Savage.
Primal.
This was the wilderness.
It was also the result of the changes brought by the resurgence of Heaven and Earth's spiritual energy. Under its influence, even the most ordinary plants found it difficult not to exude vigorous vitality. Vegetation grew enormous, absorbing abundant nutrients during their growth, and naturally became as sturdy as possible.
This kind of scenery, in its own way, held a certain wild beauty.
"Spiritlink Treasure Mirror!"
Yi Tianxing had no intention of admiring the landscape. With a mere thought, an ancient bronze mirror appeared before him. This mirror was covered in countless mysterious patterns that constantly intertwined and transformed. It radiated an extraordinary spiritual aura, as if it could outline the very laws of Heaven and Earth.
This was none other than the Spiritlink Treasure Mirror, a divine artifact from the The Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Tower.
With the tower's continuous ascension, the mirror had evolved alongside it, becoming increasingly mystical. Not only could it be used to search for treasure and detect ore veins, but it could also easily trace the movements of living beings. If Yi Tianxing wished, it could act like an all-seeing eye, surveying the four directions.
Its range had expanded significantly.
After summoning the mirror, a flash of light appeared in Yi Tianxing's hand as a transmission talisman materialized. This talisman bore a wisp of Gongsun Daniu's soul imprint. Using that imprint, he could swiftly trace the places she had previously visited and follow her path.
"Mirror, track the trail—Reflect Ten Thousand Miles!"
A flash of light burst forth from the Spiritlink Treasure Mirror, locking onto Gongsun Daniu's soul aura. Scenes began to appear one after another on the mirror's surface, rippling like water.
One particular scene emerged vividly.
It showed a vast grassland with lush greenery and fertile earth. Wild horses galloped freely. Packs of wolves chased prey. Eagles soared across the skies. A river, like a silver dragon, wound its way through the mountains and plains, nurturing boundless life. At a glance, it looked like a sacred land—an ideal cradle of life.
The images on the mirror were so vivid, one could almost smell the fragrance of the grass.
Towering ancient trees stood in the wilderness. Ferocious beasts hunted. Some charged into human settlements. Brave human warriors fought back with their lives. Fierce birds of prey swooped from above. Every scene was lifelike, so real it felt as though one were truly there.
And indeed, they were real. These were not illusions. These events were currently unfolding in the world.
More importantly, every image shown by the Spiritlink Treasure Mirror represented a place where Gongsun Daniu had passed or lingered. Although her figure did not appear, her direction of travel was clear—she was heading toward the Skyhawk Plains, where the Skyhawk Court was located. Her pace was unrelenting, filled with a resolute, death-defying determination.
But then, the mirror's images shifted—now showing a vast abyss.
The abyss stretched endlessly into darkness. Its depths were unfathomable, and not a trace of light could be seen. It gave off the feeling that something dreadful lurked within, as if just glimpsing it could send chills down one's spine and instill an unexplainable fear.
"What is this place? Did Gongsun Daniu enter the abyss?"
Yi Tianxing frowned slightly. Logically, she should have headed for the Skyhawk Plains. But this abyss clearly stood in her path. It seemed that something unexpected had occurred as she approached it.
"Whether she entered of her own will or was forced, this abyss is definitely not simple."
Yi Tianxing silently contemplated. While part of him felt relief that she hadn't reached the Skyhawk Court—that would've been far more troublesome—this abyss didn't seem like any less of a threat. It might even be a deadly forbidden zone.
"Let's see just how terrifying this abyss really is."
With a cold chuckle, Yi Tianxing waved his hand, putting away the Spiritlink Treasure Mirror. Then he stepped forward. In a flash, the landscape around him blurred, retreating rapidly as if the mountains and rivers beneath him had shrunk to the size of a grain of dust.
Earth God's Life Orifice – Shrinking Ground Into Inches!
With this life orifice, all earth-based divine powers could be controlled instinctively. Even without learning specific techniques, many earth spells could be easily cultivated. Shrinking Ground Into Inches had become second nature to him. With a single thought, he could cross great distances in an instant, moving as if untouched by worldly air.
Following the route shown by the mirror, he traveled swiftly. Time passed, and eventually, he came to a halt before an immense abyss.
The abyss was pitch-black, as though the land itself had split open. From within, a sinister aura flowed—demonic energy.
It brimmed with destruction, malice, and chaos. There was a vague sense of something ancient and boundless slumbering within, ready to sweep across the world. A will lurked there, filled with terrifying chaos and annihilation, as if it sought to destroy all creation.
All vegetation in the area had perished. Not a single blade of grass remained. It was a land devoid of life.
ROAR!!
From the abyss came distant, bone-chilling howls.
"Brother, you'd better leave! That abyss is too dangerous! There are terrible demons down there, and the demonic energy is constantly leaking out. Sometimes, there are terrifying suction forces that pull in anything nearby. Once you're in, almost no one makes it out alive. This place has long since become a death zone."
A voice rang out behind Yi Tianxing just as he stood observing the abyss.
Turning around, he saw a burly woodcutter, nearly two meters tall, clad in tiger-hide and holding a gleaming axe. The man's body radiated explosive strength, and the axe in his hand gave off a terrifying sharpness.
Though his face was rough, it carried a kind expression.
"Brother Woodcutter, may I ask what this abyss truly is, and what dangers lie within?"
Yi Tianxing asked with a smile.
He had already decided to venture in, but it was always better to learn what he could beforehand.
"No one really knows where it came from. When the myriad realms merged and the Eternal World formed, this abyss was already here. They say terrible demons once surged out from within. Anyone who comes near is doomed—either they fall in or die from sickness shortly after. No exceptions."
The woodcutter spoke quickly, clearly fearful of the abyss and staying far from it unless absolutely necessary.
"Some say there's a demon dragon in the abyss—one that can devour all life. No one has confirmed it, but best not to test it."
"A demon dragon? Has no one ever truly explored this place?" Yi Tianxing asked with a frown.
"It's a forbidden zone. I heard that once, a group of mountain giants from another race entered. None returned. All we heard afterward were dreadful roars."
The woodcutter spoke again, clearly trying to dissuade Yi Tianxing. This abyss—known as the Abyss of Death—was the most feared forbidden zone on the entire Skyhawk Island.
Anyone who entered met only death and despair.
"Thank you for the warning, but I really must enter this abyss."Yi Tianxing smiled as he replied.
"Why would you do that? A young lady approached the abyss days ago and was dragged in by a monster. She hasn't been seen since—no doubt dead. If you go in, you'll end up the same."
The woodcutter frowned.
"You saw a woman dragged into the abyss?"
Yi Tianxing's eyes flashed. This was the first concrete clue about Gongsun Daniu's fate. If true, then the Spiritlink Mirror's readings had not been mistaken—she truly had entered the abyss.
"Yes, just a few days ago. She got too close, and a black tentacle pulled her in. I couldn't stop it in time. I managed to land a blow, but still failed to save her."The woodcutter shook his head, looking disheartened.
"A tentacle... Then I must see for myself what monster lies in that abyss."A cold glint flickered in Yi Tianxing's eyes.
"Summon the chariot!"
BOOM!!
ROAR!!
In a flash, the Heavenly Emperor War Chariot appeared, drawn by dragon sons radiating overwhelming draconic might. Yi Tianxing stepped onto the chariot.
With a thought, the Nine-Dragon War Chariot transformed into a streak of golden light and plunged straight into the abyss. The dragon sons showed no fear, charging directly into the darkness without hesitation.
"Why won't they listen to reason? Another brave human heads to his death…"
The woodcutter stared in stunned silence. Then, he hoisted the axe onto his shoulder and shouted:
"To hell with it. I've guarded this abyss for years. If I'm going to die, I'll die seeing what's inside. I don't believe no one can survive this cursed place."
With that, he strode forward, axe in hand, and stepped into the abyss.