Darkness and coldness pervade the surroundings.

Strangely enough, after passing through the Gate of Life and Death, it didn’t seem as dangerous as the legends say.

Many felt puzzled, their eyes cautiously scanning the surroundings, not relaxing even with those beside them, fearing someone might make a move.

Ye Qiu felt strange too, and as people advanced, he noticed a hint.

It turned out their location was enveloped by a layer of red energy shield; it seemed that only within the shield was safe, stepping outside it would pose a threat.

"We are safe here, look outside the shield." Someone pointed four or five meters outside the shield, where a mummified corpse lay, skin and flesh long adhered to the bone, leaving only skin and bones, an unrecognizable face, unsure of how long it’s been there; it felt like many years.

"This path of life and death has been open for ten thousand years, an occasional mummy isn’t surprising. Who comes here not to take a risk, to enter the Star River Road? Those afraid to die should just go back." A big man stepped forward, indifferent in speech, dismissive of the danger outside the shield, even holding a trace of contempt for some cautious people around him.

"If you’re so capable, lead the way then." The young Martial Artist, mocked by the big man, snorted and did not hold back.

"I’ll go first then, don’t dare to leave here, why waste star coins on a life and death journey." The big man sneered, then stepped out, walking out of the red shield.

The others remained still, the big man stood outside, and there was no danger, only his laughter echoed: "Stay inside, this Lord will go first."

After speaking, the big man quickly advanced, disappearing into the darkness.

Inside the red shield, many felt their faces flush due to the man’s words, feeling belittled; since they’re here to gamble, they shouldn’t be overly cautious.

"I shall go first too."

Another figure voluntarily flew out of the shield, following the big man’s steps.

After the first, followed by the second, third, fourth...

In the blink of an eye, more than half had disappeared, with nearly thirty people leaving first.

Ye Qiu glanced around at those who hadn’t moved, could see that these remaining people were still afraid of unknown dangers, hesitant to face them, fearing.

Ye Qiu understood, the fear of the unknown is not something everyone can overcome, it requires certain psychological endurance.

This also reveals, indirectly, that some seemingly powerful people are actually just showy, like flowers in a greenhouse, never seen storms, so scared to confront.

Ye Qiu, having weathered many storms, once overturned ancient lands alone, challenged all the elite of the ancestral lands; he was not overly afraid of danger but rather highly concentrated his spiritual power.

Dancing on the blade’s edge, the most thrilling.

Ye Qiu stepped out of the red shield, heading in the direction where most people disappeared, vanishing into darkness.

After sprinting about a thousand meters, Ye Qiu found several corpses, he explored them slightly, the corpses icy cold, though still with flesh, lacked any warmth; clearly not from his batch arriving here, likely dead for some time.

After checking, Ye Qiu found no fatal wounds, only beads of blood seeping from the skin.

The injuries were very peculiar.

Unable to discern the cause, but since there were deaths, it indicated the road ahead was not safe, aligning with the Gate of Life and Death’s description.

Entering here, life or death depends on one’s abilities.

Ye Qiu did not act recklessly, being cautious is always good, lest he stumbles.

Slowing down slightly, advancing another hundred meters, Ye Qiu saw another corpse; this one different, with obvious warmth.

"Just died!"

Ye Qiu’s eyes flashed, heightened caution, observing every direction as he moved forward slowly.

Rustle rustle rustle...

Sounded like leaves rubbing, originating from ahead, faintly accompanied by fighting sounds.

Ye Qiu slowed down again, upon approaching, the fighting ceased.

Six or seven people sat on the ground, panting heavily, surrounded by many small black bugs, countless, numbering over a thousand.

"Traveling alone is dangerous, stay and walk with us."

Ye Qiu was about to pass by these people when a woman stopped him; Ye Qiu turned back and smiled: "Thanks for the invite, teaming up isn’t necessary."

After speaking, Ye Qiu quickly disappeared from their sight.

The woman who spoke showed a hint of disappointment.

Ye Qiu didn’t agree because he had observed these people’s actions; for their survival, they would sacrifice someone, such a group he would definitely not choose to stay with.

Besides, he didn’t have the time to move slowly with them, fearing being plotted against, it’s simpler to advance alone.

Even if encountering danger, he wasn’t afraid.

He didn’t believe that the danger on the Star River Road would threaten his life; if someone as strong as him couldn’t pass, others could forget about it.

Just after Ye Qiu moved four or five hundred meters, suddenly rustling sounds came from afar, growing louder.

He realized those black bugs were likely swarming towards him.

Ye Qiu rubbed his palms, preparing to face this first danger on his journey.

It’s coming!

Swish.

A mass of black pressed in, merging with the dim sky, somewhat oppressive.

Even those people managed to survive under these bugs, how wouldn’t Ye Qiu? He charged directly, commencing combat.

"Twelve Tribulations Power! First Tribulation..."

"Second Tribulation..."

"Third Tribulation"

Ye Qiu immediately used the Twelve Tribulations Power, not having employed this move for a while, feeling somewhat unfamiliar.

Though he possessed only four tribulations, it was enough to kill these small black bugs, deploying with void realm level strength, even if using a mismatched move, it still demonstrated the greatest power of the first four tribulations.

In an instant.

The small black bugs fell like rain, all blasted down by Ye Qiu, turning into dead insects.

Swish.

Ye Qiu withdrew his power, finished his attack, and around there were no longer rustling sounds, all slain by Ye Qiu.

Destroying a swarm of small black bugs, Ye Qiu didn’t show any pride, feeling it quite ordinary; if the dangers after the Gate of Life and Death were this mild, it was too simple, he believed these bugs were merely an appetizer, surely more terrifying entities awaited. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Ye Qiu licked his lips, feeling a bit eager.