Chapter 326

Chapter 326: Journey to the Divine Realm

If not for Yu Hao’s origin in the Divine Realm, they’d never have cracked the Messenger of the Underworld’s coded map. Seven or eight people huddled around the bizarrely drawn map for over half an hour, analyzing every line and point through endless questioning before finally redrawing a comprehensible version.

Regrettably, since the Messenger hadn’t memorized the names of Heavenly River’s sacred peaks, even Yu Hao couldn’t pinpoint the map’s location in Divine Realm geography. They’d have to search after arrival.

When discussing transportation, the Messenger – perhaps grateful for You You’s soul-gathering assistance – offered to open a Nether Path to the Divine Realm. The cramped passage could only accommodate two travelers.

You You chose to accompany Yu Hao, reasoning his Divine Realm familiarity would aid their search.

"Absolutely not!" Feng Rong objected, shooting Yu Hao a distrustful glare. He hadn’t forgotten their violent first encounter in the lower realm.

"What’s that supposed to mean?" Yu Hao bristled. "I’m a True God acting for the Three Realms’ sake! Would I harm the celestial maiden? My quarrel was with your Sin Clan, not her!"

"Feng Rong’s right," Yuan Qi agreed, brow furrowed. "The Divine Realm’s current state is unknown. This is too dangerous."

Others murmured agreement, Ling Qi adding, "Sect Master, reconsider!"

"You… all of you…" Yu Hao sputtered indignantly. After decades teaching immortal disciples, was his credibility truly so low?

"This precisely why you can’t come," You You countered. Only she, Feng Rong, and Yuan Qi possessed Divine Realm access, but as Divine Clan members, their presence would complicate matters given the realm’s prejudices.

"I seek the Saint’s traces or new methods to seal the Demon Realm. Your presence would cause unnecessary conflict." She left unspoken her concerns about the Divine Realm’s safety for their kind.

Yuan Qi’s worry lingered but he acquiesced. Feng Rong fell silent.

"Decided then?" The Messenger interjected. "Let’s return to Zhen Yan Sect to open the Nether Path."

"Why the sect?" You You questioned.

"The Master resides there. Borrowing his power eases the process," the Messenger grinned slyly. "Incidentally, which disciples require training? I’ll depart with them post-passage creation."

「…」Translation: You’re ensuring we honor the labor agreement.

You You reluctantly agreed, recalling Heaven’s Sacred Mountain’s seals might interfere.

At the sect, the Messenger promptly opened a swirling dark portal reeking of decay. "I rarely visit the Divine Realm nowadays – exit location’s uncertain. Safe travels, Noble Lady!"

「…」Sudden reluctance flooded her.

"Wait." Yuan Qi grasped her wrist, conjuring a spell that coiled bracelet-like before vanishing. "This contract spell protects and guides you to Xuan Ling."

Before she could respond, Feng Rong manifested a dancing flame. "Take Little Flame. It’s my essence – half my power, my senses. You’ll be protected… and we’ll know you’re safe."

The cheerful fire spirit nuzzled her cheek.

"You can still summon it?" She’d assumed their fusion made separation impossible.

"It’s me," Feng Rong affirmed.

Nodding, she perched Little Flame on her shoulder. "We’ll return swiftly."

Yu Hao lingered, scanning the crowd anxiously.

"Yu Hao! Moving out!" You You called.

"Ah? Right!" He entered the portal after her, casting one last disappointed glance backward.

Darkness enveloped them, illuminated only by Little Flame’s glow. After the portal sealed, Yu Hao finally asked:

"Celestial maiden… where’s disciple Shui Yan? The one who guarded me before?"

You You eyed his flushed face. "You’re pursuing her?!"

"Pursue?"

"Abandon hope. Your queue starts at Zhen Yan Sect and ends at the Ninth Heavenly Layer."

"But why?" The True God looked stricken. "I’m a Divine Master! Soon to regain true form!"

"Since our sect’s founding, Shui Yan’s suitors could form that line. Think you’ll skip ahead?"

「…」Silence echoed with heartbreak.

Finally:

"If I abandon the Divine Realm now… would queueing give me a chance?"

「…」