Myriad Realms Gatekeeper

Shen Ye pushed open the door.

The large hall of the inn was full. Every table was occupied by professionals.

The noise was deafening.

The shop assistant bustled back and forth serving dishes.

It looked nothing more than a normal inn at first glance.

However—

Several bodies lay on the ground, blood still oozing from their wounds, evidently recently deceased.

The other patrons in the inn acted as if they saw nothing unusual.

Only the elderly innkeeper behind the counter smiled and said,

"Another esteemed guest arrives; business is really booming today."

Shen Ye approached the counter and surveyed his surroundings,

"May I ask what services you provide here?"

"The desert is extremely dangerous and will soon become even more so, yet we can ensure everyone's safety," the innkeeper said.

Shen Ye glanced back at Mo Ga Ru.

Mo Ga Ru wanted to speak, but remembering his own issue with speaking, decided against it.

And besides, Baxter was still quite reliable.

He slightly nodded his chin, signaling to Shen Ye to handle it himself.

Shen Ye immediately understood his intent.

That's right.

Being "poisoned" and not speaking was also a pretty good strategy.

At least it wouldn't ruin anything.

"It's useless," the voice of the Female Art Spirit echoed in his mind, "the more he holds back, the more he'll spill once he starts talking."

Shen Ye was rendered speechless.

Whatever.

As long as it doesn't affect my search for a place to undergo the Tribulation.

"Innkeeper, we need to rest here. Price is negotiable," Shen Ye said.

"Your lord is a master above the Sixth Layer of the Magic Realm. Please go downstairs to the private rooms where someone will attend to you, while for you, we can talk about the price here," the innkeeper said with a smile.

"Do we really have to be separated?" Shen Ye asked, wary.

"Downstairs is a safer place with better amenities—masters naturally deserve treatment befitting of their status, while someone as weak as you should stay here," the innkeeper replied.

A tall and thin shop assistant moved forward and beckoned Mo Ga Ru:

"My lord, please follow me to the private rooms below."

Mo Ga Ru nodded, threw a 'be careful' look at Shen Ye, and followed the attendant downstairs.

This inn was oddly constructed, having only a flat surface above ground.

So, the emphasis was on building the underground!

Shen Ye sighed and said,Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Alright then, you name the price. I may not be a master, but I would like to rest here as well."

"Price is negotiable," the plump innkeeper said with a smile, "Come, trade with me using your lord's weaknesses. If you are willing to reveal one of his weaknesses or a secret, you can stay here for a day."

"And if I don't say?" Shen Ye asked.

"See the bodies on the ground?" the innkeeper inquired.

"I see them."

"Everyone present is watching you. They'll challenge you in a Rotation Battle. If you survive a quarter of an hour, you can stay here safely for a day."

"I see," Shen Ye said.

He looked around.

Every professional at the tables was sizing him up. Continue your journey on empire

"Make your choice. You know the rules now—both options are open to you," the innkeeper said.

Shen Ye smiled slightly and responded, "Then let's have the Rotation Battle."

—So they separated me from Mo Ga Ru to extract information on how to deal with him.

Mo Ga Ru is a top-notch master.

Perhaps he made the inn feel some kind of threat, or perhaps they wanted to control him.

But—

Mo Ga Ru's life is mine.

All the secrets of the "Five Desires" world are also mine.

They shall not touch them.

"So young, and yet so eager to die? I'll have you know, once the Rotation Battle begins, it won't stop unless you give up on staying and leave on your own," the innkeeper stated.

"No need for further words," Shen Ye said.

"It's the turn of the guest at table nine to act. Failure means death; if you win, you continue to stay here safely," the innkeeper announced.

A tall, fierce-looking man stood up from his seat, drew his long knife, and walked step by step toward Shen Ye under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

Shen Ye was somewhat relieved at this moment.

The inn wasn't large.

The opponent also looked strong.

Using a bow and arrows would be too cramped here.

Basic hand-to-hand combat likely wouldn't be a match for him.

Revealing the Eightfold Dharma Aspect might alarm Mo Ga Ru and blow his cover.

—Fortunately, he had joined the ranks of Blade Masters.

He placed his hand on the hilt of the Hongying Knife at his waist.

"Lamb, how many moves will you cost me?" the tall fierce man asked.

Shen Ye was silent for a moment, then slowly drew his knife.

No need for tricks.

In a Rotation Battle, the best strategy is to settle the fight quickly and with the least cost.

So—

His Dharma Aspect unfolded slightly, casting layers of shadows behind him.

In an instant.

Tiny letters of light quickly appeared:

"The might of the Hongying Knife 'Lonely Sandbar's Chill' has been activated."

"Power of the Law Manifestation has been infused into the knife, granting it a transformative power, solidifying into three abilities."

"Details as follows:"

"Dance: Perfectly bonds the Broad Cold Holy Relic to the blade, boasting both 'Primordial Devouring' and 'Frostfire Splashing' Traits."

"Mutual Toast: When using the knife to block an enemy's attack, a random professional sword technique activates for a counterattack."

"Lonely Sandbar's Chill: An attack that could be lethal will certainly be lethal."

Shen Ye watched the knife.

Inside the inn.

Everyone's eyes were on the knife in his hand.

Once infused with the Power of the Law Manifestation, the knife had awakened, and the three abilities "Dance," "Pour," and "Sandbank Cold" transformed into "Dance," "Mutual Toast," and "Lonely Sandbar's Chill."

Light from the Frostfire began to burn gently on the blade.

Beyond this brilliance, a hazy fog of Guanghan swirled into a gorgeous red and white, the colors chasing, weaving, and fusing together.