Chapter 20: The Gate Unveiled

Old Ji and Su Chen stood at the edge of the training grounds, their gazes fixed on Wang Chu as he worked with intense concentration. "What do you think Master is doing?" Su Chen whispered, his curiosity piqued.

Old Ji shook his head, equally puzzled. "I'm not sure, but it seems significant. He hasn't been this focused in a long time."

Just then, Murong Lingyun approached them, his expression contemplative. "I overheard Master mentioning something about a barrier," he said, his voice low. "A barrier?" Su Chen repeated, eyebrows furrowing. "What kind of barrier?"

Murong Lingyun shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure, but it might be related to the island's safety or something."

As they watched, Wang Chu's movements became more pronounced, and a shimmering energy began to coalesce in front of him. Su Chen's eyes widened as he realized what was taking shape before them.

"Is that... a gate?" he exclaimed in disbelief.

Old Ji nodded, equally astonished. "It seems so, but I've never seen anything like it."

As the gate took form, Wang Chu turned to face them, his expression unreadable. "Come closer," he called out. "There's something I need to show you."

Curious yet apprehensive, Su Chen, Old Ji, and Murong Lingyun approached Wang Chu and the gate. "What is this master?" Su Chen asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

Wang Chu's eyes held a hint of pride as he gestured towards the gate. "This is the Gate of Trials," he announced. "It's a test of strength for those who wish to leave or enter the island."

Murong Lingyun nodded thoughtfully. "So, only those who can open the gate are allowed to leave or enter?" he clarified.

Wang Chu nodded. "Precisely. Old Ji, why don't you try opening it?" he suggested.

Old Ji stepped forward, placing his hand on the surface of the gate. With a deep breath, he focused his energy and pushed against it, drawing upon the strength of his past. To everyone's surprise, the gate began to creak and groan, slowly opening under Old Ji's determined efforts.

Wang Chu nodded in acknowledgment. "only those with strength above law manifestation can open the gate," he observed.

Turning to Su Chen and Murong Lingyun, Wang Chu's expression turned serious. "I entrust you both with the responsibility of guarding this gate," he said. "And keep a close eye on Xiao Chi.

One of the reasons why Wang Chu had to create something like a testing gate, is to contain Xiao Chi within the island. This kid is seemingly docile right now, but the moment he is not present, all hell will break loose. 

Murong Lingyun looked at Su Chen with curiosity. "Senior brother, do you know what kind of talent Xiao Chi has?" he asked.

Su Chen's expression darkened slightly. "Junior Brother possesses the Sacred God Demonic Physique," he explained. "It's the strongest physique for Physical enhancer categories, but it requires immense nourishment to awaken. That's why Xiao Chi is always eating. His body needs it to reach its full potential."

Su Chen's expression grew somber as he spoke to Murong Lingyun, his voice barely above a whisper. "We must keep quiet about Xiao Chi's physique," he said, his tone grave. "If the upper realm learns of it, they will stop at nothing to eliminate him, even if it costs us everything we have."

Murong Lingyun nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of Su Chen's words. He cast a glance towards Xiao Chi, who was sleeping peacefully in a nearby tree, clutching a handful of fruit. At first, Murong Lingyun couldn't understand why Xiao Chi was always eating, but now he knew the reason behind it.

 During their stay on the island, Su Chen and Old Ji also shared their backgrounds about where they came from, although he already expected that their background might be strong. He didn't expect someone from the upper realm to be his senior background, not to mention he also came from the strongest clan.

His master is also the most enigmatic one, he asks them if they know his background and they are also clueless. 

Meanwhile, Wang Chu approached them, his gaze steady. "The first layer should require a force equivalent to 100 gigatons, the second layer 200 gigatons, and so forth, with the sixth layer requiring a force of 600 gigatons."

Su Chen nodded in understanding, realizing the immense power required to breach each layer of the gate. "For now, only Old Ji and I can open it," he acknowledged.

Wang Chu then turned to Murong Lingyun with a sense of urgency. "In three days, I will enter seclusion," he announced. "Murong Lingyun, it is imperative that you contact your informant in the Han Empire and hasten the process of acquiring Su Chen's tutor."

Murong Lingyun nodded, his expression determined. "I will do everything in my power to ensure that it is done," he vowed.

As Wang Chu contemplated his next move, he decided to consult the system, a tool he had come to rely on for guidance in matters both mundane and profound.

"Master" the system's voice echoed in his mind, "I have information that may be of interest to you regarding your disciples."

Wang Chu's interest piqued, he responded, "Please, enlighten me."

The system continued, "Considering the recent developments and the growing strength of your disciples, now might be an opportune time to provide them with mounts to aid in their journeys."

Wang Chu nodded in agreement, recognizing the practicality of such a suggestion. "What mounts would you recommend?" he inquired.

The system paused for a moment before responding, "For Su Chen and Murong Lingyun, I suggest the Nightmare Stallion. It is a powerful and rare steed known for its speed and ferocity."

Wang Chu's eyebrows raised in surprise at the recommendation. The Nightmare Stallion was indeed a legendary creature, and the prospect of providing his disciples with such prestigious mounts filled him with anticipation.

"And what about Xiao Chi?" Wang Chu inquired, curious about the recommendation for his youngest disciple.

The system replied, "For Xiao Chi, I recommend the Cloud Chaser Kun, aside from the fact that they are always fighting against a lot of people, the reason why bearers of Sacred God Demonic Physique cannot survive in the past because of their mobility. A Cloud Chaser Kun is the fastest land and water beast, in terms of escape ability, it it second only to space user creatures. 

"The earlier he bond with his Cloud Chaser Kun, the better dynamic they will have in the future." The system continued. 

Wang Chu's mind whirled with possibilities as he considered the implications of providing his disciples with such extraordinary mounts. The idea of equipping them with companions of such caliber is indeed better as early as possible. Especially dark creature like Nightfire Stallion which can be very beneficial during their travel. 

While Wang Chu was contemplating inside the main pavilion, Su Chen stood before the imposing Gate of Trials, he poured all his strength and willpower into trying to force it open. Despite his best efforts, the gate remained steadfast, its surface unmoved by his exertions. Frustration surged within him as he turned to Old Ji, seeking guidance in his failure.

Old Ji approached Su Chen with a solemn expression, his eyes reflecting both understanding and concern. "young master, opening this gate is not a feat of brute strength alone, you must first ascend to the Law Manifestation realm."

Su Chen's heart sank at the realization of the magnitude of his task. "But how long will it take for me to leave the island?" he asked, his voice tinged with doubt.

Old Ji placed a comforting hand on Su Chen's shoulder, his gaze filled with unwavering faith. "Patience is the key, young master," he advised. "Cultivate diligently,"

Su Chen nodded, his resolve hardened by Old Ji's words. He understood that his journey would be one of perseverance and discipline, guided by the wisdom of his master and the hope of unlocking his true potential.

As Old Ji watched Su Chen struggle with the Gate of Trials, he couldn't help but wonder about Wang Chu's intentions for their young disciples. It was Xiao Chi's potential that stirred the deepest concerns within him.

Xiao Chi's Sacred God Demonic Physique was a double-edged sword, capable of both great strength and great peril. If word of his rare lineage were to spread, it could attract the attention of powerful factions from the upper realm, each vying to harness his potential for their own gain. Although Su Chen also has a rare physique, it's attributes are not known outside of their clan. Xiao Chi's Sacred God Demonic Physique on the other hand is the bane of a certain clan in the upper realm. 

There is only two known bearer of Sacred God Demonic Physique that truly matured, the first one wreaked havoc in the upper realm especially in the chaos continent. He almost destroyed one of the strongest and largest orthodoxies in the entire realm, the desolate sect. The second one eated one of the strongest beings in existence, it hunted gods, dragons, phoenixes, qilins and other divine beast. It was besieged by divine beast, gods and human sects, and was killed by the current emperor of the dragon clan. 

And then there was Murong Lingyun, whose motives remained shrouded in mystery. Old Ji had sensed something unsettling about him from the moment they had met, a cunning and opportunistic nature that set him apart from the other disciples.

Old Ji couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that lingered whenever Murong Lingyun was around. There was an aura of unpredictability about him, a sense that he was playing a game with rules known only to himself. It was clear that Murong Lingyun's loyalty lay solely with Wang Chu, but beyond that, his intentions were murky at best.

As Old Ji mulled over these thoughts, he glanced once more at Xiao Chi, who slept peacefully under the shade of a nearby tree. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily upon him as he contemplated the challenges that lay ahead.