Ye Yunfei led the group forward, continuing along the small path that hovered in the void, winding its way ahead.
Before long, two identical stone statues appeared on either side of the path once more. These statues also had two longswords strapped to their backs.
This time, however, the six Demigods from the Reincarnation Palace and the Wizard dared not look at the stone statues again. Only Ye Yunfei quickly used his mind force energy to sense the two statues before immediately withdrawing it. The two stone statues showed no reaction.
Just like that, and it was unclear how much time had passed, when Ye Yunfei suddenly found himself walking inside a passageway again.
The void from before had vanished.
After walking for a while longer, the sound of rushing water echoed from up ahead. A black river barred their way, its dark waters flowing slowly. A bridge spanned the two banks.
"The River of Oblivion... Mengpo's Bridge..."
Ye Yunfei saw a stone stele by the riverbank engraved with the words "River of Oblivion." At the head of the bridge was another stele bearing the inscription "Mengpo's Bridge." Moreover, a figure sat cross-legged at the bridgehead.
Drawing closer, they saw it was an old woman with a withered, emaciated form.
"She isn't... another stone statue, is she?"
One of the Demigods exclaimed, his voice full of doubt and fear.
"Many things within this Samsara Passage are different from before,"
Hun Lao said as he examined the old woman.
"They are indeed different. But let's try not to provoke anything."
Ye Yunfei glanced at the old woman sitting cross-legged at the bridgehead and nodded.
"Young Master Ye, according to legend, this should be Mengpo,"
the Wizard from the Reincarnation Palace transmitted his voice to Ye Yunfei.
"Mengpo, a legendary figure. But let's not concern ourselves with that."
Ye Yunfei looked once more at the old woman at the bridgehead and replied.
"Everyone, do not provoke anything. Let's proceed all the way to the end of this Samsara Passage."
Ye Yunfei transmitted this message to the six Demigods from the Reincarnation Palace and the Wizard.
Ye Yunfei took the lead, crossing the bridge. Without incident or danger, the withered old woman sitting cross-legged at the bridgehead showed no reaction.
Ye Yunfei led the way forward. Along the path, they discovered many more sights different from before.
This Samsara Passage had indeed undergone significant changes. Ye Yunfei proceeded with extreme caution, prepared at all times to deal with any sudden developments. Fortunately, they encountered no danger along the way.
"It's possible that's because we entered with these members of the Reincarnation Palace. According to ancient legends left by the palace, the Reincarnation Palace is the guardian of this Samsara Passage. Therefore, this passage likely won't act against people from the Reincarnation Palace.
Otherwise, we might have encountered various unknown dangers long ago,"
Hun Lao transmitted to Ye Yunfei.
"That's possible,"
Ye Yunfei nodded.
Finally, Ye Yunfei led the six Demigods and the Wizard of the Reincarnation Palace to the very end of the Samsara Passage. Ahead, six Reincarnation Caves appeared. Ye Yunfei's gaze focused on those six caves.
Indeed, the seals on these six Reincarnation Caves seemed to have been broken. Previously, the caves were densely covered with sealing runes, but now only a sparse scattering of runes floated before each cave's entrance.
Before, it had been impossible to perceive anything beyond the caves using Soul Force Energy, but now Ye Yunfei discovered his Soul Force Energy could actually penetrate into the six Reincarnation Caves.
Although inside was only a vast, dark, and confusing space, at the very least, Soul Force Energy could now sense its way in.
"It seems the seals on these six Reincarnation Caves have indeed been lifted,"
Ye Yunfei thought to himself as he gazed at the caves.
"Young Master Ye, not long ago, when I was performing divination on this Samsara Passage, I discovered significant changes had occurred within.
So I had a Palace Elder, carrying our Palace Master's identity token, enter to investigate. That's when we discovered the seals on these six Reincarnation Caves had disappeared, leaving only a few remnant sealing runes. The Grand Elder immediately dispatched someone to report to you,"
The Wizard, standing beside Ye Yunfei, spoke up.
"Young Master Ye, according to legend, these should be the Six Paths of Samsara Caves. Souls arriving here would, based on the karma accumulated in their previous life, each enter one of these caves for reincarnation.
Now, the seals on these six caves have suddenly vanished. It's unclear what exactly has happened."
The Wizard continued.
"I can already sense inside these six Reincarnation Caves. But within seems to be a pitch-black space, filled with dense Reincarnation Energy and profound Reincarnation Law. Beyond that, I don't seem to sense much else,"
Hun Lao said to Ye Yunfei.
"I'll perform some divination here first,"
Ye Yunfei considered and said to the Wizard.
"Very well. I will also perform divination here alongside Young Master Ye.
I had previously only performed divination from outside the Samsara Passage. Performing it here might allow me to discern more details."
Said the Wizard.
"You six, sit around Young Master Ye and myself, and release your Reincarnation Energy and Reincarnation Law."
He instructed the six Demigods.
"Young Master Ye, this is our Reincarnation Palace Master's identity token. When the Palace Master left, he entrusted this token to the Grand Elder for safekeeping."
The Wizard waved his hand, summoning an identity token which hovered before him as he addressed Ye Yunfei.
"With this token, the likelihood of this Samsara Passage attacking us should be greatly reduced."
The Wizard added.
"Alright, let's begin the divination now."
Ye Yunfei nodded, then sat down cross-legged and began to circulate his Chaotic Divination Art.
As his strength and realm increased, especially his continuously growing Soul Force Energy, the power of the Chaotic Divination Art Ye Yunfei now wielded was also significantly enhanced.
As Ye Yunfei continued his divination, one after another divination rune drifted from within his body, slowly spreading towards the openings of the six Reincarnation Caves, then entering the six cave mouths.
Previously, these six cave mouths had been sealed shut by dense clusters of runes, isolating everything. Now, however, only a sparse number of sealing runes remained before each opening, no longer serving their sealing function.
In the time that followed, Ye Yunfei continuously performed divination on the six Reincarnation Caves, but the results were always the same: he could only see a pitch-black expanse of space, filled with dense Reincarnation Energy and profound Reincarnation Law, and seemingly nothing else.
After divining for most of the day, Ye Yunfei couldn't help but frown, having gained no useful information.
"Young Master Ye, all I can divine is a pitch-black space, along with Reincarnation Energy and Reincarnation Law. Moreover, the situation within all six caves seems roughly the same,"
The Wizard of the Reincarnation Palace suddenly spoke to Ye Yunfei.
What he had divined was similar to Ye Yunfei's findings.
"My divination yields similar results. Let's continue,"
Ye Yunfei nodded and replied.
For the next two days, Ye Yunfei and the Wizard continued their divination. Ye Yunfei conducted a more detailed examination of all six caves again, but all he could perceive was still the same vast, dark, confusing space, dense Reincarnation Energy, and profound Reincarnation Law. Nothing else.
"Young Master Ye, I think it's possible that the secrets of reincarnation and rebirth involved within these six caves are too profound and advanced. I'm afraid only legendary divine-level Divination Masters would possess the ability to divine them,"
By this point, the Reincarnation Palace Wizard had completely given up on divination. During the two days of effort, he had suffered a backlash from the process and sustained minor injuries. While not severe, he dared not continue any further.
"Divine-level Divination Master...
That's a possibility. Reincarnation and rebirth are inherently among the most profound mysteries in the world. It's not strange that our current divination abilities cannot pierce them."
Upon hearing the Wizard's words, Ye Yunfei nodded.
Divine-level Divination Masters were essentially Deities specializing in the art of prognostication.
"Alright then. You all wait here. I plan to enter these six Reincarnation Caves and take a look."
Ye Yunfei stood up, looking at the six caves before him. After a moment's thought, he spoke decisively.
"What?
Young Master Ye, you intend to enter the Reincarnation Cave?
That's far too dangerous! According to ancient legends passed down in our Reincarnation Palace, Reincarnation Caves are places only departed souls may enter. If a living being ventures inside, unknown perils await."
Upon hearing Ye Yunfei's plan, the Wizard was greatly alarmed and hurriedly exclaimed.
"Young Master Ye, entering the Reincarnation Cave is far too risky."
The six Demigods, upon hearing Ye Yunfei's intention, were also immensely shocked and voiced their dissuasions.
"It's alright. According to legend, this Samsara Passage is also a place for departed souls to traverse, yet aren't we inside it now, having walked all the way here?
There's no need to worry for me. Just wait here."
Ye Yunfei stated.
"Young Master Ye, if you are determined to go, perhaps let us accompany you.
We belong to the Reincarnation Palace and cultivate Reincarnation Energy and Reincarnation Law. This Samsara Passage should not pose a threat to us."
Knowing it was futile to dissuade Ye Yunfei, the Wizard thought for a moment and proposed an alternative.
"No need.
The situation within these six Reincarnation Caves is unknown. If dangers exist, they are bound to be far more terrifying than anything within the Samsara Passage.
It's better you all don't enter. I'll go in alone. Should I encounter any danger, handling it on my own will be easier."
Ye Yunfei replied.
"Well... that is true. Young Master Ye, your power far surpasses ours. We might only become burdens if we followed.
Very well then, Young Master Ye, please take this Palace Master's identity token with you. It may prove useful."
The Wizard handed Ye Yunfei the Palace Master's token.
"Alright."
Ye Yunfei accepted the token. This token symbolized the Palace Master of the Reincarnation Palace and could likely exert some effect within this Samsara Passage and the six Reincarnation Caves.
"You wait here. I'm going in now."
Ye Yunfei said, then stepped forward towards one of the Reincarnation Caves.
Rumble...
The moment Ye Yunfei approached the entrance of this Reincarnation Cave, the sparse runes floating near the cave mouth suddenly grew agitated, erupting with powerful repelling energy that surged towards Ye Yunfei like a violent tide.
"These remnant sealing runes are so terrifying!"
Ye Yunfei exclaimed in surprise, retreating several steps.
The number of sealing runes remaining at the cave entrance was actually quite small, yet they could still unleash such formidable sealing energy. One could imagine just how potent these sealing runes had been.
Ye Yunfei focused his mind. All the energy within his body erupted outwards. Simultaneously, he activated several dozen artifacts of the perfect Demigod grade, causing them to hover around his body. Then, he strode purposefully towards the cave mouth.
This time, Ye Yunfei was prepared. Although the remnant sealing runes at the entrance still erupted with powerful sealing energy, attempting to repel him, Ye Yunfei let out a great roar, utilizing all his energy. The dozens of perfect Demigod-grade artifacts surrounding his body blazed with dazzling energy. In the end, he finally forced his way through into the cave mouth.
A low hum resonated. Ye Yunfei felt the surroundings instantly undergo a tremendous change. He now found himself within a pitch-black space. All sorts of indescribably bizarre auras continuously surged towards him from every direction.
Ye Yunfei sent his Soul Force Energy outwards to perceive his surroundings, but found it could only extend less than a hundred meters.
Rumble...
Within this pitch-black space, powerful Reincarnation Energy and advanced Reincarnation Law rolled and churned, pressing in on Ye Yunfei from all sides.
"Such terrifying Reincarnation Energy and Reincarnation Law!"
Ye Yunfei remarked with some alarm.
Just at this moment, the Reincarnation Palace Master's identity token Ye Yunfei held in his hand suddenly began to glow. Immediately, Ye Yunfei felt the pressure upon him significantly lessen.
"This Palace Master's token truly is useful!"
Ye Yunfei felt a flash of pleasant surprise.
"This place is too bizarre. The spatial range I can perceive is less than two hundred meters. We must be careful. I have a persistent feeling that the auras around us are filled with various unknown dangers."
Hun Lao was also perceiving the dark space around them at this moment, extremely vigilant as he spoke to Ye Yunfei.
"My perceptive range is even smaller than yours."
Ye Yunfei replied with a wry smile.
The Chaotic World Tree possessed extremely acute spatial perception abilities. Within this Reincarnation Cave, Hun Lao's perceptive range was larger than Ye Yunfei's.
"I keep feeling a creeping sense of dread here. Are you sure you truly wish to proceed deeper into this Reincarnation Cave?"
The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm interjected.
"Since we're already inside, let's go forward and investigate a bit."
Ye Yunfei replied.
"If you wish to go, then we have no choice but to accompany you. From now on, all of us must remain alert, constantly observing our surroundings. The moment we detect anything amiss, we must react immediately."
The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm knew it was difficult to dissuade Ye Yunfei once he had made up his mind.
Ye Yunfei raised his foot and stepped forward, advancing through the pitch-black space.
He quickly noticed that with every step he took, a clear footstep sound echoed within the dark expanse, creating an increasingly eerie atmosphere.
And so, Ye Yunfei continued forward through the darkness, unaware of how much distance he had truly covered.
Suddenly.
"Ahead... there seem to be over a dozen figures,"
Hun Lao spoke, breaking the silence.
Ye Yunfei heard this and couldn't help but startle, immediately halting his steps.
"Over a dozen figures?
How is that possible? How could there be so many living beings within this Reincarnation Cave?
Hun Lao, try to see clearly. What exactly are they?"
Ye Yunfei frowned and asked.