97: Chapter 97 Five Keys Resonate, the Palace of Reincarnation Appears

Lin Ye immediately took out the "yan jun token", "command token of ten thousand ghosts", "soul-stabilizing bead" (held in his hand), "spirit-nourishing bead", and "inheritance star mirror" from his "yan jun ring".

He surrounded himself with these five items, simultaneously using his own spiritual power, Sword Intent, and the Dao Heart he had just realized as a guide, slowly stimulating the unique aura contained within each.

The scorching and magnificent golden light of the "yan jun token"!

The cold and commanding black light of the "command token of ten thousand ghosts"!

The warm and Soul-calming ice-blue radiance of the "soul-stabilizing bead"!

The soft and nourishing cyan-white light of the "spirit-nourishing bead"!

The vast and ancient starlight of the "inheritance star mirror"!

The five-colored lights, with Lin Ye as the center, slowly rose, intertwined, and rotated, faintly forming a strange, endlessly flowing wheel of light. Within this wheel of light was contained a complex Dao resonance of "Supreme Yang", "Supreme Yin", "Stability", "Nourishment", "Legacy", "Guardian", and even a trace of "Reincarnation".

These five items were all inextricably linked to the "Nine Nether Passage", the "Gatekeeper", and "Reincarnation". Now that they were gathered together, their aura resonance produced fluctuations that instantly broke the deathly silence of the "Reincarnation Space" and stirred slight ripples in the slowly flowing river of Karma.

Hum—!

Seemingly sensing the unique fluctuations of these Five Keys' resonance, the terrifying pressure descending from the direction of the "Reincarnation Hall" suddenly stalled, then slowly receded like a tide. The cold "Heavenly Dao" voice also fell silent.

In its place was a deeper, grander "gaze" that seemed to be examining and identifying, falling upon Lin Ye and the five-colored wheel of light around him.

A moment later, that indifferent voice sounded again, but it lacked a trace of coldness and gained a trace of... indescribable ancient profundity:

"Flame Yang, Netherworld, Soul-Stabilizing, Spirit-Nourishing, Star-Mirror... The Five Keys are gathered, Karma is entangled... Are you the 'Gatekeeper' candidate of this era?"

"Indeed." Lin Ye held his head high and responded with his mind, "Disciple Lin Han has obtained the 'Gatekeeper' Legacy and brought the Five Keys here to seek the 'reincarnation seal', complete the Three Realms suppression keys, stabilize the 'Nine Nether Passage', protect the peace of this realm, and fulfill the responsibility of the 'Gatekeeper'. I ask the 'Reincarnation' will to grant an audience or point out the location of the 'reincarnation seal'."

Silence.

A long silence, with only the river of Karma flowing silently.

Just as Lin Ye felt uneasy, that grand voice sounded again:

"Follow the river of Karma to the front of the Reincarnation Hall. Cross the 'Three Lives Bridge', pass the 'Terrace of Looking Home', and reach the 'Judgment Hall'. The 'reincarnation seal' is in the hall. However, the path of Reincarnation has entry but no retreat. Once you step on it, you must endure the interrogation of your own three-lifetime Karma. Those with weak will or heavy Karma will fall into Reincarnation forever and never be liberated. Do you dare to proceed?"

Three Lives Bridge? Terrace of Looking Home? Judgment Hall? Interrogation of three-lifetime Karma?

It sounded like this was not a simple path, but an ultimate trial of the intruder's "Karma" and "Heart-Nature"!

Once stepped upon, there was no turning back. If one failed to pass, it would mean Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering, sinking forever.

But did Lin Ye have a choice?

The "reincarnation seal" was close at hand; the Sect crisis, the Sect Master's tribulation, the trouble with the passage, and even the many mysteries surrounding himself all needed this item to be solved. Moreover, since he had already walked this far, how could he retreat?

"This Disciple is willing to go!" Lin Ye's voice was firm, without hesitation.

"Good."

As the voice fell, the endless river of Karma in front suddenly parted automatically, revealing a winding "road" paved entirely with hazy light and shadow. The starting point of the road was an ancient stone bridge spanning the river—the Three Lives Bridge. On the other side of the bridge, a high platform (Terrace of Looking Home) could be vaguely seen, and further away was the towering phantom of the "Reincarnation Hall".

"Follow me, guard your Dao Heart, and do not be confused by the illusions in the river." Lin Ye instructed Chu Yun and the other three, who were still shaken, and then took a deep breath, stepping first onto the hazy path of light, heading towards the "Three Lives Bridge".

Chu Yun, Su Waner, Gui Li, and Ye Xiao followed closely, all with solemn expressions, operating their Cultivation Techniques with all their might to stabilize their minds.

Stepping onto the path of light, the surrounding river of Karma seemed to come alive, and countless blurred images, sounds, and fragments of emotions surged like a tide, attempting to invade everyone's minds.

There were regrets and obsessions from previous lives, love and hate from the current life, and even some hazy, possible fragments about the "future". Joy, anger, sorrow, happiness, greed, hatred, ignorance, and resentment—all kinds of emotions intertwined into an invisible net.

But Lin Ye's Dao Heart was clear, and with the protection of the "soul-stabilizing bead" and "spirit-nourishing bead", these illusions, though realistic, could hardly truly shake him. He guarded his "True Self", like a pillar in the middle of a stream, moving forward step by step. Chu Yun and the others had the help of the "soul-calming ancient lamp" and "Yang Soul Amulet", and although they were also affected, they could barely keep up.

Soon, they arrived before the "Three Lives Bridge".

The bridge was simple and unadorned, built from unknown gray stones. Under the bridge was not water, but rolling mist of Karma. A stone tablet stood at the head of the bridge, inscribed with the two ancient Seal script characters "Three Lives".

"Walking across this bridge, you will see the three-lifetime fragments of your 'past', 'present', and 'future', the Karma scenes that stir your mind the most. Remember, all that is seen is false; only guard your true heart." Lin Ye reminded again, then stepped onto the stone bridge.

Hum!

The bridge shook slightly, and the surrounding scenery changed instantly!

He saw his "past life" on Earth, the scene of himself lying on the hospital bed with his parents devastated; that guilt and reluctance were like a poisonous snake biting his heart. But this time, he had already faced it in the "Heart-Questioning Pass", so he only paused slightly, sighed softly, and continued forward.

The scene of the "present" was the Lingyun Sword Sect's mountain gate shattered, Su Waner, Chu Yun, and others killed, the Yinkui Sect's demonic flames soaring, and the Sect Master Master Lingxiao completely falling into the devil, becoming a world-destroying Devil Head, while he was powerless to turn the tide, only able to watch everything happen. Intense anger, hatred, and powerlessness surged. A fierce look flashed in Lin Ye's eyes, and he shouted coldly: "This is not my Dao! Disperse!" The "Lingyun Sword Intent" at the center of his brows burst forth, shattering the illusion.

The fragments of the "future" were even more blurred. He saw himself standing above the Nine Heavens, with the myriad worlds submitting beneath his feet, holding the authority of "Reincarnation" in his hand, able to decide the life and death of all living beings with a single thought. But beside him, there was no one, only eternal loneliness and coldness. He saw himself exploring the truth of his Transmigration, finding the ruins of "Venerable Star-Fall", learning the shocking secret, but also attracting more terrifying existences... These "possibilities" of the future were full of temptation and fear. Lin Ye just looked quietly, like a bystander, and finally smiled indifferently: "The future is up to me, not Heaven. Go!"

He didn't stop his steps, walked through the layers of illusions, and crossed the "Three Lives Bridge".

Chu Yun, Su Waner, and others also experienced their own "Three Lives" interrogations, each with difficulties, but under Lin Ye's protection and their own efforts, they all successfully passed, though their faces were paler, clearly having consumed a lot.

After crossing the bridge, ahead was the "Terrace of Looking Home".

It was a lonely high platform, empty on top, with only an ice wall that was as smooth as a mirror but reflected no images.

"Standing before the platform, you can see the scene transformed by the deepest 'obsession' and 'homesickness' in your heart. This pass tests whether you can 'let go'." Lin Ye explained, stepping onto the Terrace of Looking Home first, facing the ice wall.

On the ice wall, scenes gradually emerged.

It was not Earth, nor was it the Lingyun Sword Sect. It was a vast, starry Universe. Deep in the starry sky, an ancient portal that seemed to be composed of countless stars could be vaguely seen. Behind the portal, there seemed to be an aura that was both familiar and strange coming through... That was the feeling of "home", yet it was so distant that it felt like it was separated by countless eras.

This was... the obsession in the depths of his Soul for his "Origin"? The desire to explore the secrets behind "Venerable Star-Fall" and that ancient ring?

Lin Ye watched quietly, a surge of indescribable complex emotions rising in his heart. There was attachment, curiosity, confusion, and determination.

For a long time, he slowly closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his eyes were clear.

"Where my heart is at peace, that is my home. The road ahead is the way home."

As the voice fell, the scene on the ice wall slowly dissipated, becoming smooth as a mirror again.

He walked down the Terrace of Looking Home.

Chu Yun and the others also went up to the platform in turn, seeing the deepest obsessions in their hearts (Sect, relatives, hatred, power, etc.), experienced a struggle, and finally all successfully "let go" (or temporarily suppressed them), passing the test.

Having passed two passes, everyone was exhausted, but their eyes were even firmer.

Ahead was the towering "Reincarnation Hall".

The palace gates were tightly closed, exuding a heart-palpitating majesty. Above the lintel, hung a huge mirror that was neither gold nor jade, engraved with profound runes—a mirror?

"That is the 'Mirror of Retribution', reflecting the sins of living beings before their death. The last pass, the 'Judgment Hall', requires us to face our own sins under the 'Mirror of Retribution' and endure the judgment of 'Reincarnation'. Those with heavy Karma will be cast into the corresponding Reincarnation and suffer forever." Lin Ye said in a deep voice, "We need to walk under the 'Mirror of Retribution' one by one and enter the 'Judgment Hall'."

"I will go first." Lin Ye didn't hesitate, strode towards the "Reincarnation Hall", and walked under the "Mirror of Retribution".

The mirror's light swirled, reflecting Lin Ye's figure. However, the "he" in the mirror was wrapped in faint, grayish-black "Karma". Most of it was the "killing Karma" generated from killing Zhao Kun, Master Chihuang, the old man from the Netherworld, and many Cultivators from the Yinkui Sect and Golden Flame Valley. There was also a small part that seemed to be related to the contamination of the Devilish Qi of the "command token of ten thousand ghosts", and some more obscure "Karma" that even he himself was not very clear about.

But these "Karma" were not heavy, and most of the "killing Karma" was caused by self-defense, eliminating demons, and protecting the Dao, not by killing innocent people indiscriminately. The mirror light swept over, without triggering any abnormalities.

Lin Ye successfully passed the "Mirror of Retribution" and came to the heavy bronze gate of the "Reincarnation Hall". He reached out and slowly pushed open the gate.

Creak—!

The gate swung open, revealing the scene inside the hall.

The hall was vast and empty, save for a nine-tiered staircase. Atop the stairs sat a colossal, illusory throne, condensed entirely from the Laws of "Karma" and "Reincarnation." The throne was empty, save for a palm-sized Seal—neither gold nor jade, its entire body a chaotic hue, with countless worlds seemingly birthing and dying within it—floating quietly.

The reincarnation seal!

Below the throne, on both sides of the hall, stood two rows of tall, faceless "Judge" phantoms, seemingly composed of shadows. They held scrolls and judgment pens, exuding a cold aura of judgment.

The instant Lin Ye stepped into the hall, all the "Judge" phantoms turned their heads simultaneously and "looked" at him.

A grand, majestic, and unquestionable voice echoed through the hall: "Lin Han, your sins are already recorded in the 'Sin Mirror.' Now, before 'Reincarnation,' state your past and defend your Karma. The will of 'Reincarnation' shall judge based on this to determine your destination and the ownership of the 'reincarnation seal.'"

State the past? Defend Karma?

This final trial was actually a final defense regarding one's own "Dao" and "actions" before "Reincarnation"!

To pass was to obtain the "reincarnation seal" and potentially gain the recognition of "Reincarnation."

To fail was to potentially be judged on the spot and cast into Reincarnation!

Lin Ye took a deep breath and looked at the empty throne and the floating "reincarnation seal," his gaze calm and resolute.

He knew the moment that would decide everything had arrived.

In the "Reincarnation Hall," there was silence, save for the cold gaze of the "Judge" phantoms and the chaotic luster radiating from the floating "reincarnation seal."

Lin Ye stood in the center of the hall and spoke slowly, his voice clear and calm, echoing in the vast hall: "Disciple Lin Han, originally a lonely Soul from another world, arrived in this realm by chance..."

He began from his Transmigration from Earth, to becoming a menial Disciple of the Lingyun Sword Sect, obtaining the ancient ring, encountering danger, entering the outer Sect, receiving the Flame Lord Legacy, battling the Yinkui Sect, exposing Zhao Kun, saving the Sect Master, slaying Chihuang, venturing into Beiming, and finally arriving here today holding the five keys. He recounted his experiences, his actions, the Dao he upheld, and the responsibilities he bore, one by one. He did not exaggerate, hide, or shirk responsibility.

"...What this Disciple sought, initially, was only survival; later, it was for immortality; and then, to protect the people and the Dao I cherish. Most of my actions were forced counterattacks, or to uphold the Dao and eradicate demons. Those I killed all deserved to die. The items I obtained were all due to fortuitous encounters, and I am willing to bear their Karma."

"This Disciple knows that I bear killing Karma, am stained with Devilish Qi, and am entangled in Karma. However, my Dao Heart has never been tarnished. My sword can slay demons and monsters, and it can also protect the common people. In my actions, I only seek a clear conscience."

"Today, as a 'Gatekeeper' candidate, I hold the five keys to seek the 'reincarnation seal.' This is not for personal desire, but to complete the three keys, stabilize the Passage, resolve the Sect Master's tribulation, protect the peace of this realm, and fulfill the responsibility of the 'Gatekeeper.' This heart and this resolve can be witnessed by Heaven and Earth, and perceived by Reincarnation."

"If 'Reincarnation' deems this Disciple guilty, I willingly accept judgment. If 'Reincarnation' deems this Disciple worthy of development, please bestow the 'reincarnation seal' and allow this Disciple to complete the mission."

Having finished his statement, Lin Ye bowed, waiting quietly for "judgment."

The hall was deathly silent. The "Judge" phantoms were silent, the throne was soundless, and the "reincarnation seal" floated quietly.

Time seemed to have frozen at this moment.

Chu Yun, Su Waner, Gui Li, and Ye Xiao had also passed the "Sin Mirror Platform" one after another (their Karma varied in weight, but none were guilty of great evil) and entered the hall, standing behind Lin Ye, waiting nervously.

I do not know how much time had passed.

The floating "reincarnation seal" suddenly trembled slightly!

Immediately after, a beam of chaotic-colored light shot out from the "reincarnation seal," enveloping Lin Ye!

Lin Ye felt his consciousness instantly pulled into an endless Chaos. Countless Profound Truths about "Reincarnation," the true responsibilities of the "Gatekeeper," the ultimate secrets of the "Nine Nether Passage," and even some vague information about "Venerable Star-Fall" and that ancient ring poured into his mind like a torrent!

At the same time, a grander, more ancient, more primordial intent, seemingly gathered from the wills of countless epochs, resounded directly in his "heart": "Your Dao, though immature, has already taken shape. Your actions, though flawed, have not lost their original intent. Your resolve is commendable. I already know all of your Karma."

"However, the 'reincarnation seal' is no small matter. To wield it is to wield a portion of the authority of Reincarnation, which can determine the Reincarnation of billions of living beings and sever the entanglements of Karma from ancient times to the present. This is great power, but also a great responsibility, and even more so, a great tribulation."

"Are you willing to swear the 'Reincarnation Great Oath,' using your Dao Heart, your life, and your Reincarnation as proof, that after wielding the 'reincarnation seal,' you will remain upright and impartial, not engage in favoritism, not abuse power, not defy the Heavenly Dao, not disrupt Reincarnation, and uphold maintaining the Order of Reincarnation in this realm and stabilizing the 'Nine Nether Passage' as your sole purpose, until your body dies and Dao vanishes, and your Soul returns to the Star Hall?"

The Reincarnation Great Oath! Using the Dao Heart, life, and Reincarnation as proof! Once violated, one would likely never be reborn for eternity, and it might even involve Karma!

This was a more terrifying and more fundamental binding than a Heart Demon oath!

But this was also the necessary path to gain the recognition of the "reincarnation seal"!

Without the slightest hesitation, Lin Ye, within the beam of chaotic light, used his most primordial Dao Heart and will to swear, word by word: "Disciple Lin Han, with my Dao Heart as proof, my life as a contract, and Reincarnation as witness, I swear here: If I obtain the 'reincarnation seal,' I will remain upright and impartial, not engage in favoritism, not abuse power, not defy the Heavenly Dao, not disrupt Reincarnation, and uphold maintaining the Order of Reincarnation in this realm and stabilizing the 'Nine Nether Passage' as my sole purpose, until my body dies and Dao vanishes, and my Soul returns to the Star Hall! If I violate this oath, may my Dao Heart shatter, may I die in body and Soul, fall into eternal Reincarnation, and suffer forever!"

Once the oath was sworn, in the nether, it was as if invisible shackles had been branded into the deepest parts of his Dao Heart and Soul.

"Good." The grand intent seemed satisfied.

The chaotic beam of light slowly receded.

The floating "reincarnation seal" transformed into a streak of chaotic light, shot down, and landed in Lin Ye's outstretched palm.

It was warm to the touch, pulsing slightly as if it had life. A vast, profound, and terrifying power, seemingly capable of controlling life and death and deciding Reincarnation, flowed within it, yet it seemed constrained by some ancient contract, appearing tame and restrained.

The "reincarnation seal" was finally in his hands!

At the same time, the grand intent transmitted one last message: "The 'reincarnation seal' has accepted you as its master. However, the Seal within it has not yet been fully unlocked. You must use the power of the five keys—the 'yan jun token,' the 'command token of ten thousand ghosts,' the 'soul-stabilizing bead,' the 'spirit-nourishing bead,' and the 'inheritance star mirror'—combined with your 'Gatekeeper' Legacy, to hold the 'three keys Return' ceremony on the 'Nine Nether Demon-Suppressing Platform.' Only then can its power be thoroughly activated, the Passage Seal be completed, and potentially... awaken the sleeping final 'Gatekeeper' Legacy."

"Your time is running out. Demon Lord Yinming has sensed that the 'command token of ten thousand ghosts' has changed owners and the 'reincarnation seal' has appeared; he has likely awakened, and his minions are stirring. Return to the Sect quickly, complete the ceremony, and prepare to face the great tribulation."

The information transmission finished, and the grand intent receded like a tide.

The "Reincarnation Hall" began to tremble slightly, the surrounding "Judge" phantoms slowly faded, and the throne gradually dissipated.

The entire "Reincarnation Space" seemed to become unstable because of the change in ownership of the "reincarnation seal."

"Go! This place is not suitable for a long stay!" Lin Ye put away the "reincarnation seal" and shouted to Chu Yun and the others.

The five of them followed the path they came by, quickly exiting the "Reincarnation Hall," passing through the "Wangxiang Platform" and "Sansheng Bridge," and running along the path of light separated by the river of Karma toward the dark vortex gate they had entered from.

Behind them, the "Reincarnation Space" began to collapse in pieces, turning into pure chaotic currents of Karma.

When they finally rushed out of the dark vortex gate and returned to the "Reincarnation Ice Cave" hall, the vortex gate behind them twisted violently, then slammed shut and disappeared, as if it had never appeared. It left only the empty ice cave and the indentation on the lotus platform where the "soul-stabilizing bead" had been taken.

Inside the ice cave, the traces of the previous battle and the corpses (which had been erased) had all disappeared, leaving only lingering cold and Death Qi.

"We succeeded! We obtained the 'reincarnation seal'!" Chu Yun said excitedly.

Su Waner, Gui Li, and Ye Xiao also showed joy.

Lin Ye, however, looked grave: "Time is tight, we must return to the Sect immediately! Demon Lord Yinming may have already sensed it; the great tribulation is approaching!"

However, just as they were preparing to leave the ice cave, dense footsteps and clamor suddenly came from the direction of the ice cave entrance!

Immediately after, dozens of figures, carrying rich, sinister ghostly qi and biting killing intent, poured into the ice cave hall, blocking the exit tightly!

The leaders were three black-robed old men with unfathomable auras, all having reached the Peak of the Golden Core! Behind them followed no fewer than twenty Foundation Establishment Cultivators, and nearly a hundred elite Yinkui Sect Disciples at the Qi Refinement Stage!

Moreover, the auras of these people were completely different from the Yinkui Sect Cultivators they had encountered before; they were purer, more ancient, and colder, as if they were ancient evil ghosts awakening from a deep slumber!

"Jiejiejie... As expected of a 'Gatekeeper' candidate who could pass the three trials of 'Reincarnation' in succession and obtain the 'reincarnation seal,' you truly have some ability." The black-robed old man in the middle, with a gaunt face, deep-set eye sockets, and resembling a skeleton, let out a strange laugh like a night owl, his cold gaze locking onto Lin Ye like a poisonous snake.

"Unfortunately, your good luck ends here. By the decree of the Demonic Lord, I am to capture the 'Gatekeeper' candidate, seize back the 'command token of ten thousand ghosts,' and retrieve the 'reincarnation seal'! Will you surrender yourselves, or shall I extract your Souls and refine your spirits to take it myself?"

Three Peak Golden Core Cultivators! Dozens of Foundation Establishment! Nearly a hundred Qi Refining elites! Moreover, they were clearly the true core forces under Demon Lord Yinming, far from comparable to those small fries from before!

The five of them, including Lin Ye, having just experienced the "Reincarnation" trial, exhausted in body and mind, and not yet having fully mastered the "reincarnation seal," were once again plunged into a desperate situation!

Moreover, this time the enemies were more powerful and terrifying than any before!

A true crisis of life and death was right before them!