Chapter 960: Chapter 954: The Third Heaven

This bridge is called Naihe Bridge.

Despite its seemingly simple construction, the bridge emanates an incredibly ancient and solemn aura, as if it has always been this way since time immemorial.

Brilliantly colored lights swiftly streaked across the sky, eventually appearing above. They gazed at the sole bridge leading to the other side, their eyes fixed on the words “Naihe Bridge.” For a moment, none spoke, with a hint of solemnity in their eyes.

At present, this Naihe Bridge feels akin to the gates of hell, yet none could quite determine what would transpire upon crossing.

“Let’s wait and see; no hurry to cross the bridge.”

Ye Xuan activated his Heavenly Eye, peering through the Netherworld Mist shrouding the scene to glimpse the other side.

Beyond the abyss, there lay an endless expanse of darkness. Upon closer inspection, only a massive door, tightly shut, could be seen.

Naught else existed.

“What did you see?”

Ling Qianxue inquired.

“A gate.”

Ye Xuan closed his Heavenly Eye, “Beyond that, nothing else is visible. The door must be opened first.”

“The crowd is growing.”

Ling Qianxue glanced around. More shadows gathered by the bridge, including some formidable figures.

“Let’s keep waiting here.”

Ye Xuan sensed the atmosphere without taking immediate action, eyes partly closed. He knew this silence could not last for long…

As minutes ticked by, after half an hour had passed, clarity returned to the powerful figures’ gazes, replaced by a hot-burning intensity.

Top-tier entities had already congregated. The Undying Heavenly Phoenix Clan, Kunpeng Clan, Martial Saint Hall, Heavenly Tiger Association, all were present.

Emperor Zhanhu glared coldly at Ye Xuan. Though he bore a grudge, he refrained from striking instantly, suppressing his killing intent.

Clearly, it was not yet time for action against Ye Xuan.

“Indeed, Emperor Zhanhu still seems to resent you.”

Ling Qianxue noticed the hostility in Emperor Zhanhu’s eyes, furrowing her brows.

“Hopefully, he acts wisely.”

Ye Xuan remained indifferent, considering Emperor Zhanhu only moderately powerful, akin to Emperor Bao Yuan and posed little threat. The true danger lay with figures like Ghost Emperor.

“Boy, you’re indeed here!”

As Ling Qianxue withdrew her gaze from Emperor Zhanhu, a harsh shout sounded behind. The voice was familiar, and upon turning, Ye Xuan indeed spotted Emperor Bao Yuan.

“This old fool again.”

Ye Xuan felt helpless yet a chill flickered in his eyes. Clearly, he must swiftly eliminate those from Ten Thousand Treasure Heavenly Palace, for their persistence was cumbersome.

“Are you planning to act?”

Ye Xuan glanced at Emperor Bao Yuan, nonchalantly.

“You!”

Emperor Bao Yuan nearly attacked but hesitated, eventually swallowing his pride.

“Where is Ghost Emperor?”

Ling Qianxue did not see the cloaked figure beside Emperor Bao Yuan, puzzled by Ghost Emperor’s sudden disappearance.

“Probably hiding. Being a Netherworld person, with so many experts here, completely concealing one’s aura is no easy task.”

Ye Xuan was unsurprised, recognizing Ghost Emperor’s cunning. Should he reveal himself here, he’d be targeted immediately.

“Ha! Ye Xuan, who knew you’d beat Ao here!”

A boisterous laugh echoed from above, as a dozen powerful auras fell like meteors into silhouettes.

It was Ao Wuxu and other strong Dragon Clan members.

Emperor Bao Yuan eyed Ao Wuxu with a hint of fear.

“Pure chance.”

Ye Xuan chuckled.

“This ghost-ridden place offers little of value. Those Ghost Beasts, however, are quite bothersome. Ye Xuan, what have you gained along the way?” Ao Wuxu asked, smiling at him.

“A small harvest.”

Ye Xuan did not specify, unwilling to divulge the acquisition of the Heavenly Emperor Netherworld Stone.

“Seems a significant gain; after crossing Naihe Bridge lies the third level of Netherworld Ghost Cave. Supposedly, Hell Emperor’s legacies are there; fortune may favor one with serendipitous encounters.” Ao Wuxu focused on the area ahead.

Ye Xuan smiled and nodded. Everyone here aimed to benefit from the third level; success depended on individuals’ skills and luck.

“Yet, I believe this area won’t be easy to traverse.”

Ye Xuan quietly remarked on the eerily silent Naihe Bridge, possessing an inexplicable sense of danger.

Could the core of Netherworld Ghost Cave truly be so unguarded?

As Ye Xuan mused thus, the gathering of experts began to stir. Those reaching here were at least Martial Saint Level, with over a dozen Sealing Emperor level entities. These individuals were renowned yet ordinary here.

Despite Naihe Bridge’s infamous reputation, it wouldn’t deter them long, lest tensions rise unmet.

“Go!”

After moments, an enraged shout echoed, as over a dozen figures surged forth, led by two Sealing Emperor experts.

These two seemed aligned with Martial Saint Hall.

Here, in such taut conditions, their movement shattered the atmosphere, compelling others to rush forward. The sky brimmed with momentum, with rainbow trails converging on the bridge’s far end—an awe-striking display.

“Are we not moving?” Ling Qianxue queried, observing the chaos and Ye Xuan’s stillness.

Ye Xuan slightly shook his head, black eyes fixed on Naihe Bridge. He sensed an increasingly tangible foreboding.

“Charge!”

In mere breaths, scores of top experts landed upon Naihe Bridge. Yet as they prepared to dash across, piercing shrieks suddenly resounded throughout the space.