Chapter 623 - 622: Guardian

Chapter 623: Chapter 622: Guardian

"So this is the Celestial Divine River... it really is magnificent..."

The Celestial Divine River was magnificent from a distance, but not many people knew of its existence. This was mainly because it was so remote, located at the very edge of the sky. It was a great distance from the Celestial Realm Continent; even flying at his top speed, it had taken Yi Tianyun over a week to arrive.

A week wasn’t long, but at his speed, it meant the distance was vast. If an ordinary Cultivator were to make the flight, it would take at least a month or so to get here.

Therefore, it was normal that people back on the Celestial Realm Continent didn’t know about it. Those who lived closer would know of the Celestial Divine River, but very few could actually ascend it. Some wished to ascend but simply lacked the strength to do so.

Currently, the Celestial Divine River was temporarily closed. It wasn’t impossible to forcibly swim up, just more difficult. Thus, for others, this was considered a closed period. The real time to swim up was after the mist had dispersed.

Yi Tianyun didn’t plan on swimming up this time. His purpose for coming here was the small village on the banks of the Celestial Divine River.

This small village was built right on the bank, its people making a living by fishing. From a distance, one could see several fishing boats bobbing on the water, and even more fishing nets were hanging on the side to dry.

Although there was a mist here, it was limited to the inner areas; the outer parts were clear. Therefore, they could go out to fish at any time, but they couldn’t venture further in to fish for now.

Only after the mist dissipated could they head into the inner parts to fish.

His eyes narrowed as he swiftly flew down. Clasping his hands behind his back, he took a leisurely stroll into the village. The moment he entered, he immediately drew the attention of the nearby villagers. One of them looked over, trotted up to him, and said respectfully, "Young Master, may I ask what brings you to our humble village?"

Yi Tianyun glanced around. The small village wasn’t densely populated; there were only about twenty-some people in total, making up just a few families.

"I’m just passing through and thought I’d take a look around," Yi Tianyun said with a smile.

"Oh, then please, feel free to look around." The villager didn’t say much more and let him wander about.

The village consisted of just a few dilapidated houses and nothing else of value, so they weren’t afraid of thieves. They had only asked out of habit; after all, they still had to be a little cautious when a stranger visited.

He walked deeper into the village, heading straight for an old man by the shore who was mending a fishing net. Before he even reached him, the old man stopped his work and gave Yi Tianyun a kind smile. "Is there something I can help you with, my friend?"

"Guardian of the Celestial Divine River. To think you are still here after so many years. It seems you truly have not failed the trust of the Creation Celestial Divine King," Yi Tianyun said with a faint smile.

The old man’s expression changed slightly. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it came. He maintained his smile and said, "Guardian of the Celestial Divine River? I don’t know what you’re talking about, Young Master."

"Shall we not go inside for a few drinks?" Yi Tianyun said, turning and walking toward a nearby house. The old man was silent for a moment before finally choosing to follow him.

Upon entering the house, a young boy immediately came to greet them. He looked at Yi Tianyun curiously and said, "Huh? Grandpa, you have a visitor?"

Yi Tianyun smiled as he sized up the boy. He looked to be about seventeen or eighteen, younger than himself. His cultivation was impressive; at such a young age, he had already reached the eighth level of the Spirit Pill Stage. He would absolutely be considered a genius in the outside world.

’To think such a genius could be found in this tiny village.’

"Carefree, go help me fix up that fishing net," the old man gestured for his grandson to go outside and work on the net.

"Yes, Grandpa." The boy glanced curiously at Yi Tianyun but said nothing more before turning to help with the net.

Yi Tianyun casually sat down in a nearby chair. With a wave of his hand, a jug of fine wine and two small cups appeared before them.

"Good wine!" The old man hadn’t even taken a sip, but the aroma wafting from the jug was enough to invigorate him. He sat down, picked up the jug, and filled his and Yi Tianyun’s cups. After taking a small sip, he said with great satisfaction, "This wine is excellent. It’s been a long time since I’ve had anything this good."

"With your status and position, you could summon any delicacy in the world with a mere wave of your hand," Yi Tianyun said with a slight smile. "Yet you have willingly abided by the principle of never taking a single step from this place, silently guarding the Celestial Divine River. I imagine your entire family has been guarding the Celestial Divine River all this time. Such dedication is truly admirable."

The old man said nothing, continuing to sip his wine. After finishing a cup, he finally chuckled. "I have no idea what you’re talking about, Young Master. Guardian? We’re just a small family that makes a living by fishing here. We don’t know anything about any Guardian."

"Peak Spirit King Stage cultivation, at the Half-step Saint King Level, and you tell me you’re just a small family? At this level, you probably have enough power to establish an Empire," Yi Tianyun pointed out bluntly.

’A teenager at the Spirit Pill Stage, and the old man before me is even more terrifying—he’s at the peak of the Spirit King Stage, which is to say, the Half-step Saint King Level. If he keeps this up, he has a good chance of breaking through to the Saint King Stage!’

According to the memories from the Celestial Rock Town Ancient Stele, both the Netherworld passage and the Celestial Divine River have their own corresponding Guardians. This is mainly to maintain the stability of the passages. The passages between the two realms can become unstable, and at such times, it falls upon the Guardians to repair them.

And if someone were to try and destroy a passage, they would step forward to stop them.

The passages between the realms were created by three Divine Kings. Therefore, without maintenance, they would inevitably collapse. Although they can last for a very long time, there will always come a time when they crumble.

Even the most formidable Divine Kings cannot escape the erosion of time.

The lifespan of a Divine King is not infinite, but whether they are dead or alive, no one knows. As for the Guardian before him, it was unknown how many generations his family had been standing watch. To be able to guard this place for so long... such a spirit was admirable.

"It seems you came prepared. May I ask your identity, Young Master, and your true purpose for being here?" The old man’s aura instantly locked down the entire village. No matter how Yi Tianyun tried to flee, he would not be able to escape his grasp. ℴ

All exits were sealed. If Yi Tianyun made the slightest move, he would be intercepted immediately.

’The identity of the Guardian must never be easily revealed. It must always be kept secret.’

"There’s no need to be nervous. The Celestial Rock Town Ancient Stele told me about your situation. Understand?" Yi Tianyun said calmly.

"Celestial Rock told you?" The old man was stunned. "You... you found the Celestial Rock stone!"

The old man shot to his feet, staring at him coldly. Killing intent instantly enveloped the entire house. If Yi Tianyun so much as moved, he might be struck down on the spot!