Myth Beyond Heaven

The air crackled with anticipation, charged with a potent mix of awe and trepidation. The hum escalated into a deep, resonating thrum that vibrated through the very ground.

Crackle!

With a deafening crack that split the sky, the broken fang split further. Not with a jagged tear but with a smooth, almost surgical precision. The two halves ground open, revealing not a passage into darkness but a shimmering portal that pulsed with an otherworldly light.

The portal's surface was a swirling vortex of jade and gold, the colors seeming to breathe and shift like living things. Within its depths, wisps of mist swirled, hinting at fantastical landscapes and forgotten chambers.

A wave of unimaginable power emanated from the portal, a pressure that pressed down on the practitioners, testing their resolve. It was an invitation, a challenge, and a warning all rolled into one.

"Hiss."

A collective gasp erupted from the crowd. Some people, faces pale with fear, stumbled back. Others, their eyes gleaming with avarice and ambition, surged forward, only to be halted by an invisible barrier that crackled with energy a hair's breadth from the portal's edge.

In that electric moment, the entrance to the God Tomb stood unveiled, a gateway to a forgotten world brimming with untold secrets and unimaginable power. The scene hung suspended, a tableau of anticipation and trepidation, waiting for the first brave souls to step through the shimmering portal and into the heart of legend.

Tension grew as the shimmering portal pulsed like a beating heart. The barrier that held back the surging mass of practitioners flickered ominously, threatening to shatter under the combined pressure of their desperation. Yet, a tense standoff persisted.

"What an oppressive aura." Yun Huanxin, fresh from years of peaceful training, furrowed her brow at the intimidating aura radiating from the God Tomb. It was unlike anything she'd encountered before.

Suddenly, a group clad in black boldly navigated towards the God Tomb. A quick glance from Yun Lintian revealed their strength - the weakest, a Middle God, the strongest, a peak God Ascension Realm practitioner. These were clearly disciples of a prominent force.

"Their aura..." Yun Lintian narrowed his eyes. Despite their efforts to conceal it, he could still sense a dark energy pulsing beneath the surface, laced with something far more sinister.

A solemn voice echoed from the crowd, "Demons!"

Understanding dawned on everyone's faces. These were demonic practitioners. A ripple of unease spread through the crowd as many subconsciously retreated, the potential danger sinking in.

The black-robed people launched themselves through the portal, disappearing in a flash of emerald light.

A tense silence descended upon the crowd. A few breaths later, several people surged towards the portal and vanished into it. This action served as a trigger, making more and more people courageous and following them into the portal.

Yun Lintian wasn't in a hurry. He calmly watched the crowd squeezed into the portal.

Yun Lintian remained patient, observing the crowd squeezed through the portal.

"Safety first," he addressed everyone, his expression serious. "There's a chance we'll be sent to a random location. Head towards the tomb's center. We'll regroup there."

A chorus of "Understood" echoed from the group.

"Try your best to avoid those demonic people," he continued, a hint of unease flickering across his eyes. "I sensed something sinister in their aura, some form of dark art."

Yun Qianxue's voice softened, "You should also be careful."

He offered a reassuring nod, his gaze fixed on the imposing God Tomb. "Let's go," he declared, a quiet determination lacing his voice.

With the skyship deactivated, Yun Lintian led the way towards the portal, Yun Qianxue and the others following closely behind.

As Yun Lintian stepped through the shimmering portal, the emerald light engulfed him, and the world dissolved into a swirling vortex of color and light. When his vision cleared, he found himself standing on a precipice overlooking a breathtaking vista.

Below him stretched a landscape of impossible beauty—

floating islands bathed in an ethereal glow, crystalline waterfalls cascading down jade cliffs, and strange flora that pulsed with an inner light.

The air itself vibrated with a potent energy similar to that of the Nine Firmament City.

Yun Lintian spun around, relief washing over him as he spotted his companions. But a cursory glance revealed a disquieting truth - many who had entered alongside them were missing.

"It seems they have landed in a different place," Lin Xinyao had also noticed this.

Swish! Swish!

Swishes of air split the silence as more figures materialized. Yun Lintian scanned the newcomers, but no trace of demonic practitioners was found.

"No wonder Senior Lan told us to come here," Han Bingling said gently, taking in the environment. "Without the Nine Firmament City, this would undoubtedly be the best training ground."

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the group.

Suddenly, a surprised shout pierced the air. "Whoa, we're lucky this time!" A young man gaped at his surroundings.

A gentle-looking woman in white beside him rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't get cocky again this time," she chided softly.

The young man swatted dismissively at the air. "Come on, sis, lighten up! Can't a guy enjoy some good fortune?"

A kind-faced middle-aged man approached the young couple. "Seems you two aren't newcomers. Perhaps you could share some knowledge about this place?"

"Allow me to introduce myself first," he continued, extending a hand. "Xun Lang, from the Tyrannical Wolf Sect."

The young man grinned, flashing a thumbs up. "Your sect has a cool name, Uncle Xun! I'm Tang Wei, and this is my sister, Tang Yumei. Third time's the charm for us here."

Xun Lang's eyes gleamed. "A pleasure, Little Brother Tang and Young Miss Tang," he greeted politely. "So, you've entered the God Tomb before?"

Tang Wei puffed out his chest a little. "We weren't strong enough the previous two times and had to retreat. But this time," he slammed his fist into his open palm, "we're here to conquer!"

Tang Yumei rolled her eyes again, a familiar gesture. "Don't get ahead of yourself,"

Xun Lang chuckled, "So, you have experience within the God Tomb. Perhaps you can enlighten us a little?"

Tang Wei's chest puffed out even further. "Sure, consider it a welcome gift for entering the same zone!" He gestured broadly at the breathtaking vista.

Surprise flickered across Yun Lintian and his companions' faces. The intel from Lan Qinghe and Lin Yitong was vague - just five regions without further detail.

All eyes turned to Tang Wei, anticipation hanging heavy in the air…