Chapter 85: Obsidian Waterfall Gate Descends **

The Obsidian Woodlands, a sprawling expanse of ancient forestry, stirred as a ripple of energy passed through its heart. The usual chorus of rustling leaves and distant calls of spirit beasts fell silent, replaced by a resonating hum that grew steadily louder. Suddenly, the sky above the forest split apart with a thunderous crack, as if torn by an unseen hand.

An enormous rift of pure darkness materialized, its jagged edges glowing faintly with an eerie silver light. The air grew heavy with an oppressive energy, suffused with the scent of charred wood and cold metal as a massive gate descended.

Towering and majestic, the gate to the Obsidian Waterfall Realm emerged, its surface shimmering like polished black stone, adorned with glowing silver sigils that pulsed rhythmically, as if in harmony with the world itself. The air grew charged, not with fear, but with a sense of awe and anticipation, as the realm once again made its presence known after a thousand years.

It hovered above the jagged cliffs like a dark monolith, radiating an ancient and foreboding aura. Towering nearly a hundred feet tall, its surface shimmered like molten obsidian, reflecting fractured glimpses of the realm beyond. Arcane sigils carved into its frame pulsated with dim silver light, exuding an energy so oppressive that even high-level cultivators would struggle to breathe in its presence. Around the gate, a swirling cascade of black mist descended, its eerie flow resembling a waterfall plunging into endless darkness.

The ground beneath the gate cracked and splintered, forming intricate veins of glowing energy that pulsated with the heartbeat of the gate. Ancient whispers echoed through the air, unintelligible yet filled with an undeniable sense of longing and dread. A faint metallic tang accompanied the energy in the atmosphere, sharp and suffocating, sending chills down the spines of all who dared to approach.

The surrounding forest, already perilous, now seemed alive with fear and awe. The normally ferocious spirit beasts retreated into the shadows, their howls of unease piercing the unnerving silence. The trees, gnarled and blackened, seemed to bow toward the gate as if acknowledging its immense power.

The Obsidian Waterfall Realm had last opened a millennium ago, and its treasures were the stuff of legend. The Ebonheart Elixir, a pill said to ignite dormant bloodlines of the Five elements. The Moonveil Pearl, a treasure capable of enhancing spiritual awareness. The Vermillion Dawnflower, a herb so rare that its mere scent was said to extend a cultivator's lifespan by decades. Even fragments of ancient weapons had been unearthed—relics imbued with energies that transcended Enchanted Tier was found. Each time the gate opened, it revealed a new, unexplored section of the massive realm, each more dangerous and rewarding than the last.

And now, with its appearance, the six major cities of the region stirred into action.

Northern Moon City, with its famed balance of strategy and strength, began mobilizing its most brilliant minds and seasoned warriors. Messengers rode out in haste, their mission to summon the city's council representative, Elder Song, known for her unparalleled tactical acumen.

From Silver Sword City, the forges burned brighter as master smiths prepared spirit swords and armor capable of withstanding the unknown dangers within the realm. The Sword King's Heir, a prodigious young cultivator, was rumored to be joining the expedition.

In Mist Ridge City, flames and surging waves roared in the martial halls as the Fire and Water-aligned cultivators prepared themselves for battle. Patriarch Qian, clad in his iconic 7 seas armor, was said to be sharpening his legendary Wavebreaker Spear in preparation.

Obsidian Lake City buzzed with activity as alchemists scrambled to refine pills for endurance, detoxification, and spiritual restoration. The city's grand herbal garden was plundered for its most precious stock, while the council's representative, the enigmatic Lady Ying, prepared to oversee the expedition.

In Verdant Sky City, healers and nature cultivators wove talismans and potions, while their elite scouts—known for their speed and agility—set out to map potential routes to the gate to avoid any beast wave that may potentially happen. Elder Hua, known for her deep connection to the natural world, was chosen as the city's envoy.

Finally, Thunderclap City roared with the crackling of lightning, its storm cultivators practicing devastating techniques that could tear through stone and steel alike. Council representative Elder Tunri, a warrior whose spear was said to call down storms, prepared the city's finest warriors for the trials ahead.

The gate, however, could not be entered immediately. A special formation, known only to the councils of the six cities, was required to unlock its seal. Each city's formation was unique, crafted from ancient methods passed down through generations. Only when all six formations were activated together could the gate be opened, a ritual that had not been performed in a thousand years.

The countdown had begun. In ten days, the realm would open, offering untold treasures to those brave—or foolish—enough to venture inside. The air was thick with anticipation, and the region stood at the brink of chaos. Alliances would be forged, rivalries reignited, and secrets long buried would surface.

The Obsidian Waterfall Realm promised glory, but it also demanded blood.

-

On the eastern wall's side, Lin Moyi frowned, his gaze snapping toward the direction where the massive rift had opened. The gate descended like a celestial monolith, its surface gleaming with an otherworldly sheen, while streams of black mist cascaded like an eternal waterfall. His eyes sparkled with a mix of awe and solemnity. How long had it been since he last laid eyes on the Waterfall Gate?

The disturbance rippled far and wide, even reaching the secluded chambers of the Lei, Zhen, and Ironwood sect elders. Their eyes shot open in unison, disbelief and urgency flashing across their faces. The Obsidian Waterfall Realm was not supposed to appear for another two months—its arrival far ahead of schedule was nothing short of unprecedented.

"Wu Lihua, let's go" Kaelen Ironshade's voice boomed, shattering the silence. In a blur of motion, he vaulted off the wall and appeared in front of Wu Lihua in an instant. His metal wings spread wide, gleaming in the sunlight, before flapping with immense force. Grabbing her shoulder firmly, he vanished into the horizon, leaving only a faint ripple in the air.

"Let's move" another voice commanded. Lightning crackled as Elder Lei Tianrong materialized beside a bloodied Lei Wenshan, his face dark. With a swift motion, he slung the injured junior over his shoulders and transformed into a streak of blinding light, disappearing moments later.

Elder Zhen Liang followed swiftly, his expression one of measured urgency. "Situ Army, remain on the walls and stay vigilant! Reinforcements are already en route. Blacksmiths, keep working! The wall repairs must be finished as soon as possible- I want no delays!." His voice carried authority, leaving no room for hesitation. Appearing beside Zhen Ming, he hoisted the weakened young man effortlessly before vanishing into a burst of radiant energy.

The elders moved with purpose, their actions a clear reflection of the gravity of the situation. The juniors selected for this expedition needed immediate attention, especially Zhen Ming and Lei Wenshan. Their injuries required careful healing during these crucial ten days, and every moment counted. Lin Moyi, standing aloof, had given the nod for the others to act as they saw fit.

Jiang Feng stood motionless amidst the commotion, his thoughts tangled. He had heard tales of the Obsidian Waterfall Realm—a legendary domain said to be severed from the upper realms after a catastrophic battle millions of years ago. Yet, witnessing its gate appear in such a breathtaking and overwhelming fashion was something entirely different.

He watched in silence as the elders whisked Wu Lihua, Zhen Ming, and Lei Wenshan away with a speed and precision that left even the seasoned warriors around him stunned. His own body still ached from his recent ordeals, the dull pain a constant reminder of his fragility. Yet, beneath the discomfort, an unrelenting hunger gnawed at him, growing stronger with each passing moment.

Ssshh.

The sharp whistle of splitting wind broke his reverie. In a flash, a figure descended before him, carried by the howling gales. Lin Moyi appeared like a phantom, his presence sharp and commanding. Without a word, he grabbed Jiang Feng's arm, the sudden motion startling everyone present. The next moment, the two of them vanished into the sky, leaving the onlookers stunned. Even Yumo, who rarely showed emotion, stood wide-eyed in disbelief.

Jiang Feng felt the wind tear at him as they shot through the air with terrifying speed. The currents stung his skin, forcing him to shut his eyes tightly. Lin Moyi seemed indifferent to his condition, his focus entirely on the urgency of their journey. The elder had overlooked the fact that Jiang Feng's cultivation level was too weak to shield himself from the relentless winds, leaving the young man to endure the brunt of the turbulence.

The land below blurred into indistinct streaks of green and brown, the world reduced to a fleeting impression of speed and power. Even the mighty Azurewing Roc had never made him feel such overwhelming force. Before Jiang Feng could fully process the experience, they descended sharply.

The Lin courtyard came into view, its serene surroundings a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding elsewhere. Lin Moyi landed with practiced ease, his expression unreadable as he alternated glances between the distant gate and Jiang Feng. His brows furrowed, his gaze heavy with contemplation. It was as though he was wrestling with a decision, weighing countless factors in his mind.

Before Jiang Feng could gather his thoughts, Lin Moyi acted decisively. He pulled out three Spiritual Burst Pills, their vibrant glow pulsing with concentrated energy, and pushed them into Jiang Feng's mouth without hesitation. He stood silently, his sharp eyes fixed on the young man, waiting for the pills to take effect.