Passing through that magnificent light gate, tens of zhang high and flowing with chaos and innate qi, was like stepping into another universe. The deathly silence and chaos of the outside Starfall Region were completely isolated, replaced by an indescribable majestic vitality and vast Dao rhyme.
The world before them was far more magnificent and wondrous than what could be glimpsed from outside the gate.
The sky was not a single blue but displayed magnificent, ever-changing chaotic colors—sometimes brilliant like morning glow, sometimes profound like a starry night. Countless light bands formed from pure Dao rhyme flowed and danced across the sky like auroras. Beneath their feet was not solid ground but an endless sea of clouds formed from liquefied concentrated innate qi. Stepping upon it felt soft yet springy, with pure energy continuously surging into their bodies through the soles of their feet, nourishing their meridians and souls.
In the distance, celestial mountains of varying sizes and shapes floated above the cloud sea. Some were entirely emerald green, growing immortal herbs and divine trees long extinct in the outside world, emitting enticing medicinal fragrances. Others displayed a crimson red, with earth fire spirit veins pulsing across their surfaces, faintly revealing the outlines of refining workshops. Some were covered in pristine white snow, where ice element laws were so concentrated they manifested as solid snowflakes falling. Still others seemed composed entirely of some divine metal, their sharp Geng-metal qi piercing the clouds.
Pavilions, towers, palaces, and waterside pavilions were scattered in an orderly fashion among these floating celestial mountains—some built on mountain peaks, others suspended on precipices, or floating in the cloud sea. These architectural styles were ancient and mysterious, unlike any school in today's cultivation world. The runes and Dao patterns engraved upon them, though simpler than those on the outside palace gate, more closely followed the operating trajectories of certain origin laws.
The air was permeated with various clearly distinguishable Great Dao rhythms. To the east flowed vibrant Yimu green qi, where all things flourished and competed; to the west swept sharp Geng-metal killing qi that could sever everything; to the south blazed scorching Lihuo essence of destruction and rebirth; to the north lay the vast and profound Guishui source, soft yet unyielding; at the center sat thick Wutu essence that bore and nourished all things. Beyond these, there were unpredictable spatial fluctuations, obscure temporal ripples, Seven Emotions Dao rhythms that struck directly at the heart, and even some completely incomprehensible law fragments that nonetheless emitted enticing auras...
This place was simply an open-air, all-encompassing "Great Dao Law Library" and "Innate Energy Ocean"!
Ling Jueyi, Master Hui Ming, the palace-robed woman, the black-robed cultivator, and others who had rushed in first were already dazzled by these endless fortunes. Merely taking a deep breath and feeling the strong resonance between their internal techniques and certain external Dao rhythms, they unhesitatingly chose their directions, transforming into streams of light shooting toward those celestial mountains or halls that attracted them.
Ling Jueyi headed straight for that divine metal mountain with Geng-metal qi piercing the sky—for him, it was undoubtedly the best place to comprehend and nurture his sword. Master Hui Ming stepped on golden lotuses, flying toward an ancient monastery phantom emanating tranquility, auspiciousness, and salvation. The palace-robed woman had a clear target, rushing toward a hall surrounded by countless complex spiritual light formation diagrams, permeated with rich "deduction" and "order" Dao rhymes. The black-robed cultivator's form swayed as he merged into the shadows, silently skimming toward a deathly silent black swamp area exuding Nine Nether aura.
Each person followed the guidance of their own Dao to seek the fortune that would best benefit them and aid their breakthrough.
Tang Xiaoqi, Mu Xue, Ao Qin, and the Mysterious Turtle Elder stood together, feeling the calls of countless Dao rhythms around them that made their hearts tremble, also facing a choice.
"The Dao rhymes here, though excellent, are too diverse," Ao Qin said gravely, his dragon eyes scanning the surroundings. "If one is too greedy and tries to comprehend multiple vastly different laws simultaneously, there is danger of foundation conflict and qi deviation. One must choose the Dao most compatible with oneself to gain the greatest benefit."
Mu Xue nodded slightly. Her cool gaze had already locked onto a snow-white celestial mountain in the extreme distance, eternally frozen. The extreme ice-coldness and ethereal Dao rhythm emanating from there produced strong resonance with her Ice Heart Transparent Dao. "I must go to the Northern Profound Ice Hall. There lies the key to my Dao path's further advancement." Her tone was calm yet carried unquestionable determination.
The Mysterious Turtle Elder stroked his beard and sighed, "This old one's bloodline belongs to earth, and my cultivation path lies in bearing virtue and stabilizing defense. The Wutu Divine Mountain to the southeast has the thickest, most majestic aura—most beneficial for me. I fear I cannot travel with you all." He cupped his hands toward Xiao Qi and Ao Qin, his face showing a trace of apology, but more so a thirst for fortune.
Ao Qin looked at Xiao Qi and said, "Daoist Tang, the water element here is abundant, and true dragon qi is hidden within. This benefits my true dragon bloodline greatly. I wish to explore the Dragon Transformation Pool deep in the central cloud sea. What are your plans?" He could sense that Xiao Qi bore multiple laws—both guarding vitality and purification balance—making it difficult to determine which direction suited him best.
Xiao Qi closed his eyes and concentrated, carefully sensing. His Golden Core leaped within him, the Green Lotus phantom swayed, and the Four Symbols jade pendant transmitted pulling sensations from different directions. The eastern Yimu green qi attracted the Green Lotus's vitality and purification; the southern Lihuo essence faintly resonated with his Nirvana Crimson Flame Sword; the western Geng-metal killing qi could sharpen his Guardian Sword Intent's edge; the northern Guishui source could help his purification power become more harmonious; the central Wutu essence concerned the stability of his foundation...
It seemed every direction held considerable attraction for him. But his Dao's core lay in "guarding" and "purification," not in pursuing any single extreme law power.
Just then, the jade pendant on his chest transmitted a strange, deeper, more restrained warmth—not pointing toward any conspicuous celestial mountain or hall, but vaguely directing toward the deeper part of this world, that area covered by the densest chaotic clouds where the most magnificent core palace complex could be faintly seen.
Simultaneously, a gentle yet majestic voice seemed to sound in his mind—not specific words, but a thought-intent: "Balance... return to unity..."
Xiao Qi's heart stirred with understanding. His fortune might not lie in separately obtaining powerful law powers, but in understanding and controlling the "balance" between these forces, ultimately achieving the "return to unity" realm where all streams merge into one and chaos evolves. This was undoubtedly a more difficult path, but one with greater potential.
He opened his eyes, his gaze clear and determined. "Brother Ao, Fairy Mu Xue, Elder Mysterious Turtle. The fortunes here vary for each—forcing ourselves to travel together would be counterproductive. My Dao path points toward the core depths. Let us part ways here, each seeking our own fortune. What do you think?"
He looked at Mu Xue and Ao Qin: "When each has sufficiently gained, or encounters insurmountable danger, we shall meet again outside that core hall in the depths, then plan our next steps." He pointed toward the outline of the most majestic architectural complex in the distant clouds.
Mu Xue glanced at Xiao Qi, a flash of understanding in her cool eyes, and nodded slightly. "Agreed." Brief and to the point.
Ao Qin also laughed heartily: "Exactly as it should be! Then let us meet again before the core hall! Daoist Tang, Fairy Mu Xue, Elder Mysterious Turtle—take care!"
"Take care!" The Mysterious Turtle Elder solemnly cupped his hands.
Without excessive hesitation or delay—at their level, they all understood that fortune was fleeting, and what suited oneself best was the true prize.
In the next moment, Mu Xue's form transformed into an ice-blue stream of light, like a startled swan shooting toward the Northern Profound Ice Hall. Ao Qin gave a long roar, partially manifesting his dragon form, wrapped in wind, clouds, and water vapor, rushing toward the depths of the central cloud sea. The Mysterious Turtle Elder rose on earth-yellow escape light, steadily flying toward the southeastern Wutu Divine Mountain.
In the blink of an eye, only Tang Xiaoqi remained alone on the cloud sea at the palace gate entrance.
He took a deep breath of that rich innate qi, feeling the clear guidance transmitted by the jade pendant within, his gaze cast toward that core region shrouded in chaotic clouds. He knew the trials there might be more severe, but the opportunities would surely be greater.
Without further hesitation, he moved—not controlling brilliant escape light, but rather as if merging into this world's rhythm. With one step, the clouds naturally gathered to support him as he steadily advanced toward the deepest part of the Heavenly Dao Palace.
Parting ways was only for a better reunion. And Tang Xiaoqi's journey through the Heavenly Dao Palace had only now truly begun.