Behind the Stone Gate

A deafening explosion echoed through the cavern as a powerful force collided with the stone gate, sending shockwaves rippling through the air!

Ye Chuan frowned, staring at the imposing gate before him, a flicker of irritation rising in his chest.

As a Crystal Realm expert, being stumped by what seemed like an ordinary stone gate was downright embarrassing.

Pathetic, really.

"Come on, I’m a Crystal Realm cultivator—how can a damn door stop me?!" With that, Ye Chuan unleashed his full aura, his spiritual energy surging like a tidal wave.

"I’m at the mid-stage of the Crystal Realm! Who dares block my path?!"

His voice rang out as spiritual power churned violently around him, his immortal sword blazing with radiant light.

Raising the sword high, a pillar of energy shot upward, illuminating the cavern in a dazzling glow. Then, with a roar, Ye Chuan slashed down:

"Curry Slash!"

A razor-sharp wave of sword energy erupted, slicing through the air with a piercing shriek. The sheer force shook the cavern, sending dust cascading from the ceiling and shrouding the space in dim haze.

As the light faded, the stone gate remained unscathed, standing firm as if mocking him silently.

Ye Chuan’s eye twitched at the sight. Clearing his throat, he muttered, "If only Qian Shuang were here, she’d smash this thing in two."

["Xiao Shuang, show it who’s boss!"

"Skip it!"]

He scanned the cavern, considering alternatives.

Maybe tunneling through the walls? The thought was dismissed immediately.

A Crystal Realm expert digging like a mole? Absolutely humiliating. Even if no one was watching.

Nah, nah.

"Hmm… huh?" Rummaging through his bag, his fingers brushed against something—a monocle materialized in his palm.

[Item: Magic Eyeglass

Effect: X-ray vision, capable of seeing through illusions.]

A drop from Lilith ages ago, something he’d barely glanced at. Now, it might just be useful.

Magic operated on rules different from cultivation. If his spiritual senses couldn’t penetrate the gate, maybe this could.

Sliding the monocle on, the world transformed instantly—everything became transparent, even gaining night vision.

"Oh? Surprisingly handy here." A flicker of surprise crossed his face as he turned back to the gate.

The ancient stone now appeared translucent. Though darkness loomed beyond, a glowing purple magic circle pulsed at its center, intricate runes swirling with arcane power.

"So that’s why my attacks did nothing—there’s a barrier spell embedded."

Adjusting the monocle, Ye Chuan smirked. Magic circles weren’t a problem for him.

Stepping forward, he pressed a palm against the icy surface. Instantly, chaotic energy surged from his body, seeping through the cracks like living tendrils to corrode the spell’s power.

The gate’s resistance weakened visibly, the magic circle dimming bit by bit.

"Bzzzt—" A sharp hum filled the cavern as the circle shattered into fragments, dissolving into nothingness.

With the barrier gone, Ye Chuan shoved the gate with renewed vigor.

Open!

Tatakae!

A deep rumble answered as the massive door slowly gave way, unleashing an ancient, mysterious aura heavy with time’s weight.

Success!

Sword in hand, Ye Chuan stepped inside cautiously, conjuring a fireball to light his way.

The space beyond was vast, littered with ruins of bizarre structures and skeletal remains of unknown creatures. The architecture was alien—nothing like the sects or mortal cities he knew. Instead, it bore a Western fantasy flair, steeped in enigma.

The bones, though—those were the real curiosity.

"What… are these things?" He eyed a skull towering over ten meters, brow furrowing.

Even with his limited exposure to exotic beasts, this was beyond strange.

Wasn’t this the Ghost Valley? He’d expected wraiths and specters, not… whatever this was.

Why were there so many monstrous remains behind this gate? What happened here?

Questions swirled as he ventured deeper.

The gloom receded, replaced by walls embedded with luminescent stones casting an eerie blue glow. The skeletons and ruins shimmered unnervingly, amplifying the unsettling atmosphere.

Ye Chuan’s steps slowed, grip tightening on his sword.

This place was leagues more dangerous than outside.

Physical damage was still a concern, after all.

Suddenly, his spiritual sense prickled. His gaze snapped forward—

A colossal throne, dozens of meters tall, loomed ahead. And seated upon it… a massive figure clad in armor.

"A giant?" Ye Chuan blinked. The sheer scale dwarfed him—his 1.8-meter frame might as well have been an ant.

The armored titan sat motionless, shrouded in shadow, exuding an imperious aura as if gazing down upon all who dared approach.

"Interesting… Is it dead?" Despite sensing no life, the illusion of being watched persisted.

"Whatever. Photos first." Ye Chuan whipped out his phone, snapping several shots of the armored giant.

He’d ask Lilith later. She might know.

This style of armor had zero connection to the cultivation world.

Expanding his spiritual sense, he searched for treasures—even if this felt like the wrong place, such a bizarre spot had to hide something valuable.

Just then… the giant’s fingers twitched.

Dust cascaded from its joints as a low, grinding creak echoed through the chamber.

Heavy.

Commanding.