Chapter 398, Devouring Life

Translator: Silavin

 

In truth, the breach in the Sealing Array was not very wide. In short, the opening was just enough for three people to enter side by side. Moreover, with his keen perception, he discovered that this opening was actually slowly repairing itself.

 

The repair speed was extremely slow, so slow it was barely perceptible to the naked eye.

 

[In at most seven days. By that time, this seal will return to normal…] Gravity flashed across Qin Yichen’s eyes.

 

This meant they only had seven days to enter and leave the Heaven’s Destiny Forbidden Area. If they did not exit through the opening after seven days, they might never be able to leave. At that point, even a Martial King would not be able to break through the seal with their own power.

 

The fate of those left inside Heaven’s Destiny Forbidden Area was predictable.

 

With a thought, his Yuan Energy spread out to envelop his body as Qin Yichen walked toward the opening in the seal.

 

As soon as he entered, he felt a bone-chilling cold. It felt as if something was gnawing away at his Life Force.

 

This was not damage to his physical body, but rather… to his lifespan!

 

This was also with Yuan Energy protecting him.

 

[No wonder those that had entered earlier had turned to dust, leaving only stark white bones. This isn’t because of the Array seal, nor is it Death Energy invading the body…] Qin Yichen sensed something unusual.

 

If it were just the seal or Death Energy, it absolutely would not devour one’s Life Force.

 

This situation could only mean that there were other things existing within Heaven’s Destiny Forbidden Area. Other entities that were stealing Life Force. Perhaps, this was the reason why this Array existed, to seal whatever was inside.

 

Life Force.

 

Every person, every living being, had it; though limited.

 

Even those who transcended mortality could not escape the laws of birth, aging, sickness, and death.

 

This was Heaven’s law. It was the cycle of all things.

 

Only by breaking through the Saint Realm could one perhaps achieve longevity equal to Heaven and become Immortal.

 

However, that was still only merely speculation.

 

Qin Yichen stood with a grave expression not far from the opening.

 

Only he truly understood what it means for one’s Life Force to get devoured.

 

No one wanted to die.

 

Living was the pursuit of every living being. It was simply the nature of all living beings to want to live.

 

As he was pondering, a fragrant breeze passed by him and swiftly entered within.

 

From the back view, it was a woman. Moreover, her cultivation level was definitely not low, at least Mid Stage Martial King or above.

 

Looking at that silhouette that vanished in an instant, a thoughtful expression flashed across Qin Yichen’s face.

 

“Impressive! Seems like those four aren’t the only experts entering!”

 

He sighed inwardly. He was also hiding amidst the crowd, hiding his strength. With at least several thousand experts here, it was impossible that there were not others like him.

 

He knew there might be dangers within this Forbidden Area, and he needed to guard against threats from not only the environment but also other cultivators. Nevertheless, Qin Yichen was still confident. With his current strength, even if he could not obtain treasures that laid here, he should at least be able to protect himself.

 

At this moment, the mountain forest that had been silent for who knows how many years became extremely noisy and turbulent, as countless people desperately rushed in through that small opening in the seal.

From that opening, screams of agony would occasionally emerge – some caused by the terrifying devouring force within, but more screams came from those who fell victim to people with ill intentions.

 

After waiting for a short while, Qin Yichen also darted in. As soon as he entered, he felt his vision blur, and the scenery before him underwent a complete transformation.

 

Now, he was no longer deep in the mountain forest. An unfamiliar scene appeared in his field of view.

 

Around Qin Yichen, as far as the eye could see were stone peaks. What was surprising was that in this scenery, there was not a single trace of green symbolizing life – not even a single blade of grass.

 

An aura of desolation and antiquity surged forth endlessly.

 

“So, this is the so-called Heaven’s Destiny Forbidden Area?” Looking at the vast area of towering stone peaks before him, like a stone forest, Qin Yichen silently sighed. He noticed that even under the protection of his Yuan Energy, a feeling of oppression still welled up in his heart.

 

Sensing this oppressive feeling, Qin Yichen’s expression also became solemn. Looking into the distance, he discovered that seemingly at the end of this stone forest, in that extremely far place, there was a cluster of buildings.

 

Currently, many people were frantically rushing toward that direction.

 

“Brat, hand over all your valuables!”

 

Just as Qin Yichen was about to move, several footsteps suddenly sounded, and at the same time, an aura carrying killing intent enveloped him.

 

Qin Yichen frowned and turned to look, finding four people walking toward him with predatory gazes. Vaguely, they had formed a formation that surrounded him.

 

Of these four people, three were at the Fully Accomplished Spirit Realm, with one that was slightly weaker. Judging by their practiced tone and movements, they clearly were not doing this for the first or second time.

 

“Hehe, so young yet daring to come explore the Heaven’s Destiny Forbidden Area alone, the fearless are truly the ignorant!”

 

Seeing Qin Yichen’s face that was even younger than imagined, the four were obviously stunned, then they bursted into laughter.

 

An eighteen or nineteen-year-old youth actually daring to venture into the Heaven’s Destiny Forbidden Area, which even Martial Kings and beyond maintained a fearful attitude toward it. This was simply too amusing!

 

In their view, Qin Yichen was just an ignorant fool driven by greed and curiosity. Otherwise, why would he come to Heaven’s Destiny Forbidden Area to seek death?

 

On the side, people hurriedly passed by them, but no one came to manage Qin Yichen’s situation. After all, such things were common, and moreover, they were now in the Heaven’s Destiny Forbidden Area – no one was willing to meddle in others’ affairs.

 

“Brat, what are you looking at? Do we need to beat you up before you’ll willingly comply?”

 

Seeing that Qin Yichen still had not moved, while figures rushed hastily all around, the four men became impatient. There were quite a few Martial Kings inside – if they delayed further, if someone happened to interfere, they would not be able to handle it.

 

Qin Yichen frowned. These four ‘small shrimp’ were not even worthy of his attention. However, this made him even more clearly aware that in here, probably no one would harbour any mercy…

 

“I’ll give you a chance. Get lost.” Qin Yichen coldly swept his gaze over the four men. He  turned around, and said indifferently.

 

Under Qin Yichen’s cold gaze, all four men had a flash of trepidation in their eyes. However, that concern was instantly replaced by anger.

 

“What? Give us a chance?”

 

“Ignorant Junior! You think your Family owns this place?” With several angry curses, the four men raised their weapons and slashed toward Qin Yichen.

 

“In your next life, remember to develop your eyes first!”

 

The broadsword in hand was about to slash the youth’s neck. They seemed to already see the scene of his head falling and blood spraying. The leader of the burly men even licked his lips and sinisterly said.