Gate of God

“I want you to swear in front of everyone, that after saving Yan Xiu, you cannot allow Yan Xiu to avenge me. Similarly, you must ensure that he will be able to lead a proper life in the Holy Region!” Fang Zhengzhi stared intently on Dao Xin’s face. His expression was as serious as ever.

“Alright, I promise you!” Dao Xin nodded her head, her face equally as imposing and serious.

“Shameless thief, you are really going to…..” Chi Guyan looked towards Fang Zhengzhi, and seemed a little speechless.

“Yes, I have already decided.” Fang Zhengzhi nodded his head.

“Little punk, don’t do anything foolish. Your actions won’t have any meaning!”

“Yes, Fang Zhengzhi, we all can tell that you have already tried your best. But, there are some things that are just fated, there is no point trying to deny them!”

“Fang Zhengzhi, your life cannot be used to replace that of Xiu-er’s. If there is a need to replace, then use mine!” Yan Qianli opened his mouth again, before looking at Dao Xin. “Dao Xin, I Yan Qianli am willing to use my life to replace his!”

“You? The Chief of Western Liang? Indeed you’re of a respectable status, but I have no interest in your life!” A smile appeared on Dao Xin’s mouth too.

“You…..”

“Old man Heavenly Oasis, grandpa Yan, both of you should leave. This commotion is created by me, naturally I will settle it myself.” Fang Zhengzhi interrupted Yan Qianli and Heavenly Oasis Saint. Next, he gradually raised the Traceless Sword in his hand, “It was me who brought your out, but I cannot continue this journey with you…..”

“Yin!” A gush of ferocious vibe emitted from the Traceless Sword, permeating the air.

Fang Zhengzhi did not continue talking.

He merely looked at the surrounding disciples, before turning his attention towards Chi Guyan. Then he gradually closed his eyes.

The Traceless Sword in his hand was already close to his throat.

At this moment, countless memories flashed past his mind. From the moment he was born to the turning point when he had coincidentally met Chi Guyan.

Memories after memories.

His encounter with Yan Xiu, which culminated in their friendship.

And his mischievous acts in the examination of the Law of Dao, and his weird experience in the Southern Region, as well as his battle with Ji Duan King in the Flame Capital City.

All these memories seemed to flash past his mind swiftly, just like a mysterious dream, and that now the dream was about to end. Or so to say, he was about to be woken up.

Where would he be in the next life?

He could feel the coldness of the blade of the Traceless Sword, and a light smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

In this life, he had indeed led a more interesting life than the previous one. In fact, to even have managed to reach such a state, he could say that he had indeed done a good job. The only pity was that, he was still unable to fully integrate in this world.

Kindness?

Fang Zhengzhi did not feel that he was too kind.

He had committed a lot of “unkind” deeds, such as stealing chickens, setting traps, and even unscrupulously attacking others from behind.

But, he did not know why he just could not complete the last step, which was to change his world view he had of previously.

Just like what Dao Xin had said, even after entering Yin Yang Hall, he was still “too soft-hearted”.

He had let Dao Xin go, and even released Fifth Elder…..

If he had not done so, but instead after entering Yin Yang Hall, he had killed Dao Xin instantly.

Then, maybe he would not have reached such a state.

He felt that this world was much more cruel.

Because, indeed he was unable to discard his previous world view, and he was unable to kill indiscriminately, to view human lives as nothing more than a strand of grass.

As such, he felt that he had indeed failed.

Of course, there was no point discussing about all these. In reality, Fang Zhengzhi had already reached the end of his path, and it was maybe due to his kindness, and that he was trying to retain the same heart that he had.

No matter what the reason was, alas, he had reached this state.

To use his life, to exchange for that of Yan Xiu’s?

This seemed to be….

A form of kindness?

Fang Zhengzhi clenched the Traceless Sword tightly, and imitated the scene that he had seen previously. He would slide the blade against his throat, before spinning his body.

This would be the most graceful posture.

A person can die, but his death must be graceful!

But he did not know why…..

When Fang Zhengzhi was twisting the sword, he did not feel any pain.

He looked down and realised that the Traceless Sword did not seem to be following his intended gestures. It stayed still in mid-air, and no matter how much strength he exerted on it, it did not seem to move an inch.

“This….. can I borrow a sword?” Fang Zhengzhi opened his eyes and looked at Dao Xin, who was waiting silently for him to take his own life. It was a little awkward.

“…..” Dao Xin’s lips moved. She looked at Fang Zhengzhi before looking at the Traceless Sword. She did not say anything.

And the surrounding Yin Yang Hall disciples, as well as the Elders, were looking at one another. They did not know what to say.

Heavenly Oasis Saint was a little speechless as well. He seemed to be mouthing out loud, “Little punk, are you trying to play with me?”

Then…..

A sword reached in front of Fang Zhengzhi.

It was a sword which was tossed from a distance. Its blade shimmered brightly, and it could be seen that it was a good sword.

As for the person tossing the sword, it was none other than Yan Qing.

“While I don’t use swords, I have a sword by my side.” Yan Qing replied calmly.

“…..” Fang Zhengzhi looked at the sword in front of him, and felt a little muddled in his mind. He felt like asking Yan Qing, why must you be so honest and frank? I want, and you give?

But at last, he did not say those words. He looked at the sword in front of him, and did not know whether to pick it up.

“Wait, it’s too easy for him like that!” Just when the atmosphere was feeling a little awkward, someone in the crowd shouted out loud.

Next, a figure walked out from the crowd, and beside him, there was another elderly person wearing the same uniform.

They were Third Elder and Fourth Elder from the Nine Pinnacles Mountain.

Their fully black costumes seemed to stand out from the rest of the people. As such, when the two Elders stepped out from the crowd, they attracted everyone’s attention.

“For stopping Fang Zhengzhi from taking his life, what do these two Elders have in mind?” Great Elder Mo Yu saw Dao Xin’s expression, and waited for her gesture before looking towards the two Elders.

Afterall, the two Elders had wanted to meet himself and Dao Hun. As such, it was only appropriate that he was the one to ask the question.

“Great Elder Mo you have mistaken. We only planned to take something back from Fang Zhengzhi that originally belonged to us.” Third Elder of the Nine Pinnacles Mountain shook his head.

“Something that was originally owned by the Nine Pinnacles Mountain?” Great Elder Mo Yu seemed to have understood Third Elder’s words.

“Yes, Great Elder Mo should know, that it was because of that thing that resulted in our Nine Pinnacles Mountain Leader’s great misfortune. Now that the thing Fang Zhengzhi is in front of us, we hope that Great Elder Mo can allow us to bring him back to Nine Pinnacles Mountain, for us to persecute him!” Third Elder continued.

“How do you plan to persecute him?” Great Elder Mo Yu looked at Dao Xin once again, before opening his mouth.

“Fang Zhengzhi once swallowed our Nine Pinnacles Mountain’s treasure, the Thousand Years Fire Herb. We think that his current strength has something to do with the effects of the herb. As such, before the herb has fully taken effect, we plan to refine him into a herb!” Third Elder proceeded to explain.

“Refine him into a herb?!”

“You want to morph a live human being into a herb?”

“Even if it was according to the our Yin Yang Hall, we would not have used this method…..”

The Yin Yang Hall disciples were all flabbergasted. Afterall, to morph a living person into a herb seemed quite ruthless.

“Fang Zhengzhi’s situation is a little special. The Thousand Years Fire Herb is still in his body. So we plan to use his body as a furnace, and to refine the herb inside his body, before extracting it.” Third Elder elaborated upon hearing the surrounding discussion.

The Yin Yang Hall disciples did not say anything else, because while such a phenomenon may seem ruthless in the Holy Region, it was not unheard of.

Especially since Fang Zhengzhi’s body still contained the Thousand Years Fire Herb.

Then, it was only normal to refine the herb before extracting it.

Afterall, the Thousand Years Fire Herb was a treasure, and there was only one or two of it existing in the entire Holy Region.

“Great Elder Mo, we know that this request may seem a little too unreasonable, but you should understand the importance of Fang Zhengzhi to the Nine Pinnacles Mountain. If you can permit us to continue, we Nine Pinnacles Mountain will return the favour with luxury gifts, as for…..” Third Elder looked at Fourth Elder upon saying this sentence.

And Fourth Elder seemed to have understood Third Elder’s meaning, and he nodded his head in agreement.

“Furthermore, we agree to split the extracted herb into half, and give it to Yin Yang Hall. If Great Elder Mo is worried, you can send an Elder to accompany us to the Nine Pinnacles Mountain. We always believe that the skill of refining herbs has always been our number one talent among the Five Sectors!” Third Elder continued upon seeing Fourth Elder nodding his head.

“Second Hallmaster, what do you think?” Great Elder Mo finally asked Dao Xin upon hearing these words.

“Second Hallmaster?” Fang Zhengzhi felt a little bewildered, as in his mind, he had always thought that since he was Dao Hun’s daughter, it would have been more appropriate for Great Elder to call her Lady instead.

Second Hallmaster…..

What is this meaning?

Could it be that she was not Dao Hun’s daughter?

Wait!

This seemed a little complicated!

If Dao Xin was not Dao Hun’s daughter, that what was she? They can’t be sisters? It seemed a little improbable, since Dao Xin seemed too young.

Her youth was definitely genuine.

Because, Dao Xin’s capabilities were not too strong. She has yet to enter the Sage State, or else she would not have been knocked unconscious by his rod.

However, he was merely curious about this question. Afterall, the biggest problem for him now was how to prevent himself from being captured to be refined into a herb.

“Grilled alive?” Fang Zhengzhi did not like this method of dying, because it did not seem graceful. It would be impossible to recognise his body after being grilled.

However, he did not seem to have a choice.

Afterall, Dao Xin, Great Elder Mo Yu, as well as Third and Fourth Elder, did not even bother to ask for his opinion.

“Alright, according to the two Elders of the Nine Pinnacles Mountain, Fang Zhengzhi will be handed over for you to handle. Sixth Elder will follow to help!” Dao Xin opened her mouth.

“This….. Can I have another method of dying?” Fang Zhengzhi could not help it but blurted out loud.

“No, unless you don’t wish to save Yan Xiu. Also, I don’t wish for any misfortunes to happen along the way, or else you should know that Yan Xiu will not be able to live!” Dao Xin shook her head.

“Actually, I have another suggestion.” Chi Guyan saw Fang Zhengzhi’s expression, and voiced out her opinions, albeit a little soft.

“Yes, I have another choice too.” Fang Zhengzhi nodded his head while looking at Yan Xiu, before clenching his teeth. “But I chose this path!”

“You have already decided?” Chi Guyan asked again.

“Yes!” Fang Zhengzhi nodded his head again.

“OK then, before you die, can you hug me one last time?” Chi Guyan moved two steps forward slowly. Her sparkling eyes glimmered, as her smooth white skin reflected under the scorching sun, showcasing her jadely presence.

A prideful lady of such a high status, suddenly asking him, can you hug me? What kind of test is this?

Fang Zhengzhi’s eyes stared wide in disbelief.

“Ah?” A sound blurted out from Fang Zhengzhi’s mouth, and he seemed a little “foolish” in front of the bewildered disciples.

Just then, before Fang Zhengzhi could even react, Chi Guyan’s body had already approached him. A pair of fine hands clasped over the back of his waist.

At that moment, Fang Zhengzhi felt a pressure pressed against his chest.

Wait…..

Shouldn’t he be given a bit of time to prepare? Or rather, to have a little acting before that, such a movement led him to feel a little uncomfortable.

Just then, he heard a soft voice whispering beside his ears.

“Look quietly!”