of sorrow, culminating in suicide.

"To ask the world, what is love..." Buddha Tathagata watched Ye Chen's receding back for a long time before murmuring a low sigh.

Ye Chen’s figure was like the wind as he bypassed the mountain range. Since he was approaching from the outside, he did not trigger the mountain protection formation and smoothly arrived above the summit of White Spirit Mountain.

The mountaintop was now empty. The ground was somewhat ravaged; some VIP tables and chairs were splintered from the previous fierce battle between Bai Tian, Fuxi, and the Yellow Emperor.

Ye Chen swept his gaze over the area, failing to spot Bai Tian, causing his brow to furrow slightly. His figure shifted as he moved toward the back mountain of White Spirit Mountain, where he immediately sensed a heavy, suffocating aura lingering—like dozens of ferocious tigers, causing one's heart to pound with fear.

His expression remained unchanged as he swiftly raced towards these formidable energies, arriving instantly in a courtyard. In this large, secluded courtyard sat dozens of figures—naturally, the guests from the VIP seating area.

Among them, Bai Tian stood tall, one hand behind his back, looking at the assembled figures, murmuring something softly. Suddenly, he stopped, glancing sideways at Ye Chen hovering above, his eyes narrowing slightly, revealing a touch of coldness.

Boom!

Ye Chen felt a shock in his chest, as if a massive hammer had descended, making him immediately spew a mouthful of blood. He was then forcibly pulled down by a mysterious power, slamming onto the hard flagstones of the courtyard. Several of his bones immediately fractured, yet the stone remained undamaged, testifying to its incredible hardness.

The crowd tensed slightly upon Ye Chen’s sudden appearance, their expressions unreadable, though they were inwardly astonished.

Bai Tian’s eyes were icy as he stared fiercely at Ye Chen. "How did you get out?"

Ye Chen wiped the blood from his lips and slowly rose from the ground, looking at Bai Tian with stubborn determination. In a low voice, he said, "Emperor Fuxi and the others have already escaped White Spirit Mountain. I came here because I have a request for you!"

Hearing Ye Chen's words, Bai Tian’s heart sank immediately. He slowly clenched his fist, his voice chillingly stern. "How did they escape?" The murderous intent in his tone was poorly concealed.

Hearing that Fuxi and the others had fled White Spirit Mountain, those present were greatly alarmed.

"They actually got out?"

"The protective formation of the Bai family is legendary for its profound mystery. Except for that madman from years ago, no one has ever escaped it."

"That madman? You mean the Heavenly Dao?"

"Of course. Besides him, who else would dare to oppose the entire world?"

The crowd exchanged low whispers for a moment before falling silent.

Bai Tian's fair cheek had turned ashen, clearly showing extreme rage. Intense killing intent flared in his eyes as he glared at Ye Chen, fire seeming to erupt from his pupils. He spat out the words one by one: "You want to ask me to marry Xiao Jun to you? Dream on!!"

Ye Chen seemed oblivious to his fury. He sighed softly and murmured, "I only wish to see her one more time. Furthermore, she is infected with a virus that is already difficult to cure. However, I have a Dragon Ginseng Grass here, rumored to heal viruses." As he spoke, he opened his palm, unfolding a rune space, and retrieved a small golden grass entwined with golden dragon patterns, emitting a strange fragrance.

The crowd became instantly suspicious and uncertain upon hearing Ye Chen's words.

"Infected with a virus?"

"What kind of virus?"

"Could it be the most ferocious K-4444 virus?"

"With the Bai family's influence, they should be able to barely suppress the K-4444 virus. If it cannot be cured, it must be the Blood Moon Virus."

The others exchanged glances, directing their gaze toward Bai Tian.