Demon Slaying, Gaining 60 Years of Cultivation From the Start

All directions and dimensions are what we call Space, and the passage of ancient to modern times is what we call Time.

The Space Cauldron, wielding the power of space, is a supreme artifact of the Void, endowed with a variety of mystical and unpredictable abilities.

Now, after Gu Chen had slain Dugu Yun, although the Nine Provinces seemed peaceful and content, with the people living in safety and joy without a formidable enemy, life could continue on silently in this calm manner.

But in truth, the great threat was not within the Nine Provinces, but instead, it lurked beyond the heavens.

Between the world of the Nine Provinces and the world of monsters, there existed a spatial channel, and the monsters that first appeared in the Nine Provinces had invaded through that same channel.

One could say that it was the coordinate of the monster world to the world of the Nine Provinces, and if it wasn't completely eradicated, an endless stream of monsters would continue to emerge; the current peace was nothing but an illusion, a fleeting one at that.

Even later on, it was highly possible that evil demons could arrive in the Nine Provinces unscathed.

Because, with Gu Chen's realm, he could naturally sense that the laws of heaven and earth in the Nine Provinces were still being eroded, and the weakening of this world had not ceased.

Therefore, annihilating that spatial channel was something that had to be done; otherwise, the Nine Provinces would still be unable to escape a tragic fate.

However, this news was too shocking, and considering that they had just gone through the incident with Dugu Yun and the world had at last found its peace, Gu Chen and the others decided not to release this information. Only he, Emperor Ji Yuan of Da Xia, the Tower Supervisor, and Qin Wu, four people in total, were aware of it.

"With the Space Cauldron, destroying that spatial channel, my confidence is now much greater," Gu Chen murmured to himself.

The Nine Cauldrons, each with its unique capabilities, every cauldron has its special wonders. Just one Space Cauldron was already like this, and Gu Chen couldn't help but yearn even more for the scene when all nine cauldrons were united.

"It's just a pity that the other cauldrons cannot be found, and it's not yet their time to reappear," Gu Chen sighed lightly, even employing the Heavenly Human Gazing Skill was unable to locate the remaining cauldrons.

This indicated that it wasn't time for the remaining cauldrons to appear in the world, and even with the acquisition of the Space Cauldron, it didn't mean that all nine could be found.

Even the heir of Emperor Yu couldn't forcibly obtain them.

After all, considering his strengths, gathering all Nine Cauldrons was somewhat unrealistic; just obtaining the Space Cauldron had already thrilled Gu Chen immensely.

"Beneath the state of Mo, the great cauldron that coexists with the Space Cauldron might also be close to emerging," Gu Chen's eyes flickered, pondering the information he had learned when he acquired the Space Cauldron.

It was only just a matter of time.

"I just don't know which of the Nine Cauldrons that one is," Gu Chen pondered for a brief moment before he ceased to think about the affairs of the Nine Cauldrons.

At this moment, the pressing matter was to eliminate the extraterrestrial spatial channel outside the Nine Provinces, and Gu Chen also had a premonition that his opportunity to break through the Heavenly Human realm might also be found there.

After all, with the sharp decrease in the number of monsters in the Nine Provinces, it became difficult for him to acquire a significant number of merit points at his current realm.

The amount of soul crystals in the entire Nine Provinces had nearly been exhausted by him, and the little that remained was nothing more than a drop in the bucket for him.

Therefore, only by heading to that spatial channel and entering the world of monsters could he obtain enough merit points for Gu Chen to break through.

"If I leave for beyond the heavens, I may not need to spend much time, perhaps a few months, or several years. I need to inform Second Uncle and the others in advance to avoid their concern," Gu Chen furrowed his brow, knowing well that if he spoke the truth, Second Uncle and the others would certainly not agree.

Yet, if Gu Chen were to deceive them with his words, in truth, he felt some resistance in his heart.

"It has to be this way," Gu Chen sighed softly, put away the Space Cauldron, and in a flash, he returned to Tiandu.

First, he went to the Qintian Monitor to meet the Tower Supervisor and understand the situation beyond the heavens, also informing the Tower Supervisor of his imminent departure.

The Tower Supervisor had long anticipated this day would come. The white-haired, white-bearded old man's expression was grave as he nodded his head; Gu Chen's departure meant that he would need to guard the Nine Provinces.

Upon leaving the Qintian Monitor, Gu Chen then went to the Imperial Palace to meet the current Emperor Ji Yuan and the Deputy Commander of Jing Tian Department, Qin Wu.

With Dugu Yun dealt with, no obstacles remained in the Nine Provinces, presenting the best opportunity for Ji Yuan to achieve his great ambitions. Over the past half-month, he introduced many new policies, which were well received by the people.

Of course, for this reason, Ji Yuan was extremely busy during this time, yet he dared not be negligent in the slightest.

Deep in heart, however, he still could not let go completely, which was because of the existence of the extraterrestrial spatial channel.

Today, he and the Deputy Commander of Jing Tian Department, Qin Wu, were discussing this matter, even having ordered Eunuch Huang to leave and guard the door.

"Greetings, Prince Wu."

Upon seeing Gu Chen's arrival, Eunuch Huang quickly performed a salutation and opened the door to the Royal Study for him.

"Gu Chen."

"Grand Commander."

Ji Yuan and Qin Wu nodded to Gu Chen upon seeing him, especially the latter, who stood up and respectfully clasped his fist towards Gu Chen in greeting.

Gu Chen, now accustomed to such deference, did not dissuade and simply accepted it graciously.

"I must leave," Gu Chen said candidly.

Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan and Qin Wu's expressions subtly changed. The former spoke, "Won't you wait a bit longer? You could spend more time with your family; there's no need to be in such a hurry."

Qin Wu also nodded, saying, "That's right, your injuries have just healed; you could enjoy some peace for a while longer."

"No need for that," Gu Chen shook his head. Time was of the essence in this matter; each day of delay increased the danger by just as much. No one knew when the demonic threats might suddenly descend.

Seeing this, Ji Yuan couldn't help but let out a deep sigh. Da Xia—or to be precise, the prosperous facade of the Nine Provinces—was in fact extremely fragile, facing great peril.

And this threat was only known to a few of them, unable to be leaked, for it would cause immense panic.

Not even Gu Chen dared to make guarantees to Ji Yuan and Qin Wu, claiming that he would definitely resolve the situation.

Seeing Gu Chen's resolved determination, Ji Yuan and Qin Wu ceased their persuasions and instead spoke gravely, "This journey is fraught with danger; you must take the utmost care!"

"I will do my best," Gu Chen nodded in agreement.

Ji Yuan and Qin Wu were well aware that as long as the space portal remained, the Nine Provinces would never know peace.

"The beginning of the strife between the Nine Provinces and the demon world, over three hundred years ago, began with the appearance of that space portal, transforming this world into what it is now," Ji Yuan said through clenched teeth, fists balled in frustration over his own powerlessness.

He was the Emperor of Da Xia, yet helpless against the demons. At times, this made Ji Yuan harbor intense resentment towards himself.

He despised his own mediocre martial talent; otherwise, at such a dire moment, it should be him, the Emperor, who ought to stand up.

This journey was fraught with peril. The chances of success were not worth mentioning, and the probability of death was remarkably high. What could happen to a living man venturing into the demon world was unknown to anyone.

Even if one ultimately survived and destroyed the space portal, how would Gu Chen return?

This was an unsolvable problem; without clearing the space portal, the Nine Provinces would suffer greatly and turn to purgatory. Yet, in clearing it, Gu Chen might very likely never reappear in this world again.

Therefore, to accomplish this task, in addition to formidable strength, unwavering faith and determination were equally indispensable!

"It's my incompetence," Ji Yuan thought, his face weary, "Every time the Nine Provinces face calamity and someone needs to save the people, it is always you, Gu Chen, who steps forward. I, the Emperor, can do nothing. Perhaps, I truly am not suited for this position."

Gu Chen, dressed in dark robes with a tall and strong physique, dense black hair, and a face sharply chiseled, responded, "Your Majesty, there's no need for such thoughts. Everyone has their role and duties. I excel in combat while you are adept at governing the state. Who else, if not you, should sit on the throne of the Emperor?"

"But… the one to sacrifice for the Nine Provinces shouldn't be you; you've already done more than enough," Ji Yuan sighed.

Gu Chen shook his head and said, "Some things always require someone to step forward."

The saying goes, "When the sky falls, there will be tall people holding it up," but now, throughout the Nine Provinces, Gu Chen was the tallest of them all. If he didn't stand up, then who would?

"Have you talked to your second uncle and the others about this?" Ji Yuan asked.

Hearing this question, Qin Wu's gaze also turned to Gu Chen, knowing how much he valued his family.

This time, Gu Chen fell silent and did not speak. After a moment, he said, "I believe they will understand."

"I must take my leave now." With that, Gu Chen's figure flashed, and he left the place.

"Your Majesty, should we release this news?" At this moment, Qin Wu looked toward Ji Yuan.

Apart from a few of them, no one under heaven knew about the space portal. Qin Wu didn't want Gu Chen to end up like the former leader of the Jing Tian Department, Wei Cang, and the former Tower Supervisor of the Mingjing Department, Luo Xun—unsung heroes for over twenty years.

He felt that Gu Chen, who was risking his life for the Nine Provinces on the front lines, deserved to be known by the entire world.

"Let's wait. Didn't Gu Chen say it? We shouldn't disclose the news of his departure; let no one know," Ji Yuan sighed after a pause.

Qin Wu nodded upon hearing this, understanding Gu Chen's concerns.

Presently, the peace in the world was solely due to Gu Chen. If he were to leave, losing his deterrence, no one knew what the Nine Provinces would become.

At the very least, they could wait a while, allowing Da Xia's national power to grow stronger and martial artists to become more numerous before announcing the news.

"Besides, who's to say that Gu Chen might not return in half a month, or a month's time?" Ji Yuan suddenly spoke with a smile.

"That's right," Qin Wu replied with a firm nod. Gu Chen had risen to power, creating many miracles along the way, even slaying the pinnacle of martial arts in the Heavenly Human realm. What couldn't he accomplish?

"We shouldn't be pessimistic, but rather, full of confidence in Gu Chen," Ji Yuan declared solemnly.

"I also believe there's nothing he can't accomplish!" Qin Wu likewise spoke with a heavy voice but resolute tone.

Nevertheless, both knew if Gu Chen didn't return after a long time, even though releasing the news would provoke widespread panic, they couldn't let him become an unsung hero like Wei Cang and Luo Xun.

Meanwhile, Gu Chen had already left the imperial palace, standing above the vast sky and gazing into the heavens.

"No matter what, I need to make that journey, whether for myself or for the Nine Provinces!" Gu Chen's eyes were resolute, his convictions unshakably firm.

For the opportunity for his breakthrough in the Heavenly Human realm lay there, and moreover, he had to protect his second uncle's family.

Gu Chen had already decided; there was no time to delay. He would set off today, heading beyond the heavens.

According to the Tower Supervisor, Wei Cang and Luo Xun—two legendary figures of Da Xia from over twenty years ago—were waiting there.

Mentioning these two, even Gu Chen's heart stirred with curiosity, eager to meet them.