novelraw Chapter 432: The God-Abandoned Land
Chapter 432: The God-Abandoned Land
Yu Zhao was swept along by the underground river, rising and falling with the current, until a faint glimmer of light appeared in the distance.
As the river carried her closer, the glimmer expanded, steadily eroding the oppressive darkness around her.
Then, a burst of white light.
The suffocating atmosphere receded like a retreating tide.
Azure skies, an expansive sea, and air thick with a salty tang greeted Yu Zhao. Every sensation confirmed that she had been carried into the ocean.
Sunlight scattered across the waves, the surface glittering with countless flecks of gold.
At first, Yu Zhao felt warmth surrounding her, but soon, her body grew weightless. Slowly, she began to dissipate, transforming into strands of water vapor that drifted upwards toward the sky.
Then, she became a cloud, which condensed into rain.
The rain seeped into the earth, merging again with the hidden streams below.
Thus, the cycle repeated.A profound realization dawned upon Yu Zhao.
Water becomes rain, and rain returns to water.
Isn’t this a form of reincarnation?
Through endless cycles, truth remains eternal.
In that instant, Yu Zhao’s spirit quaked violently, as though she were on the verge of breaking free from her restraints and glimpsing the ultimate essence of existence.
Startled, she suppressed her urge to transcend, forcing her breathing to slow and her mind to steady.
Her quick reaction ensured that no one else noticed her unusual state.
Once she had regained her composure, she didn’t awaken immediately. Instead, she kept her eyes closed, contemplating a way to escape.
This was the Wind Family’s territory. To flee, she would need a valid reason to leave and an opportunity to slip away from Feng Jiu Si and the others.
She also had to plan how to avoid being tracked after escaping.
Yu Zhao mulled over her predicament for a long time, sighing inwardly.
It seemed she would need Jin Yuan’s help.
Opening her eyes slowly, she met Shui Qiu Bai’s questioning gaze.
“My Rain Dao—was it of any help to you?” he asked.
Yu Zhao nodded earnestly. “I feel as though I’ve touched the threshold of the Divine Transformation stage, only one step away from understanding the Dao.”
Feng Jiu Si and the other two were overjoyed.
“Wonderful! I’ll find more Divine Transformation cultivators to help you continue your enlightenment!” exclaimed Huo Shao Yan, rising to his feet.
Yu Zhao stopped him. “Huo Shao Yan, the final step I spoke of isn’t about perceiving others’ Dao intent. It’s about experiencing a life-or-death trial to spur my breakthrough.”
“You mean…” he trailed off.
“I want to go to the God-Abandoned Land.”
The words hung in the air as Feng Jiu Si and his companions collectively froze, their expressions shifting dramatically.
The God-Abandoned Land, as the name suggested, was a place of divine demise.
It was the Southern Region’s most infamous forbidden zone.
Legends spoke of a clash between two deities in the God-Abandoned Land thousands of years ago. One had fallen, and the site of their shattered remains became the land as it was known today.
Another popular belief held that the name “God-Abandoned” came from the idea that even gods perished there.
Spatial fissures that could appear without warning, soul-tearing gales, and bizarre, deadly beasts that thrived exclusively in the land—all posed fatal threats to cultivators.
Yet, despite the thousands who died there each year, the God-Abandoned Land continued to lure crowds.
It was as much a land of treasures as it was a forbidden zone.
Many lost artifacts could only be found there, and some who ventured in emerged with soaring cultivation and newfound fame overnight.
In short, the God-Abandoned Land was a place shrouded in mystery, both alluring and terrifying.
None of Feng Jiu Si’s group had expected Yu Zhao to propose such a place for her trial. After a brief stunned silence, Tu Xiao was the first to object.
“Of all places, why the God-Abandoned Land? Surely there are safer options for your trial!”
Feng Jiu Si chimed in, his voice calm and persuasive. “Liu Yun, the God-Abandoned Land isn’t suitable for you. We can recommend better alternatives.”
“Exactly! There are plenty of trial grounds in the Wind Realm alone. Why risk the dangers of the God-Abandoned Land?” added Huo Shao Yan.
But Yu Zhao, uncharacteristically, stood firm.
“I feel my breakthrough’s opportunity lies there.”
In truth, Yu Zhao saw the God-Abandoned Land as the best chance to shake off her companions. While it was undoubtedly perilous, it also offered her a greater likelihood of success.
Yu Zhao was willing to gamble.
No matter how they tried to dissuade her, she refused to relent.
Tu Xiao grew frustrated. “You’re just a mere furnace—how dare you boss us around!”
“Tu Xiao.” Feng Jiu Si’s cold voice cut him off, and Huo Shao Yan and Shui Qiu Bai shot him warning looks.
Reluctantly, Tu Xiao swallowed his anger, his face dark with displeasure.
“Liu Yun, how about we discuss this further?” Feng Jiu Si suggested, opting to take a step back for now.
“Fine.”
Yu Zhao, exhausted from her repeated Dao experiences, didn’t refuse. She returned to her room to rest, shattering a Transmission Talisman as she settled into meditation.
Meanwhile, in the quiet chamber, the four men exchanged complicated glances.
“What are you thinking? Surely you’re not seriously considering taking Liu Yun to the God-Abandoned Land? It’s suicide!” Tu Xiao raged.
He suspected the others had been swayed by Yu Zhao’s beauty.
The family had repeatedly forbidden them from entering the God-Abandoned Land, yet they seemed willing to defy orders for a mere furnace. It was madness!
Huo Shao Yan hesitated. “Are we really going?”
Among the four, he was likely the one who feared the God-Abandoned Land the most.
His predecessor as the Fire Family’s young master had died there, paving the way for Huo Shao Yan to take his place. He had no desire to share the same fate.
Feng Jiu Si turned to Shui Qiu Bai. “What do you think?”
Shui Qiu Bai’s expression was steady. “The God-Abandoned Land…is worth visiting.”
“Shui Qiu Bai!” Huo Shao Yan exclaimed, abandoning formalities in his alarm.
Shui Qiu Bai ignored him and continued, “But not with Liu Yun. Her Jade Ruyi will bring endless trouble.”
His words brought clarity to the group.
Liu Yun’s Pure Spirit Physique was coveted by all, and the prominent markings on her body made her a walking target.
The God-Abandoned Land was teeming with dangers, including beings who wouldn’t hesitate to challenge their families. Bringing Liu Yun along was tantamount to courting death.
“You’re right, we should choose another location!” Huo Shao Yan agreed fervently.
“But what if Liu Yun refuses?” Shui Qiu Bai’s voice carried an unspoken weight.
“Ha! She doesn’t get a say. If she refuses, she’s not going anywhere!” Tu Xiao snarled.
Feng Jiu Si remained silent, pondering a solution that might satisfy both parties.
Liu Yun’s breakthrough was imminent, and her favor could prove crucial. Whoever won her trust would gain an advantage in the Great Thousand Alliance’s selection process—a matter of no small importance to Feng Jiu Si.
But before he could devise a better plan, an unexpected visitor arrived.