The moment He Pingtian passed through the Hidden Door and stepped into the Water-Fire Wonderland, he froze.
Everything before him defied his understanding.
The Water-Fire Wonderland had been a natural Secret Realm beneath the Eastern Splendor Stronghold, where yin and yang, light and darkness alternated, the Fire Vein and Water Vein intertwined, and mist rose year-round.
But now the entire place had changed. Seven hundred twenty stars revolved slowly overhead, forming a vast Celestial Cycle Star Chart that scattered brilliant golden light.
On the ground, Yin-Yang Qi had become black and white ribbons of light, winding around each other like two coiled dragons.
And on the stone platform at the center sat Li Yun, cross-legged, golden radiance blazing around him as Sacred Will surged outward like a tide.
That will was so powerful that even He Pingtian, a Martial Dao Grandmaster, felt his heart quiver.
He stood at the entrance, unable to take another step—not because he did not want to, but because his body instinctively resisted. The Sacred Will seemed to tell him: Stop. This place must not be trespassed upon!
"This..." He Pingtian swallowed with difficulty.
He knew Li Yun had cultivated Saint-Grade True Qi and opened all Seven Hundred Twenty Apertures. But he had not known the will of Saint-Grade True Qi could be this strong.
At that moment, Li Yun seemed less like a man than a god descended into the mortal world.
He had turned the Water-Fire Wonderland into a sacred Forbidden Zone where only his own Sacred Will was permitted to exist, and no other will could intrude.
Then, without warning, something changed.
From deep within the Water-Fire Wonderland came a low, drawn-out cry.
It sounded desolate and ancient, as though it had traveled from the primordial wilderness across endless ages to echo through